Aesthetica Short Film Festival Programme 2024

DISCOVER NEW CINEMA

6-10 NOVEMBER 2024

//ASFF.CO.UK 1

SPONSORS, PARTNERS & DELEGATES

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WELCOME Welcome to the 14th edition of the Aesthetica Film Festival. It gives me great pleasure to bring you this year’s event, which includes a fantastic programme of world class independent film, alongside an expanded VR and Games Lab. We are having major conversations about the scope and breadth of screen culture and what this means in a cultural context. Film makes a difference. It brings untold stories to the fore and can make change happen. As we embrace new technologies, we can see the significant impact that XR and games are having on society. This continuous ideation is what keeps us inspired and creative.

We must always be open to new possibilities.

Screenings this year span animation, comedy, documentary, drama, dance, experimental, family friendly and thriller amongst others. We have our VR Lab where there are 24 projects being exhibited, and we are also reprising our Games Lab. Inside 4

this space you can play 36 new games; we are the only UK film festival to have games in our Official Selection. I am so happy that we are making a space for them. What can we learn from each other?

The festival continues in a hybrid format with screenings in person and online for the entire month of November. It’s thrilling that we are creating a community of like minded individuals. Over the next five days, York is the key destination in the UK for idea generation.

There are filmmakers, developers and audiences attending from across the UK and the world. How often can you be around such rich storytelling being realised in so many formats? The power of conversation and opening yourself up to creative exchange is rewarding and life changing.

This year, running alongside Aesthetica is the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO. The EXPO is a significant catalyst for the creative industries

on both a national and international level. York is 1 of 26 cities worldwide that was selected by UNESCO because of its outputs in Media Arts. It is the only UNESCO City of Media Arts city in the UK. Aesthetica has been actively working with a range of city-wide partners to drive progression routes and pathways into the creative industries.

The EXPO is free with your festival pass and offers you an amazing opportunity to speak with and meet creatives across film, gaming, design and XR. I have curated this year’s festival into five strands, which are: In The Here and Now, Embracing Transformation, We All Start From Somewhere, The Power of Liberation and It’s a Pleasure to Meet You. The films included are a hallmark of humanity.

These shared stories bring us commonality, which is important in a world that can feel divided. We have guest programmes from partners like BBC Comedy, The New York Times, Iris Prize amongst others.

Our Industry programme experts from Ridley Scott Associates, BBC Film, Film4, Framestore, Aardman and more sharing knowledge alongside individuals such as Abubakar Salim and Susanna White. We have workshops on AI, VR, careers in gaming and adaptation as well as a strand dedicated to young people and families. This year there are workshops for young people on filmmaking, coding and stop-motion animation.

There is a Film Poster exhibition as well as the Where Are You Really From? sound installation.

We’re also presenting two world premieres in partnership with Audible. I am delighted that you are part of Aesthetica. I encourage you to try something new, watch a film you never would, play a game or try out an immersive experience.

There is so much waiting to be discovered.

Cherie Federico, Festival Director 5

CONTENTS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW RATINGS & WARNINGS THE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE ACCESSIBILITY FESTIVAL TICKETS SUSTAINABILITY TIMETABLE VENUES MEET THE TEAM SPECIAL EVENTS THE STRANDS OFFICIAL SELECTION: ALL GENRES 6

8 9 10 12 13 18 19 39 44 58 66 72

VR & IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES LAB GAMES LAB GUEST PROGRAMMES LISTENING PITCH: FILM PREMIERES NEW WAVE MASTERCLASSES & PANELS WORKSHOPS & KIDS’ WORKSHOPS NETWORKING PITCHING UNESCO EXPO EXHIBITIONS AND FRINGE EVENTS FILMMAKER INDEX

142 150 157 184 187 201 228 239 244 248 250 279 7

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW AT A GLANCE Aesthetica Film Festival 2024 takes place 6-10 November in York, UK. The film programme is available to stream On Demand until 30 November.

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The festival programme comprises three main sections: Official Selection (p. 74), Industry (p.201) and Social and Networking (p. 239).

The in-person festival will run 6-10 November in the centre of York, and includes film screenings; VR and Games Labs; industry masterclasses; social and networking events; workshops and the Fringe.

New for Fringe 2024 is the UNESCO City of Media Arts Expo, a multi-day showcase that is celebrating the creative industries based right across the region. The companies span design, film, games and TV. From 6-30 November, all films will be available to stream On Demand through our online platform.

For information and updates see asff.co.uk and social media sites. X: asffest Instagram: asffestival .

TICKETING AND REGISTRATION

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In-Person Passes grant access to screenings, masterclasses and events at the festival in York.

Hybrid Passes grant full access to screenings, masterclasses and events at the festival in York, as well as to films on the On Demand platform.

Virtual Passes grant full access to films on the On Demand platform only.

Single Screening Tickets grant access to one in-person film screening only.

Group Education Tickets grant access to screenings , one masterclass, Labs and exhibitions.

If you book online, your In-Person Pass, Hybrid Pass or Single Screening Ticket receipt must be exchanged for a physical ticket / lanyard at the Hub Desk (City Screen Picturehouse, York, YO1 9QL) between 6-10 November 09:30 - 18:00. Staff will be on-hand to answer your questions.

All passes can be purchased at asff.co.uk/tickets or on the day at the Hub Desk.

Pre-registration is required for masterclasses, VR and Games Labs, workshops, plus some social and networking events. Most events are free-to-attend with a valid pass, but a registration must be made at asff.co.uk/events to secure your place. Your pass must be valid on the same day as the event you want to attend. You are required to submit the reference number on your receipt to register, so you should purchase your pass first. If you’re unsure whether you should pre-register for a specific event, check the website for details or, during the festival, ask the team at the Hub. Screenings and parties don’t require registration. They operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note: the Opening Night Ceremony is a separate ticketed event. Book at asff.co.uk/tickets.

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This programme is subject to change at any time and will be updated digitally.

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RATINGS & WARNINGS film Ratings and family friendly screenings n

Films are U, PG, 12A or 15, but some may be 18. Please see the programme for details.

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All screenings suitable for children aged under 12 will be classified as Family Friendly.

Please see the festival programme for details of Family Friendly screenings. Please check the warnings and make sure that you are comfortable with the content being screened.

content warnings Some films contain themes viewers may find upsetting or distressing. These will be clearly indicated on each film listing, using the below key.

A Abortion CW War / conflict DU Drug use Ab Physical / emotional abuse fLS Flashing / strobe lights LNE Loud noises ed Eating disorders mh Mental health / self-harm D Discrimination s Explicit nudity / sex Bv Blood / extreme violence SW Strong language / swearing n

FILM PROGRAMME LOGOS Our film programme includes logos to demonstrate which films are part of the Official Selection, Guest Programme or New Wave screenings – these introduce new talent from across the UK.

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EXPERIENCE THE FESTIVAL In 2024, the Aesthetica Film Festival takes place both in-person in the centre of York and virtually through our online platform. Cinema screenings and a vast range of live events will take place 6-10 November at a number of venues across the city.

The Festival’s digital platform, live until 30 November, offers On Demand films. The platform is accessible via phone, tablet, computer and smart TV. We offer a wide range of tickets and passes so you can choose how you want to experience cinema.

There are three ways to attend the festival: in-person, virtually, or through a hybrid mixture of both. Whether you’re joining us online or in-person, we look forward to seeing you and connecting through the best new cinema.

IN-PERSON (AVAILABLE 6-10 NOVEMBER)

AT THE CINEMA Come and join us in York. Visit the city’s historic venues and experience film how it was intended – on the big screen and as part of a community. These tickets are valid in-venue only, with no access to On Demand streaming. You can attend as many film screenings as you’d like, plus masterclasses and events, although you should pre-register for these in advance. Passes are available for one day, two days or the full five days. Single Screening tickets are available, valid for one film screening only.

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HYBRID

(AVAILABLE 6-30 NOVEMBER)

MAKE THE MOST OF AESTHETICA 2024 We’re offering audiences the opportunity to attend the festival in historic York, as well as through our On Demand platform. This is the ultimate film festival experience, as it combines the freedom to watch films on the big screen and take part in our masterclasses, workshops and networking events in-person, whilst also being able to log-in and catch up with the film programme in your own time.

Hybrid passes are available as one-day, two-day or full-month passes. They give access to all invenue film screenings, plus Official Selection films On Demand. You can also attend as many inperson events as you’d like, though you should pre-register for them in order to secure your place.

The full Official selection programme will be available online until 30 November and can be accessed anywhere, across any device. You will be given access to our online platform upon booking your pass.

VIRTUAL

(AVAILABLE 6-30 NOVEMBER)

LOG-IN FROM THE COMFORT OF HOME We’re excited to be offering a virtual edition of the festival alongside our in-person event. With a digital pass, you’re able to view all of our film programmes from the comfort of your own home, on your own devices. This is a great option if you’re not able to make it to York, but still want to discover new cinema, as if you were with us right here. All films will be available to stream online from 6 November, ready for you to get watching right away. The platform will remain live until 30 November.

The platform works across all devices, from smartphones and TVs to tablets. To gain access to this year’s festival, simply visit our website and purchase your pass. You’ll be emailed information on how to log-in and watch films On Demand. Tickets are available for 24 hours, one week or one month.

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ACCESSIBILITY a safe and all-inclusive environment for every attendee

Carers, Personal Assistants & Interpreters Complimentary passes are available to all Carers, Personal Assistants and Sign-Language Interpreters, but these must be booked in advance. A proof of DLA or a valid CEA card will be required for booking. For more information, please email asff aestheticamagazine.com.

Venue Access Although some of the venues at the festival are located in York’s historic buildings, the majority of this year’s locations are fully or partially wheelchair accessible – please check our venues over on p. 39 for further details. Wheelchair spaces are subject to availability.

Hearing Loops & Subtitled Screenings Hearing Loops and headphones are available at City Screen and at York St John Creative Centre. Fully subtitled reels are available across all genres. These screenings are specially curated for anyone with hearing difficulties. Look out for the symbol in the film schedule. Foreign language films are also with English subtitles and are clearly marked.

Parent & Guardian Screenings As part of our commitment to engage with younger audiences, we present a selection of Family Friendly screenings. Please see p. 126 to learn more about this year’s offerings.

FURTHER INFORMATION For all accessibility enquiries and adjustments, please email asff aestheticamagazine.com.

Alternatively, the Hub staff will be able to answer any questions during the festival (9:30-18:00) 12

FESTIVAL TICKETS CHOOSE HOW YOU WANT TO VIEW. Here at Aesthetica, we are delighted to be hosting the 14th edition of the film festival in the city of York and online. We’re offering a range of tickets – in-person, hybrid and virtual – so you can choose how and when you experience the best new cinema.

Whether you’re streaming at home for one day, or attending the full five days of the festival in York, we’ve got you – and your family and friends – covered. Prices start from 30 and each ticket and pass is explained in detail across the following pages.

All tickets and passes can be purchased online at asff.co.uk/tickets. Online receipts should be exchanged for a physical ticket or lanyard at the Hub Desk (City Screen Picturehouse, York, YO1 9QL) on arrival. You can buy your ticket during the festival directly from the Hub. Please note the Hub operates 6-10 November (9:30-18:00).

Terms and Conditions You should pre-register to secure your place at masterclasses, events and the VR or Games Labs. This can only be completed after purchasing your pass. These events are only included with In-Person and Hybrid passes. Virtual tickets offer On Demand access to the film programme only. Tickets are not transferable and cannot be shared or re-sold.

Pre-booked seating is required at some venues where capacities are small. Please see the asff.co.uk website for details.

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TICKETS

SINGLE SCREENING

Single tickets are valid for one screening at any venue from 6-10 November.

The ticket holder may attend one film screening in any venue on any day.

Take your email to the festival hub, where you will be given a paper ticket. This ticket is valid for one use only and does not allow access to masterclasses.

Please note that seating is also arranged on a first-come, first-served basis.

ADULT: £7.50 | SENIOR: £6 | STUDENT: £6 | 5-14 YEARS: £6 | 4 & UNDER: FREE

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TICKETS

IN-PERSON PASSES Short on time but love independent film? Here is your opportunity to experience as much as you can in one day at Aesthetica 2024. You will have access to the venues from 9:00 until 23:00 and you can see as much as you like within that timescale. You will also be able to attend events, Labs, masterclasses and workshops, but you must pre-register in advance. The ticket is valid for one day within 6-10 November. This ticket does not include any digital access.

You have the freedom to choose two days that suit you to attend the festival.

On these two days you will be able to register for events, Labs, masterclasses and workshops. This is your chance to engage with the festival at your own pace and dive into the world of independent film for 48 hours. The ticket is valid in-venue only from 6-10 November for two days of your choice. This ticket does not include digital access, only access to in-person events in York.

Join us for the whole festival. Get ready for an independent film extravaganza!

You will have access to all the film screenings across every venue and you can register for events, Labs, masterclasses and workshops. This is your chance to fully embrace the festival experience and spend as much time as you would like in front of the big screen. The ticket is valid in-venue only from 6-10 November. It does not include digital access, only to in-person events in York.

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TICKETS

VIRTUAL PASSES (ONE PER HOUSEHOLD) Log-in and access as many films as you can watch in one 24-hour time period between 6-30 November. The clock starts ticking when activate your pass.

You can use your virtual ticket as an excuse to spend an evening discovering the best new independent cinema. Or maybe you’d like to pack as much film-watching into one day as you can. Valid for 24 hours from first log-in.

Online only. This ticket does not include in-person access to York screenings.

Looking for an authentic festival experience? The One Week virtual pass allows you access to film On Demand for a full seven days in November.

Experience the Official Selection programme as if you were there in-person.

Enjoy a week of discovering over 300 new films from home and watch your favourites on repeat. Valid for seven days from first log-in. Online only. This ticket does not include in-person access to any in-York screenings or events.

Unlimited means unlimited. This all-inclusive pass grants the holder complete freedom within the Aesthetica platform from 6-30 November. You can tune in every day for a month and enjoy shorts and features from the comfort of home. You might even have time to watch all of the 300 films on offer! The platform works across all devices. Valid from 6-30 November.

Online only. This ticket does not include in-person access to York screenings.

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TICKETS

HYBRID PASSES Looking for a taste of ASFF in-person but would like to log-in from home for the rest of the month? The One Day pass grants one full day in-venue with access to screenings as well as social events, Labs, masterclasses and workshops (don’t forget to pre-register.) Pass holders also get unlimited access to our platform, where you can watch films from our Official Selection. This ticket is valid for one day in-person and from 6-30 November on the virtual platform.

Spend two days soaking up everything that the festival has to offer in-person and then finish off the month by watching the rest of the films online. You will receive access to all screenings and can register for events, Labs, masterclasses and workshops on your selected two days. Then you’ll be able to catch up on films from your home via our online platform. The in-person portion is valid for two days of your choice. Virtual access is valid from 6-30 November.

This is the ultimate Aesthetica Film Festival experience, giving you full access in-person and from home. You can attend across all five days of the festival in York with the opportunity to see as many films as possible. Your pass also gives you access to all events, Labs, masterclasses and workshops, as well as the chance to attend Pitching Sessions. You will also have full access to the Virtual Platform, where you can catch up on the films. Valid 6-30 November.

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SUSTAINABILITY AT AESTHETICA 2024 WE ONLY HAVE ONE PLANET Sustainability is at the heart of Aesthetica. We understand that producing large events comes with a carbon footprint, and we are doing everything we can to reduce this, whilst showcasing the very best independent cinema, games and VR from around the world.

REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS We are continuing to run as a hybrid festival, encouraging positive engagement with film from viewers at home, eliminating the requirement for travel and reducing carbon emissions on our part. This extends to all delegates who attend the event.

REUSE AND REPURPOSE A majority of our marketing will take place digitally. Printed and physical assets are all made responsibly, with reuse and repurpose for future events in mind. We recycle as much of our branding as we can each year, to ensure there is less waste.

RESPONSIBLY SOURCED PRINTING The festival will be printing a limited run of festival guides, with a free digital version available to all audiences online. All printed materials are made with responsibly sourced and FSC certified materials with paper from managed forests.

RETURN & RECYCLE We have a lanyard return scheme. We will recycle or reuse all lanyards.

Please return your lanyards to the Festival Hub at City Screen.

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DAILY TIMETABLES DISCOVER OUR EXPANSIVE PROGRAMME This year’s festival programme is bold, dynamic and culturally rich. We believe that outstanding cinema transforms lives. Films hold the power to shift our perception of the world, whether through thought-provoking fiction or revealing documentaries.

In addition to screenings, the festival offers numerous opportunities for networking and socialising. We present specialised VR and Games Labs, essential masterclasses, Pitching sessions and a range of workshops to support continued learning and growth.

Organise your visit to this year’s festival with our daily schedule. Across the next few pages, you’ll discover a list of screenings taking place each day. We’ve also set aside an additional section focusing on Special Events, gatherings and social activities.

Please note that many of our Special Events require advance booking. To learn more about events, please refer to the following pages or visit asff.co.uk/events.

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WEDNESDAY 6 NOVEMBER TIME 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30 23:00

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CITY SCREEN SCREEN 1

CITY SCREEN SCREEN 2

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR EARLY MUSIC

FRIARGATE

Comedy 1

Drama 1

Documentary 1

Thriller 1

YORKSHIRE MUSEUM

YORK EXPLORE

PACT:

Make Your

Paper to

Mark:

Greenlight

Establishing a Signature Style

Family Animation 1

Documentary 6

Friendly 1

Dance 2

(4-10yrs)

New Wave Documentary 2

Comedy 2

Creative

Drama 2

Ridley Scott

Simon Franglen:

Associates:

How to Craft

What Makes a

an Iconic

Great Short

Score

Film4:

Gaming for

Shorts to

Good: The Future

Features

of Interactive

Ingenuity in

Media

Action

Narrative Drama 3

Documentary 3

Experimental 1

Animating Ideas:

Factual Fiction:

2D, 3D

The Art of

Stop-motion &

Creating

Beyond

Docudrama

Feature: Satu - Year of the Rabbit

BBC Film:

Viridian:

The Changing

Designing

Face of

Award-Winning

Shorts

VFX

Comedy 6 Thriller 2

Drama 4 Animation 2

Opening Night Arrive: 18:00 Screening: 19:00

Fashion 1 (1hr 12mins) Music Video 1

(Pre-Booked

Doc Feature 1:

Artists’

Heartist

Film 3

Comedy 3

Drama 13

Tickets Only)

Drama 5 (1hr 37mins) Experimental 4

HOSPITIUM 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30 23:00

HOSPITIUM

MALMAISON

Pitching

CITY SCREEN BASEMENT

CITY SCREEN

Sound

Fringe

Installation

Event

Where are you

Film Poster

Really from?

Exhibition

by

(See p252

Film4

Vendela

for details)

(11:00-13:00)

Haakonson

MUSEUM PITCHER & PIANO YORKSHIRE MEDIEVAL GALLERY

Networking On Every Day

The Art of

BBC Film

Conversation:

(13:00-15:00)

Refining Your Pitch

Goldfinch (13:00-15:00) Ridley Scott

Sound

Behind the Lens:

Associates

Installation

Official Selection

Performance

Filmmakers

(14:00-15:00)

in Focus

(15:00-17:00)

VR Lab

(Application

(No Booking

Only)

Required)

Games Lab Women in Screen Happy Hour Games Lab

VR Lab

Games Lab VR Lab

Games Lab

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DAILY EVENTS WEDNESDAY 6 NOVEMBER Masterclasses & Workshops

VENUE

TIME

Make Your Mark: Establishing a Signature Style

York Explore

10:30-11:30

Developing Your Idea: From Paper to Greenlight

Yorkshire Museum

10:30-11:30

Simon Franglen: How to Craft an Iconic Score

York Explore

12:00-13:00

Ridley Scott Associates: What Makes a Great Short?

Yorkshire Museum

12:00-13:00

Gaming for Good: The Future of Interactive Media

York Explore

13:30-14:30

Behind the Lens: Official Selection Filmmakers in Focus

Pitcher & Piano

14:00-15:30

Film4: Shorts to Features

Yorkshire Museum

13:30-14:30

Factual Fiction: The Art of Creating Docudrama

York Explore

15:00-16:00

Animating Ideas: 2D, 3D, Stop Motion & Beyond

Yorkshire Museum

15:00-16:00

BBC Film: The Changing Face of Shorts

Yorkshire Museum

16:30-17:30

Viridian: Imagination to Reality Designing Award-Winning VFX

York Explore

16:30-17:30

for more DETAILS, see pages 203-207, 228

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Events & Networking

VENUE

TIME

Film Poster Exhibition

City Screen

10:00-23:00

Pitching: Film4 (Application only)

Malmaison

11:00-13:00

Sound Installation: Where Are You Really From?

City Screen Basement

10:00-21:00

Networking: The Art of Conversation – Refining Your Pitch

Pitcher & Piano

12:00-13:30

Pitching: BBC Films (Application only)

Malmaison

13:00-15:00

Pitching: Goldfinch (Application only)

Malmaison

13:00-15:00

Sound Installation Performance

City Screen Basement

14:00-15:00

Pitching: Ridley Scott Associates (Application only)

Malmaison

15:00-17:00

Games Lab

The Hospitium

16:30-21:15

VR Lab

The Hospitium

16:30-20:30

Networking: Women in Screen Happy Hour

Yorkshire Museum

17:15-18:15

Opening Night Ceremony

City Screen

18:00-21:00

for more DETAILS, see pages 58-64, 239-246

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THURSDAY 7 NOVEMBER CITY SCREEN SCREEN 1 09:15 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 -

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CITY SCREEN SCREEN 2

CITY SCREEN SCREEN 3

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR EARLY MUSIC

FRIARGATE

YORK THEATRE MAIN HOUSE

YORK THEATRE ROYAL STUDIO

YORKSHIRE MUSEUM

Family

Ridley Scott

Ideas on a Big

Friendly 2

Associates:

Screen: Bringing

YORK EXPLORE

Pick & Mix: Animation Animation 4

Drama 6

Experimental 5

Music Video 2 Pick & Mix:

(7-10yrs)

Docs, Drama,

Indie Shorts

a Concept to

to Theatrical

Life

XR Storytellers:

Dance

New Wave Drama 7

Art & Life:

Comedy 4

Chasing Times

Hear from

Matt

Guest Screening

RADA: The

Greenhalgh:

Writing &

Director’s Notes:

Actor-Director

The Art of

Thinking in

Bad Ass Bitches

Relationship

Screenwriting

360°

Animation 6

The World of

Comedy 6 Framestore: Visual Effects Comedy 5

Documentary 4

Drama 8

Secrets from Programmers

Thriller 3

Documentary 6 Between Art

Sledgehammer:

& Cinema:

Values & Vision

Identity, Memory Secret to Great & History

Video Games

Drama 11 Documentary 5

(1hr 9mins)

Comedy 1

Experimental 3

Caroline Norris:

DNEG:

Paul Sng:

Making People

Building

Documentary

Laugh: Scripted

Awe-Inspiring

Portrait

TV Comedy

Scenes

Dance 3 Capturing the Perfect Shot: Animation 3

Drama 15

Artists’

Advertising 1 A Masterclass in

(1hr 9mins)

Film 3

Cinematography Reignite VI: Culture Makes Places

Doc Feature: Drama 9

Drama 1

Shâd Bâsh

Guest Screening Kinship in

(Afterwards Visit

Colour: Bonds to UNESCO Expo Pre-Registered Guests Only)

Thriller 4

Drama 12

(End 22:30)

(End 22:30)

Fashion 1

Artists’

(1hr 12mins)

Film 1

Drama 10

(End 22:30)

(End 22:30)

YSJU YSJU CREATIVE CENTRE CREATIVE CENTRE AUDITORIUM LISTENING ROOM 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 Abubakar Salim - Developing 17:00 On Screen Characters 17:30 Narrative Feature: 18:00 All The Songs We 18:30 Documentary 1 Never Sang 19:00 19:30 20:00 Animation 5 Guest Screening 20:30 Look Again Oska Bright 21:00 Film Festival 21:30 22:00 -

HOSPITIUM

HOSPITIUM

MALMAISON

CITY SCREEN BASEMENT

GUILDHALL

PITCHER & PIANO

SOCIALS

UNESCO VR Lab

City of Games Lab

Media Arts

Pitching:

EXPO The Pitch

Installation

Film Fund (10:00-12:00) VR Lab

(09:00-12:00 Where are you

Booked

Really from?

Educational

(Application

by

Groups Only)

Only)

Vendela

Games Lab

Haakonson Games Lab

12:00-21:00

Networking:

Open to All

How to Master Film Hub

VR Lab

VFX on a

North:

Budget

Filmmaker

(Theatre Royal

Round Table

Upper Foyer)

Games Lab VR Lab

Games Lab

Pitching:

Sound

Ridley Scott

Installation

Ubisoft -

Associates

Performance

Careers in

(14:00-15:00)

Gaming

BBC

(No Booking

(14:00-16:00)

Required)

(Application VR Lab

Workshop:

Only) Games Lab

Workshop:

Story Panel

Boarding

Discussion:

in 360

Meet the Artists & Speakers VR Lab Games Lab

(16:00-17:00)

VR &

(No Booking

Gaming

Required)

Film Hub

Happy Hour

North:

(Thor’s Tipi)

Writers & Producers Meet Up VR Lab

Games Lab

Games Lab VR Lab

MPB Presents Meet the Makers Party (Rose within the Walls)

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DAILY EVENTS THURSDAY 7 NOVEMBER MasterclassES & Workshops

VENUE

TIME

Ideas on the Big Screen: Bringing a Concept to Life

York Explore

10:00-11:00

Ridley Scott Associates: Indie Shorts to Theatrical Release

Yorkshire Museum

10:00-11:00

XR Storytellers: Writing & Thinking in 360°

York Explore

11:30-12:30

Hear from RADA: The Actor-Director Relationship

York Theatre Royal Studio

11:30-12:30

The Art of Screenwriting: In Conversation with Matt Greenhalgh

Yorkshire Museum

11:30-12:30

Framestore: The World of Visual Effects

Yorkshire Museum

13:00-14:00

Secrets from Programmers: How to Get Your Film into Festivals

York Explore

13:00-14:00

Developing Your Career in Gaming

Pitcher & Piano

14:00-15:00

Between Art and Cinema: Identity, Memory and History

York Theatre Royal Studio

14:30-15:30

Values and Vision: The Secret to Making Great Video Games

Yorkshire Museum

14:30-15:30

The Documentary Portrait: How To Tell Someone’s Story?

York Explore

14:30-15:30

Learn How To: Storyboard in 360

Pitcher & Piano

15:30-17:00

Making People Laugh: Scripted TV Comedy Production

York Theatre Royal Studio

16:00-17:00

Building Awe-Inspiring Scenes: Shooting within a Virtual Environment

Yorkshire Museum

16:00-17:00

Abubakar Salim: Developing On Screen Characters

YSJU Creative Centre Auditorium

16:30-17:30

Capturing the Perfect Shot: A Masterclass in Cinematography

Yorkshire Museum

17:15-18:15

for more DETAILS, see pages 208-214, 229-230

26

Events & Networking

VENUE

TIME

UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO

Guildhall

09:00-21:00

Film Poster Exhibition

City Screen

10:00-23:00

Pitching: BBC Comedy (Application only)

Malmaison

10:00-12:00

Pitching: The Pitch Film Fund (Application only)

Malmaison

10:00-12:00

Games Lab

The Hospitium

09:45-20:45

VR Lab

The Hospitium

09.30-21:00

Sound Installation: Where Are You Really From?

City Screen Basement

10:00-21:00

Networking: How to Master Visual Effects on a Budget

York Theatre Royal Upper Foyer

12:00-13:30

Film Hub North: Roundtable

Pitcher & Piano

12:30-13:30

Sound Installation Performance

City Screen Basement

14:00-15:00

Pitching: Ridley Scott Associates (Application only)

Malmaison

14:00-16:00

Pitching: BBC (Application only)

Malmaison

14:00-16:00

Sound Installation Panel Discussion

City Screen Basement

16:00-17:00

VR & Gaming Happy Hour

Thor’s Tipi

17:00-18:00

Film Hubs UK: Short Film Pitch

Pitcher & Piano

17:30-19:00

MPB Presents Meet the Makers

Rose Within the Walls

20:00-23:00

for more DETAILS, see pages 58-64, 239-246

27

FRIDAY 8 NOVEMBER CITY SCREEN SCREEN 1 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00

28

CITY SCREEN SCREEN 2

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR EARLY MUSIC

FRIARGATE

YORK THEATRE MAIN HOUSE

YORK THEATRE ROYAL STUDIO

YORKSHIRE MUSEUM

The Time

BBC Writers:

Impactful

is Now:

Crafting a

Documentaries:

Aesthetica

Trailblazing

Polished Script

The Power of

Selects:

Women in XR

YORK EXPLORE

Pick & Mix: Animation Fashion 2 Documentary 2

Drama 2

Experimental 1

(1hr 15 mins)

Truth in Film

Inner Strength Industrial Light

New Wave: Comedy 3

London College

Aesthetica Selects Documentary 3

Thriller 2

of Fashion -

Road to the

Advocating for

& Magic:

Change:

Innovative

Equality &

Storytelling

Diversity in Film

Drama 3

BAFTAs & Oscars

Fashioning

Ridley Scott

Soundscape:

Our Future

Associates:

Creating Audio

The Future

for Film

of Storytelling New Wave: Animation 2

London College

Advertising 1

Experimental 2

of Fashion -

Drama 14

Documentary 4

Bodystack

Editors in

The Business

Conversation:

of Business:

Tales from the

Commercial TV

Cutting Room

Production

Drama 5 Drama 4

Experimental 4

Comedy 4

(1hr 37mins)

Animation 1

Road to the

Working to a

The Future of

BAFTAs & Oscars

Brief: The Line

Entertainment:

Meet our

Between Fashion

The Anatomy

Acclaimed Alumni

and Film

of a Podcast

Artists’

Television:

Icons of Thriller 1

Drama 13

Comedy 2

Film 2

Meet the BBC Comedy Team

Guest Screening BBC Comedy Documentary 6

Animation 6

Artists’

Dance 3

Film 3

Drama 7 (End 22:30)

Dance 1

Comedy 6

Embracing the Highs & the Lows

Music Video 1

Animation 3

YSJU YSJU CREATIVE CENTRE CREATIVE CENTRE AUDITORIUM LISTENING ROOM 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 Adapting a Ubisoft Short Film: Narrative Design 16:00 Directors in in Assassin’s Conversation Creed: Nexus 16:30 17:00 Scriptwriting in Focus: How Doc Feature: 17:30 to Engage Your Silent Men Audience 18:00 18:30 Drama 15 19:00 (1hr 9mins) Narrative 19:30 Feature: CIURÈ 20:00 Fashion 1 20:30 (1hr 12mins) 21:00 21:30 22:00

HOSPITIUM

HOSPITIUM

MALMAISON

CITY SCREEN BASEMENT

GUILDHALL

WORKSHOPS & SOCIALS

SOCIALS

UNESCO City of VR Lab

Media Arts Games Lab

EXPO

Pitching: BBC Comedy

Sound Installation

Ridley Scott VR Lab

Games Lab

Workshop: The Pitch Film

(09:00-12:00

Fund: Learn

Booked

about Adaptation

Associates

Where are you

Educational

(10:00-12:00)

Really from?

Groups Only)

(Application

by

Only)

Vendela

12:00-21:00

Haakonson

Open to All

(Pitcher & Piano)

Games Lab VR Lab

Games Lab VR Lab

Games Lab

Pitching:

Sound

BFI Doc

Installation

Society

Performance

(14:00-16:00)

(14:00-15:00)

Workshop:

Guardian

(No Booking

Understanding

Documentaries

Required)

AI Generators

(14:00-16:00) VR Lab Games Lab

The New York

(Pitcher &

Times

Piano)

(15:00-17:00) (Application Only) Fashion Film

VR Lab Games Lab

Networking:

Social Drinks

Powering

(Yorkshire

Creativity

Museum)

(Impossible York - followed

by EXPO visit)

VR Lab

Games Lab

Games Lab VR Lab

Friday Night Party (Dusk & Drawing Board)

29

DAILY EVENTS FRIDAY 8 NOVEMBER

30

Masterclasses & Workshops

VENUE

TIME

BBC Writers: Crafting a Polished Script

Yorkshire Museum

10:00-11:00

Impactful Documentaries: The Power of Truth in Film

York Explore

10:00-11:00

The Time is Now: Meet Trailblazing Women in XR

York Theatre Royal Studio

10:00-11:00

The Pitch Film Fund: Learn about Adaptation

Pitcher & Piano

10:00-12:00

Innovative Storytelling: Industrial Light & Magic

Yorkshire Museum

11:30-12:30

Advocating for Change: Equality & Diversity in Screen

York Explore

11:30-12:30

The Soundscape: Creating Audio for Screen

York Explore

13:00-14:00

Ridley Scott Associates: The Future of Storytelling

Yorkshire Museum

13:00-14:00

Editors in Conversation: Tales from the Cutting Room

Yorkshire Museum

14:30-15:30

The Business of Business: Commercial TV Production

York Explore

14:30-15:30

Understanding AI Generators

Pitcher & Piano

14:30-16:30

Adapting a Short Film: Directors in Conversation

YSJU Creative Centre Auditorium

15:30-16:30

Ubisoft: Narrative Design in Assassin’s Creed Nexus

YSJU Critical Listening Room

15:30-16:30

Working to a Brief: The Line Between Fashion and Film

Yorkshire Museum

16:00-17:00

Road to the BAFTAs: Meet Our Award-Winning Alumni

York Theatre Royal Studio

16:00-17:00

The Future of Entertainment: Anatomy of a Podcast

York Explore

16:00-17:00

Scriptwriting in Focus: How to Engage Your Audience

YSJU Creative Centre Auditorium

17:00-18:00

Icons of Television: Meet the BBC Comedy Team

Yorkshire Museum

17:30-18:30

for more DETAILS, see pages 215-220, 231

Events & Networking

VENUE

TIME

UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO

Guildhall

09:00-21:00

Film Poster Exhibition

City Screen

10:00-23:00

Pitching: Ridley Scott Associates (Application only)

Malmaison

10:00-12:00

Games Lab

The Hospitium

09:45-20:45

VR Lab

The Hospitium

09.30-21:00

Sound Installation: Where Are You Really From?

City Screen Basement

10:00-21:00

Sound Installation Performance

City Screen Basement

14:00-15:00

Pitching: BFI Doc Society (Application only)

Malmaison

14:00-16:00

Pitching: Guardian Documentaries (Application only)

Malmaison

14:00-16:00

Pitching: The New York Times Op-Docs (Application only)

Malmaison

15:00-17:00

LCF Presents: Fashion Film Social and Drinks

Yorkshire Museum (Medieval Gallery)

17:00-18:00

Powering Creativity: Pushing the Creative Industries Further

Impossible York

16:00-18:00

Friday Night Party

Dusk & Drawing Board

20:00-23:00

for more DETAILS, see pages 58-64, 239-246

31

SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

32

CITY SCREEN SCREEN 1

CITY SCREEN SCREEN 2

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR EARLY MUSIC

FRIARGATE

Comedy 5

Drama 8

Documentary 5

Drama 14

YSJU YSJU THEATRE CREATIVE CENTRE CREATIVE CENTRE YORK AUDITORIUM LISTENING ROOM ROYAL STUDIO

YORKSHIRE MUSEUM

YORK EXPLORE

Artists’ Film 1

Family Friendly 1

Dance 2

XR for Change: Drama 15

(4-10yrs)

(1hr 9mins)

Harnessing New Technologies

Animation 4

Drama 11

Experimental 2 Documentary 6

(1hr 9mins)

Family

Family

Ridley Scott

Friendly 3

Friendly 2

Associates:

Building New

(10-16yrs)

(7-10yrs)

Micro-Budget to

the Production

Blockbuster

Designers

Experimental 5

The Line Animation 6 Documentary 1 Experimental 1

Comedy 1

Fashion 2

Thriller 3

Guest Screening Advertising 1

Dance 1

Animation 2

You’ve

Documentary

Made a Film,

& Journalism

Now What?

Primetime:

On The Rise:

Filmmaking on

Women in

The Directors

a Budget: Hear

Film

You Need

from our Official

to Know

Selection

Drama 10

Music Video 2

The New York Times: Op-Docs Animation 1

Drama 12

Artists’

Guest Screening

Film 2

Iris Loves

Feature:

Documentary

Hamlet Within

Animation 5

Narrative Documentary 2

Drama 6

Doc Feature: Listening Pitch:

Thriller 1

Drama 1

Audible & Aesthetica

(Double-Bill) Dancing Palestine (37 mins) My Bad Sister (40 mins)

Guest Screening Drama 2

Eye to Eye with

Dance 3

“The Other”

Film Premiere

Listening Comedy 6

Pitch: After Party (City Screen Bar)

Music Video 1 Drama 3

Comedy 2

Thriller 4

Experimental 3

PR & Promotion

Between

(1hr 15 mins)

Drama 9

Worlds: Meet

Drama 4

YSJU CREATIVE CENTRE CC/103 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

YSJU CREATIVE CENTRE CC/011

YSJU CREATIVE CENTRE RECITAL ROOM

HOSPITIUM

HOSPITIUM

MALMAISON

CITY SCREEN BASEMENT

GUILDHALL

UNESCO

YORK THEATRE ROYAL UPPER FOYER

VR Lab Games Lab

Kids Workshop Kids Workshop Kids Workshop

Pitching:

Do You Want

How to Make

Stop-Motion

Neal Street

Sound

to be a

a Film

Animation:

Productions

Installation

Making

(10:30-12:30)

Game Developer?

Characters Come to Life

(11-14yrs)

(7-10yrs)

(10:00-12:00)

(10:00-12:00)

Where are you VR Lab

Games Lab

(Application Only)

(11-14yrs)

City of Media Arts EXPO

Really from? by Vendela

10:00-17:00

Haakonson

Open to All

(10:00-12:30)

Networking: Prepping

Games Lab

for your

VR Lab

Festival Journey

Kids Workshop How to Make

Games Lab

Kids Workshop Kids Workshop

Stop-Motion

How to Make

Filmmaking:

Animation

a Game

Stories for

Associates

Performance

Screen

(14:00-17:30)

(14:00-15:00)

The New York

(No Booking Required)

VR Lab

Pitching:

Sound

Ridley Scott

Installation

Games Lab (7-10yrs)

(11-14yrs)

(7-10yrs)

(14:00-16:00)

(14:00-16:00)

(13:30-16:00)

Times Op-Docs VR Lab

(15:30-17:30) Games Lab

(Application Only)

VR Lab Games Lab

VR Lab

Games Lab

Games Lab VR Lab

33

DAILY EVENTS SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER Masterclasses & Workshops

VENUE

TIME

XR for Change: Harnessing New Technologies

York Explore

10:30-11:30

Kids Workshop: How to Make a Film (7-10yrs)

York St John University: Creative Centre (CC/011)

10:00-12:00

Kids Workshop: Do You Want to Be A Game Developer?

(11-14yrs)

York St John University: Creative Centre (CC/103)

10:00-12:00

Kids Workshop: Stop-Motion Animation (11-14yrs)

York St John University: (CC Recital Room)

10:00-12:30

Ridley Scott Associates: From Micro-Budget to Blockbuster

York Theatre Royal Studio

12:00-13:00

Building New Worlds: Meet the Production Designers

York Explore

12:00-13:00

The Line Between Documentary and Journalism: New York Times, Guardian, BBC and Film4

Yorkshire Museum

13:30-14:30

PR and Promotion: You’ve Made Your Film, Now What?

York Explore

13:30-14:30

Kids Workshop: Stories for Screen (11-14yrs)

York St John University: Creative Centre (CC/011)

13:30-16:00

Kids Workshop: How to Make a Game (7-10yrs)

York St John University: Creative Centre (CC/103)

14:00-16:00

Kids Workshop: Stop-Motion Animation( 7-10yrs)

York St John University: (CC Recital Room)

14:00-16:00

On The Rise: The Directors You Need to Know

Yorkshire Museum

15:00-16:00

Meet the Trailblazers: Paving the Way for Women in Film

York Theatre Royal Studio

15:00-16:00

Filmmaking on a Budget: Hear from our Official Selection

York Explore

15:00-16:00

for more DETAILS, see pages 223-206, 232-237

34

Events & Networking

VENUE

TIME

UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO

Guildhall

09:00-17:00

Film Poster Exhibition

City Screen

10:00-23:00

Pitching: Neal Street Productions (Application only)

Malmaison

10:30-12:30

Games Lab

The Hospitium

09:45-20:45

VR Lab

The Hospitium

09.30-21:00

Sound Installation: Where Are You Really From?

City Screen Basement

10:00-21:00

Networking: Festival Formula – Prepping for Your Festival Journey

York Theatre Royal Upper Foyer

12:00-13:30

Pitching: Ridley Scott Associates (Application only)

Malmaison

14:00-16:00

Sound Installation Performance

City Screen Basement

14:00-15:00

Pitching: The New York Times Op-Docs (Application only)

Malmaison

15:30- 17:30

Listening Pitch: Film Premiere & Launch Party

City Screen

19:00-23:00

for more DETAILS, see pages 58-64, 239-246

35

SUNDAY 10 NOVEMBER TIME

36

10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30 23:00

CITY SCREEN SCREEN 1

Drama 5 (1hr 37mins)

CITY SCREEN SCREEN 2

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR EARLY MUSIC

FRIARGATE

YORKSHIRE MUSEUM

Aesthetica Selects: Experimental 3

Drama 13

Comedy 3

Guest Screening Life & Times

Schools

Comedy 6

YSJU CREATIVE CENTRE AUDITORIUM

YSJU CREATIVE CENTRE LISTENING ROOM

Guest Screening

Artists’

Strokes of

Film 2

Humanity

Animation 3

Experimental 2

Filmmaking

Family

Family

Drama 11

Friendly 2

Friendly 3

(1hr 9mins)

(7-10yrs)

(10-16yrs)

Project Premiere

Thriller 2

Experimental 4

Drama 7

Documentary 5

Narrative

Family

Feature:

Friendly 1

(Double-Bill)

(4-10yrs)

Dance 1

High Estate (39 mins) A Wasted Night (60 mins)

Animation 4

Experimental 5

Awards

Dance 2

Drama 6

Animation 5

Music Video 2

The Ripple Effect

Guest Screening Comedy 4

Drama 8

Thriller 4

Rwanda: A Continuation of Life, Love & Grief

Ceremony Drama 6

Drama 6

Doc Feature:

(16:30-19:00)

At the door of Drama 9

the house who will come knocking

Documentary 4 Drama 6

Drama 6

Drama 6

Drama 6

Fashion 2

Guest Screening

(1hr 15 mins)

Drama 12

Comedy 5

Documentary 3

Thriller 3

Drama 10

Drama 14 Artists’ Film 1

10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30 23:00

YSJU CREATIVE CENTRE CC/103

YSJU CREATIVE CENTRE CC/011

YSJU CREATIVE CENTRE RECITAL ROOM

Kids Workshop

Kids Workshop

Kids Workshop

VR Lab

Games Lab

Do You Want

How to Make

Stop-Motion

(09:30-10:30)

(09:45-10:45)

to be a

a Film

Animation:

Game

Making

Developer?

Characters Come to Life

HOSPITIUM

HOSPITIUM

CITY SCREEN BASEMENT

PITCHER & PIANO

DUSK

Sound Installation: Where are you

VR Lab

Games Lab

Really from?

(11-14yrs)

(7-10yrs)

by

(10:00-12:00)

(10:00-12:00)

Vendela (11-14yrs)

Haakonson

(10:00-12:30)

Networking: Games Lab

Last Chance

VR Lab

Encounters School Filmmaking

Kids Workshop How to Make Kids Workshop

Kids Workshop

Stop-Motion

How to Make

Filmmaking:

Animation

a Game

Stories for

Games Lab

Project Sound

VR Lab

Celebration

Installation Performance

Screen

(14:00-15:00) Games Lab

(No Booking Required)

(7-10yrs)

(11-14yrs)

(7-10yrs)

(14:00-16:00)

(14:00-16:00)

(13:30-16:00)

VR Lab Games Lab

VR Lab Games Lab

VR Lab

Games Lab Awards After Party (19:00-Late)

37

DAILY EVENTS SUNDAY 10 NOVEMBER Masterclasses & Workshops

VENUE

TIME

Kids Workshop: How to Make a Film (7-10yrs)

York St John University: Creative Centre (CC/011)

10:00-12:00

Kids Workshop: Do You Want to Be A Game Developer?

(11-14yrs)

York St John University: Creative Centre (CC/103)

10:00-12:00

Kids Workshop: Stop-Motion Animation (11-14yrs)

York St John University: (CC Recital Room)

10:00-12:30

Kids Workshop: Stories for Screen (11-14yrs)

York St John University: Creative Centre (CC/011)

14:00-16:00

Kids Workshop: How to Make a Game (7-10yrs)

York St John University: Creative Centre (CC/103)

14:00-16:00

Kids Workshop: Stop-Motion Animation ( 7-10yrs)

York St John University: (CC Recital Room)

13:30-16:00

Events & Networking

VENUE

TIME

Film Poster Exhibition

City Screen Basement

10:00-23:00

Games Lab

The Hospitium

09:45-19:30

VR Lab

The Hospitium

09:30-19:30

Sound Installation: Where Are You Really From?

City Screen Basement

10:00-18:00

Networking: Last Chance Encounters

Dusk

12:00-13:30

Schools Filmmaking Project: Reception

Pitcher & Piano

13:00-14:00

Sound Installation Performance

City Screen Basement

14:00-15:00

Awards Ceremony

Yorkshire Museum

16:30-19:00

Awards After Party

Dusk

19:00-23:00

for more DETAILS, see pages 58-64, 232-237, 239-246

38

VENUES The Festival Hub is located in the foyer of the Picturehouse City Screen, where our team will be ready to greet you when you collect your tickets and passes. Enjoy the riverside cafe for a light bite in between screenings. Our expansive range of venues is a cinematic playground. From purpose-built theatres to famous spaces, our screenings and events take place in a mix of historic and contemporary buildings. Venue accessibility and capacity information is listed next to each location across the following pages, as well as on the map. Hours: 09:30-18:00.

City Screen (fully accessible)

City Screen Basement (fully accessible)

Seating Capacity: Screen 1 206 | Screen 2 120

Seating Capacity: 100

This year’s Aesthetica Film Festival Hub, City Screen is at the heart of independent film in York. It is also the venue for ASFF’s Opening Night Ceremony. This is the place to network and experience film as it should be.

Located in the basement of City Screen, this popular venue is the home of this year’s sound installation.

Vendela Haakonsen’s immersive project is in response to the unnerving question Where Are You Really From?

Dusk (Partially accessible)

Explore York (fully accessible)

Capacity: 130

Seating Capacity: 60

Cafe by day; bar by night. Situated in York’s New Street, Dusk is the perfect place to touch base and meet fellow festival-goers. This ever-lively spot is the home of our networking events and the famed Friday Night Party.

Explore York is at the centre of the city’s community.

ASFF hosts a number of events at the library, including a selection of panel discussions. Explore York is just a few minutes’ walk from Yorkshire Museum and the Hub. 39

Friargate Theatre (non-accessible)

malmaison (fully accessible)

Seating Capacity: 100

Capacity: 10

Hidden in between the River Ouse and Clifford’s Tower, Friargate Theatre is home to the Riding Lights Theatre Company. It has a 100-seat studio theatre and a caféstyle performance space. A fantastic venue on the river.

Malmaison is only six minutes from the Festival Hub at City Screen. The 1-on-1 pitching sessions with industry representatives, including BBC Film, Film4 and Guardian Documentaries, will be hosted in this central venue.

National Centre for Early Music (NCEM) (fully accessible)

Pitcher & Piano (Fully accessible)

Seating Capacity: 135

Seating Capacity: 250

An award-winning medieval church, this is the home of the internationally acclaimed York Early Music Festival.

National Centre for Early Music is close to the city centre and only a 12-minute walk away from the festival Hub.

Located on Coney Street, Pitcher & Piano is a great bar to relax with old friends and new – and is just a stone’s throw away from the Festival Hub at City Screen. It is fully accessible and has fantastic views across the River Ouse.

Rose within the walls (upstairs bar ACCESSIBLE)

40

The Hospitium (Fully accessible))

Capacity: 120

Capacity: 50

Get away from the busy city streets and take a moment to relax in Rose Within The Walls, a recently renovated bar. This is the setting for our Meet the Makers social, where you can sample Masons of Yorkshire gin in style.

The 14th century Hospitium is found within the beautiful York Museum Gardens, overlooked by the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey. It is the location for our VR and Games Labs, bringing together the historic and contemporary.

The Star INn the city (Partially accessible)

Thor’s tipi

Capacity: 40

Capacity: 150

Nestled on the banks of the iconic River Ouse, The Star Inn the City is an award-winning restaurant widely recognised as one of the best in York. This riverside eatery will host our esteemed Jury during the Festival.

Thor’s Tipi returns to the stunning Museum Gardens for the festival this autumn. It’s a cosy yet lively space for attendees to socialise, enjoy live music, eat amazing street food and sample their incredible array of drinks.

Guildhall (fully accessible)

YSJU Auditorium/Listening room (Fully accessible)

Capacity: 120

Seating Capacity: 129 / 50

Located on the Ouse, York Guildhall is one of York’s most important historic buildings, dating from the 15th century. Now, the renovated space – complete with riverside dining – hosts the UNESCO Media Arts EXPO.

The York St John Creative Centre is an impressive purposebuilt, three-storey creative space where bold architecture meets innovative facilities. The centrepiece is the fantastic theatre room, complete with state-of-the-art sound system.

York Theatre Royal (fully accessible)

Yorkshire Museum (fully accessible)

Seating Capacity: Studio 70 / Main House 700

Seating Capacity: 300

York Theatre Royal dates back to the early 18th century.

The theatre will host masterclasses and screenings in the Studio and Main House, as well as a wide range of networking events to help you connect with each other.

The Yorkshire Museum hosts screenings, masterclasses and the Closing Night Ceremony. Founded in 1830 by the Yorkshire Philosophical Society, the museum is located on the grounds of the York Museum Gardens.

41

Cl

ift o

n

VENUES 1

CITY SCREEN & FESTIVAL HUB

2

EXPLORE YORK

3

FRIARGATE THEATRE

4

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR EARLY MUSIC

Bo ot

13-17 Coney Street, YO1 9QL

ha m

Ma ry g

at e

Library Square, Museum Street, YO1 7DS

Lower Friargate, YO1 9SL

Walmgate, YO1 9TL

5

THE HOSPITIUM

6

YORK ST. JOHN UNIVERSITY

7

YORK THEATRE ROYAL

8

YORKSHIRE MUSEUM (PARTIAL ACCESS)

9

DUSK (PARTIAL ACCESS)

8 13

Museum Gardens, Y030 7DR

5

Lord Mayor’s Walk, YO31 7EX

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MEET THE AESTHETICA TEAM

44

Cherie Federico

Dale Donley

Director

Director

HELEN OSBOND

ELEANOR SUTHERLAND

Operations Manager

Creative Producer

MEGAN HOBSON

phoebe cawley

Media Sales & Partnerships Manager

Marketing Coordinator

Alice butterfield

anna gallon

Technical Coordinator

Education Coordinator

Fruzsina Vida

Emma Jacob

Projects Administrator

Content Creator

Katherine Smira

Matt Glassby

Administrator

Designer

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MEET OUR PROGRAMMERS Find out more about the industry professionals behind this year’s Official Selection. Our inspiring team has many years of experience in commissioning, curation, direction, events, film programming, production and publishing, and

46

Drama / Family Friendly

abi mitchell

Adam Castle is director of Edinburgh Artists’ Moving Image Festival and Pollyanna queer arts and cabaret company. Adam won the Creative Edinburgh Leadership Award in 2016 and has previously worked for BFI Film Audience Network and BFI Flare LGBTQIA+ Film Festival.

Abi is a cultural programmer and producer who works broadly across contemporary culture at large. Abi has previously worked on developing film programmes for Liverpool Biennial 2021, Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and Yorkshire Sculpture International.

VR & 360

Adam Castle

Narrative Features

Dance

has collaborated with the likes of BFI London Film Festival, Nowness and TIFF.

Alice Butterfield

Ana-Despina Tudor

Alice Butterfield is the Technical Coordinator at the Aesthetica Short Film Festival. Recently, she has joined the programming team as the Narrative Features programmer. In addition to this, she works as a freelancer editor on a range of media forms and genres.

Ana is the Course Leader of the VR Master’s Programme at London College of Communication, University of the Arts London, where she also teaches VR content creation and immersive storytelling. She has a PhD in Human Computer Interaction for Virtual Reality Content Design.

Animation

Cherie Federico is the Director of Aesthetica, the internationally acclaimed British media organisation that began with Aesthetica Magazine in 2003. It is now a multi-platform reaching over 550,000, including the BAFTA-Qualifying ASFF, as well as Aesthetica Art Prize.

Dale Donley is the Production Director and co-founder of Aesthetica Magazine and the Aesthetica Short Film Festival. He spent his early career teaching, before moving into graphic design projects. Dale is passionate about cinema and is particularly interested in animation.

Heather McIntosh

Des is a BAFTA-winning video game producer with over 23 years’ experience bringing digital worlds to life.

He has worked on some of the industry’s most iconic projects, such as the launch of Xbox, and has garnered a rare blend of publishing and development expertise.

Heather McIntosh has over 12 years experience in the film industry, which includes curating Curzon Home Cinema and co-programming Borderlines Film Festival.

Now, working as a full-time freelancer, Heather works with prestigious companies such as the BFI and MUBI.

Artists’ Film

Des Gayle

VR & 360

Documentary Shorts

Advertising / Fashion

Dale Donley

Games

Cherie Federico

John ROse-Adams

kIT monkman

John is the Creative Producer for Immersive and Interactive Experiences at XR Stories. John leads the R&D team, where he commissions exciting projects that are pushing the boundaries of storytelling. These vary across TV, film, games, performing and visual arts and live events.

Kit is an award-winning artist and filmmaker whose work is driven by an interest in interaction, participation, visual perspective and non-linear narrative expressed through a range of formats, which include film, interactive installations and theatre design, amongst other media.

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48

Comedy

Matthew is an Associate Professor of Sociology at York St. John University and co-director of the investigate. games research group, which studies the impact of virtual entertainment. Matthew’s areas of interests are within interactive media, mortality and spatial sociology.

MarBelle is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of independent film curation and interview platform Directors Notes. Since its formation in 2006, Directors Notes has expanded to become one of the leading online curatorial platforms for new independent cinema.

Mikey Murray

Martha is an artist, creative producer and researcher interested in artist films that engage with the many intersections of nature and culture. She is the Co-Director of the annual Scarborough Film Festival and has previously worked in the Yorkshire & North East Film Archives.

Mikey is an award-winning filmmaker who, in 2007, was the recipient of the Scottish BAFTA award for Best First Time Writer. Mikey has a PhD in Film Practice and currently works as the programme leader for the BA Film Production programme at the University of Lincoln.

Documentary Features

Martha Cattell

Drama

Thriller

Games

Marbelle

Animation

Matthew Spokes

Natalie Gee

Rachel pronger

Natalie Gee is a filmmaker and festival programmer who has worked for Oscar-Qualifying HollyShorts and Brooklyn Film Festival. She has also curated feminist film nights for Brooklyn Museum and organised events focusing on mental health for UnLonely Film Festival.

Rachel Pronger is an independent writer, curator and cofounder of feminist collective Invisible Women. She has worked for numerous cinemas and festivals, including BFI Flare, Alchemy Film & Arts, as well as BFI London Film Festival. She also programmed at Tyneside Cinema.

Music Video

Rob is a producer, director and line producer from New York, who currently resides in the north of England. His feature film credits include Arthur and Merlin, Entity, Inbred as well as Small Creat res (nominated for Best Film at EIFF 2013). He has directed over 15 short films.

In 2017, Rico launched CineQ – a queer film festival that prioritises queer and trans Black, Indigenous and people of colour. Rico was previously the Race Equality Lead for the BFI. This crucial role involved bringing critical perspectives into common discussions on race.

Gianna Osborne

Sarah is a queer Chinese-Dutch art director and filmmaker working across advertising, galleries and the music industry. She explores belonging, identity, gender and family through a bi-cultural lens, and questions stereotypes ingrained in the world around us.

Gianna is a Sessional Lecturer on both development and programming at Ravensbourne University, after being one of the first students to graduate as part of their Games course. Gianna is interested in the connectivity of games and helping the community through outreach.

Drama

Sarah Wong

Games

Games

Drama

rico johnson-sinclair

Experimental

Rob Speranza

Jack Denham

Tosin Alapafuja

Jack Denham is an Assosicate Professor at York St. John University and co-leader of investigate.games, which studies the impact of virtual entertainment. Jack’s areas of interest include in the consumption of crime as well as video games, digital culture and education.

Tosin is a film curator and movement artist with a deep love of storytelling. She draws from her rich Nigerian (Yoruba) heritage and finds grounding in celebrating Black storytellers, honouring those who came before her in order to uplift and inspire generations to come.

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MEET THE ADVISORY BOARD Aesthetica’s Advisory Board brings together a range of backgrounds and expertise, from academia and commissioning, to production and direction. Our team of talented professionals represents a number of key organisations, from Industrial Light & Magic and BBC, as well as several renowned independent practitioners.

Darryl Smalley

Dionne Farrell

Darryl Smalley is a key part of the City of York Council, serving as Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Communities. Over the past several years, Darryl has been helping communities to flourish by ensuring that everyone is represented throughout the City of York.

Dionne Farrell is a former Development Executive at BBC Film, the feature filmmaking arm of the BBC. She has, throughout her career, worked across a number of films, including Rapman’s Blue Story, Francis Lee’s Ammonite and Akinola Davies’ debut short, Lizard.

Jess Loveland

Julian Foddy

Jess Loveland is Head of New Writing, working across BBC Writers and Drama Commissioning to nurture new and emerging writers. Jess oversees all new writing talent development initiatives and is closely involved with both the BBC Writers and Drama Commissioning teams.

Julian Foddy is a VFX supervisor at Industrial Light Magic. He has worked on well-known film projects including Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One and Solo: A Star Wars Story. He was also Global Supervisor for Spiderman: Far From Home and Artemis Fowl.

Culture, Leisure and Communities, CYC

Head of New Writing, BBC

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Development Executive, B-Side Productions

VFX Supervisor, Industrial Light & Magic

MarBelle

Max Park

Co-Founder, Directors Notes

Development Editor, Film 4

MarBelle is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of independent film curation and interview platform Directors Notes. Since its formation in 2006, Directors Notes has expanded to become one of the internet’s leading curatorial platforms for independent cinema.

Max is a Development Editor at Film4, Channel 4’s feature division. The company’s slate includes Ex a hina i ing The anshees of nisherin and All of s Strangers Max works with both new and established filmmakers – helping to turn their vision into a reality.

Nyree Jillings

Richard Knight

Head of Campaigns, BFI

Career Support Manager, Screen Yorkshire

Nyree has over 20 years of marketing, brand and audience engagement experience, which includes 10 years at the BFI in a variety of roles including marketing lead on BFI London Film Festival and BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival. Nyree is now Head of Campaigns.

In 2003, Richard Knight got his big break as a location manager working on Shane Meadows’ Dead Man’s Shoes. In his role at Screen Yorkshire, Richard delivers training sessions and industry masterclasses, regularly teaching individuals about how to secure employment.

SADIE CLAYTON

Steve Jelley

Sadie Clayton is an award-winning designer who explores the creative boundaries between art, technology and fashion. Fascinated by innovation, Sadie has presented work at the Royal Academy of the Arts, Tate and V&A, and created content with Adobe films, amongst others.

Steve Jelley is an award-winning producer and creative entrepreneur with over two decades’ experience in content production, distribution and technology innovation.

He is Co-Founder and joint Managing Director of content studio Hammerhead VR, which is part of Dimension.

Artist and Designer

Director, Dimension

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MEET OUR JURY Our Jury brings together individuals with a range of backgrounds and expertise, from academia and commissioning, to production, programming and direction. Our dedicated team represents a number of organisations such

Animation

Documentary Short

as Aardman, BBC, BFI, New York Times Op-Docs and Sledgehammer Games.

Alex Zepherin

Alexandra Garcia

Alex is an animation director and founder of Don Dada Studios. With over 11 years of industry experience, Alex has collaborated with renowned brands, such as BBC, Tate and Disney. She is committed to fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment within her studio.

Alexandra is a documentary director/producer based in Brooklyn, New York. Currently, she works as the Supervising Producer for The ew or Times’ Op-Docs, the acclaimed series of short documentaries by Oscarwinning independent filmmakers from around the world.

Family Friendly

Annabel Grundy

Aubrey Clarke

Annabel is the Managing Director of Sheffield DocFest with over 20 years’ experience in the film industry.

Previous work includes project managing the BFI’s UK Global Screen Fund, which helps to support international development opportunities within the UK Screen Sector.

Aubrey is BBC Children’s Commissioning Executive for live action scripted drama and animation shows targeted towards children aged between 7 and 12. He is the executive producer of popular brands, including The e t Ste , Tee o, y Perfe t anding and Digi irl.

Managing Director, Sheffield Doc Fest

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Producer / Director

Documentary Features

Founder, Don Dada Studio

Commissioning Executive, BBC Children’s

Narrative Features

Narrative Features

Ben Smithard

Caroline Cooper Charles

Ben Smithard BSC is a cinematographer who started out working on commercial and music videos. Over the years, he has become known for period pieces, such as The Damned nited, Freud’s Last Session, y ee with Marilyn, Allan Partridge The Father and Downton Abbey.

Caroline is the Chief Executive at Screen Yorkshire, a funding organisation championing film and TV in the region. Caroline has over 25 years of experience, having held positions at key companies, such as the Scottish Film Talent Network, Warp X and the UK Film Council.

DAISY FRANCIS

Documentary Features

Chief Executive, Screen Yorkshire

Thriller

Cinematographer

daniel jewel

Daisy Francis Comedy Management represents and nurtures artists, offering a tailored service that puts creatives, and their career progression, at the centre.

Daisy hopes to contribute towards building a strong sense of community and support within the industry.

Daniel is an OSCAR Shortlisted and BIFA Nominated London-based Filmmaker. He began directing short documentaries for Channel 4 going on to most recently directing Da id Co erfield starring Ncuti Gatwa, Helena Bonham Carter, Jessie Buckley and Theo James.

FORMS OF CIRCULATION (Paul Stewart & Sarah Perks)

Artists’ Film, Experimental, Dance

Film Producer and Director

Artists’ Film, Experimental, Dance

Founder, Daisy Francis Comedy Management

Dr Gabrielle Barkess-Kerr

Artist Duo

Academic, Anthropologist and Curator

Paul Stewart and Sarah Perks collaborate through their artistic-curatorial practice, which is often workshop and film-based. Their films have shown at festivals including Rotterdam International Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival and Edinburgh International Film Festival.

A Teaching Fellow at Edinburgh College of Art, Gabrielle combines academic expertise with handson curatorial experience to explore the intersection of art and anthropology. Gabrielle’s curatorial work spans exhibitions, art films and public programming.

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Narrative Features

Games

Isabelle Croissant

Jack Wentworth-Weedon

Isabelle is the Artist Development Programme Manager for Film and Digital media at HOME arts centre in Manchester. She has worked at the organisation for over a decade. A champion of creativity, her current role involves supporting filmmakers in the North of England.

Jack is Festivals and Cinema Events Coordinator at the National Science and Media Museum, which is the organizer of the Yorkshire Games Festival. The event is a celebration of everything games culture – from design to production – that takes place in Bradford every year.

Jim Campbell

BEX CASSIE

Jim is the Head of PR and Communications at the Ridley Scott Creative Group (RSCG), which was founded by directors Ridley and Tony Scott. He oversees the department across RSCG’s production companies: Scott Free, Black Dog, Ridley Scott Associates, and Darling.

Bex Cassie is Creative Director of the School of Media and Communication, London College of Fashion. She manages events, fosters partnerships, and enhances social engagement. Formerly Associate Director of Nick Knight’s Archive, and Gallery Manager at SHOWstudio.

Advertising, Music Video, Fashion

Creative Director, London College of Fashion

Advertising, Music Video, Fashion

Head of PR & Communications, RSA

Julie La’Bassiere

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Coordinator, National Science and Media Museum

Advertising, Music Video, Fashion

Documentary Shorts

Artist Development Programme Manager, HOME

KAI-LU Hsiung

Chief Strategy Officer, DDA

Managing Director, RSA Films

Julie is the Chief Strategy Officer at The DDA Group, a leading communications company working with global organisations like A24, HBO and Netflix. An expert in the film industry, Julie has worked with prestigious organisations, such as Apple TV+, BAFTA and Tribeca.

Kai-Lu Hsiung is the Managing Director at RSA Films. Her career began 30 years ago when she happened upon a receptionist role and now she is leading operations at RSA. Kai has also worked as a producer on projects including ife in a Day and i hoge The ast ilestone.

Animation

Drama

Lola Oliyide

Michelle Blok

Lola is Head of Development at Neal Street Productions and has worked as a script executive on Britannia (Sky & Amazon) and nformer (BBC & Amazon). Previously, she worked at various production companies in a range of roles, such as Head of Development and Story Producer.

A two-time Emmy winner, Michelle is one of London’s foremost visualisation supervisors. Part of the team at Framestore, her credits include visualisation work on well-known titles including A engers Age Of ltron, HBO’s ame of Thrones and Star ars The ast edi.

Lucy Ward

Family Friendly

Visualisation Supervisor, Framestore

Animation

Head of Development, Neal Street Productions

Myles Mcleod

Lucy is the Executive producer at Jellyfish Pictures and oversees VFX and animated projects as the company’s Head of Production. Lucy has gained over a decade’s worth of experience, working across VR, VFX and largescale projects, such as the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Myles McLeod has written over a hundred screenplays for children’s TV and internationally recognised short films, five books as well as lyrics and poetry. Myles has also voice acted in several animations for organisations like BBC, Disney and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Mick Audsley

Comedy

Writer, The Brothers McLeod

Drama

Executive Producer, Jellyfish Pictures

Nancy Ryan

Editor

Head of Short Film Production, Ridley Scott Creative Group

Mick Audsley is one of the leading film editors in UK and the USA with more than 40 feature credits to his name.

These include nter iew with the am ire, Harry Potter and the o let of Fire, Dangero s iaisons and Allied.

Furthermore, he’s a BAFTA-winner and nominated editor.

Nancy has worked closely with Ridley Scott since 2005 on projects like Prometheus, E od s ods and ings and The artian. She is now a producer for Black Dog Films and RSA Films, where she is involved with everything from branded content to award-winning music videos.

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Nick Brown

Nick is an experienced film and TV producer. Prior to joining Neal Street Productions, Nick was the BBC’s Director of UK Drama Production for six years, His credits include ideon s Da ghter (BBC), Britannia (SKY/ Epix), nformer (BBC / Amazon) and The Fran hise (HBO).

Head of Assets, Jellyfish Picture

Nephertiti Oboshie Schandorf is a British-Ghanaian producer of site responsive performance, audio and moving-image that engages audiences in non-gallery contexts. Nephertiti has also worked on the delivery of exhibitions with the Whitworth and Manchester Galleries.

Sarah has extensive experience in the animation and visual effects industry, having worked at Wild Child Animation, Framestore and Pixar before becoming Head of Assets at Jellyfish Pictures. Sarah also has experience in academia, having taught VFX for film and television.

Documentary Shorts

Nephertiti Oboshie Schandorf

Sarah-von-Fersen

Artistic Director, Peckham Platfom

Documentary Feature

Family Friendly

Noirin co-founded Revolution Software in 1990, having worked in the Interactive Entertainment industry for over 30 years. Previously working at Activision UK, Noirin is now responsible for strategic business affairs at Revolution Software, as well as its commercial growth.

Artists’ Film, Experimental, Dance

Company Director, Neal Street Productions

Paul Sng

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Thriller

Games

Noirin Carmody

Founder & Executive Producer, Revolution Software

Steve Melia

Director

Video Production Manager, Audible

Paul was named as a BAFTA Breakthrough Artist 2022/23. The British-Chinese filmmaker is based in Edinburgh and is best known for work that focuses on people who challenge the status quo, such as his awardwinning documentary about photographer Tish Murtha.

Steve is a producer at Audible, where he makes videos to launch and tell the stories behind new podcasts and audiobooks. In partnership with Aesthetica, he delivers The istening Pit h, a documentary film grant that celebrates listening whilst supporting emerging talent.

Thriller

Senior Narrative Designer, Ubisoft

Simon is the Development Executive for BBC Writers.

He leads on the development of new writers and writing across BBC drama, comedy and children’s drama, covering a range of television, radio and online content. Before joining the BBC, Simon worked at ITV.

Tom is a game writer and designer with over 10 years’ experience in the games industry as well as having written a range of published short fiction and taught writing and narrative design at Edinburgh Napier University, Playwrights Studio Scotland and Xpo North.

Susi Wilkinson

Thriller

Comedy Thriller

Tom Knights

Development Executive, BBC Writers

VR and Immersive

Simon Nelson

Victoria Emslie

Susi is Programme Director for Moving Image & Digital Arts at UAL London College of Communication and Associate Lecturer at Central Saint Martins. Alongside teaching, she has directed commercials as well as music videos and was co-founder of Belzebu animation studio.

Victoria Emslie is a BIFA award-winning British stage, television and film actress, who is best known for her roles across well-known titles, such as Downton Abbey, The Theory of E erything, The Fran enstein Chroni les, The Danish irl as well as a TV adaptation of on eys.

VR & Immersive

Actress

Comedy

Programme Director, LCC

Yasmin Afifi

Yevgeniya Filchenkova

Yasmin Afifi is a director/writer whose short ellyfish and Lobster won the Best British Short Award at the 2024 BAFTAs. Her films – which have screened at Aesthetica, London Film Festival and Underwire – explore taboo topics through absurdism, comedy and magical realism.

Yevgeniya is the Central Production Manager for Dimension Studio, which provides content creators with a range of Virtual Production services. She has expertise in all stages of production – from script to screen – and is an experienced producer of different types of content.

Director

Central Production Manager, Dimension Studio

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EVENTS & NETWORKING MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR PASS. Aesthetica is about more than film. We foster lifelong learning and facilitate lasting connections between creative people through a shared love of screen culture. Community is key, and our events, parties, workshops and discussions reflect this ethos.

Our events offer a blend of industry-led masterclasses, networking and social opportunities, as well as focused mentoring and the chance to see the next generation of filmmakers in our New Wave Programme. Whether you want to expand your network and find collaborators or are seeking to learn something new, this is the place to be.

Highlights for 2024 include our variety of workshops, where you can learn how to create with ground-breaking new and immersive technologies. Our pitching sessions, socials and masterclasses are invitations to connect with people who share your vision.

Most of our Special Events are free-to-attend with a valid pass, but pre-registration must be made at asff.co.uk/events to secure your place. Visitors should register for for masterclasses, VR and Games Labs, workshops, plus some social and networking events. Parties don’t require pre-registration. Please be aware that the Opening Night Ceremony is a separate ticketed event. To book or learn more, visit: asff.co.uk/tickets

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EVENTS & NETWORKING WEDNESDAY Opening Night Ceremony We launch our 14th edition with a special screening of six spectacular, thought-provoking and inspiring works by filmmakers from the 2024 Official Selection. Curated by Festival Director, Cherie Federico, our Opening Night introduces audiences to the breadth of this year’s film programme with a special screening, offering a taste of what’s to come.

Date & Time: 6 November | 18:00 - 21:00. Screening starts at 19:00.

Venue: City Screen, YO1 9QL | Separate ticket required.

WEDNESDAY women in screen happy hour The Women in Screen Happy Hour is a celebration that recognises and promotes the achievements of women across the Film, TV, Games and XR industries. It brings together cinematographers, directors, producers, developers and writers to network. The event is open to all women and female-identifying individuals at the festival. First come, first served.

Date & Time: 6 November | 17:15-18:15 Venue: Yorkshire Museum, YO1 7FR

THURSDAY VR & Games Happy hour A destination for those working in new technologies, the VR and Games Happy Hour brings industry guests together to contemplate the future of games development, VR and immersive filmmaking. This is the ideal place to generate ideas about what’s next for interactive entertainment and beyond. This event includes a free welcome drink upon arrival.

Date & Time: 7 November | 17:00-18:00 Venue: Thor’s Tipi, Museum Gardens, YO1 7FR

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EVENTS & NETWORKING THURSDAY

MPB Presents: Meet the Makers Meet the Makers is your opportunity to get to know the creatives at the heart of ASFF 2024. The event is sponsored by MPB, an online platform to buy and sell used photography and videography equipment. It’s for everyone, whether you’re a complete novice or experienced professional.

Meet new people and receive a complimentary glass of wine on arrival.

Date & Time: 7 November | 20:00-23:00 Venue: Rose Within the Walls, YO1 9WD

FRIDAY

LCF Presents: Fashion Film Social & Drinks Head over to Yorkshire Museum for a lively drinks reception, hosted by our partners at UAL London College of Fashion. This is a space to meet industry professionals from companies like ShowStudio and Nowness.

Discuss your latest shorts and spark collaborations with the people who will help you realise your next big project. Drinks available upon arrival.

Date & Time: 8 November | 17:00-18:00 Venue: Yorkshire Museum, Medieval Gallery

FRIDAY friday night party Dusk hosts the renowned Friday Night Party, helping to carry Aesthetica Film Festival into a weekend of fun social events and inspiring cinema screenings. Located in York’s New Street, the party provides the perfect location to join in with the festivities or re-group with brand new friends.

Grab a drink, connect with industry and prepare for the weekend ahead.

Date & Time: 8 November | 20:00-23:00 Venue: Dusk, YO1 8RA

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EVENTS & NETWORKING SATURDAY

LIstening Pitch: Film premiere Aesthetica and Audible have teamed up to showcase original stories that show how listening helps us to understand different points of view.

Join us for the premiere of Liberty Smith’s reenso nd and Ornella Mutoni’s The Things e Don t Say. Drinks upon arrival with a Q&A, live DJ and networking session taking place right after the screening.

Date & Time: 9 November | 19:00-23:00 Venue: City Screen, YO1 9QL

SUNDAY awards ceremony To bring our 14th edition to a close, we welcome filmmakers, delegates and audiences to join our Awards Ceremony. Prizes are awarded for the best film in each of our genres, as well as our, Best of Fest and Special Guest Awards. Join us for a celebration of impressive achievements, followed by a drinks reception and After Party, taking place at Dusk.

Date & Time: 10 November | 16:30-19:00 Venue: Yorkshire Museum, YO1 7FR After Party: Dusk, YO1 8RA | 19:00-23:00

DAILY Daily Networking Whether you’re looking to connect with industry representatives, uncover exciting opportunities or learn a new approach to filmmaking, our daily Networking Sessions (p. 242) are opportunities to converse with leading professionals working in the film industry and spark collaborations. The hosts this year are Viridian FX, Festival Formula and The Pitch Film Fund.

Date & Time: 6-10 November | Various times Venue: York Theatre Royal, Pitcher & Piano, Dusk, Impossible York

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EVENTS & NETWORKING DAILY Filmmaker Insights Panel Discussions Hear from a selection of filmmakers from the 2024 Official Selection.

These daily panel discussions provide you with the perfect opportunity to learn about inspirations, motivations and creative processes, covering a range of topics such as finding your signature aesthetic, honing your artistic vision and breaking the rules of scriptwriting. See more on p. 205.

Date & Time: 6-9 November | Various times Venue: York Explore, YO1 7DS

DAILY Games Lab AT AESTHETICA Digital storytelling is evolving. The video game industry is undergoing dramatic change, which is gathering pace all the time. The Games Lab will exhibit 36 games and showcase a wide range of different styles and genres. We are ardent supporters of creativity and are looking for games that immerse users in new worlds and push the boundaries of the form.

Date & Time: 6 Nov 16:30-21:15 | 7-9 Nov 09:45-20:45 10 Nov 09:45-19:30 Venue: The Hospitium, Museum Gardens, YO1 7FR

DAILY Sound Installation: Where are you really from?

The unnerving question, “Where are you really from?” doesn’t have a simple answer. Sound artist Vendela Haakonsen conducted interviews with eight people to unpack the question. This installation explores themes of belonging, racism and the profound impact of being “othered.”

A panel discussion will take place on 7 November from 16:00-17:00.

Daily Performance: 6-10 Nov 14:00-15:00 Date & Time: 6-9 Nov 10:00-21:00 I 10 Nov 10:00-18:00 Venue: City Screen Basement, YO1 9QL

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EVENTS & NETWORKING DAILY masterclasses Our 2024 speakers include representatives from leading organisations, such as Aardman, BAFTA Games, Film4, ew or Times and Ridley Scott Associates, as well as a range of directors, producers and VFX specialists who have worked on projects like Alien, All of s Strangers, Wallace and romit, o se of the Dragon and The Crown. See full listings from p. 205.

Date & Time: 6-9 November | 10:00-18:00 Venue: York Explore, Yorkshire Museum, York Theatre, York St John

DAILY Screen School VR Lab Aesthetica and LCC’s Screen School invite you to become fully immersed in bold and imaginative stories. Embark on a number of mind-blowing and multi-sensory journeys as you explore the world of immersive 360 cinema programmed as part of our Official Selection. Our VR Lab will be held at The Hospitium, alongside our panel discussions at York Explore.

Date & Time: 6 Nov 16:30-20:30 | 7-9 Nov 09:30-21:00 10 Nov 09:30-19:30 Venue: The Hospitium, Museum Gardens, YO1 7FR

VARIOUS DAYS VR Panel Discussions Virtual Reality provides viewers with the most immersive and experiential narratives in digital entertainment. Through a synthesis of bold new technologies and the human imagination, VR has limitless potential for storytelling. Join our experts as they discuss new production pipelines as well as the concerns and possibilities of using AI in the creative industries.

Date & Time: 6-9 November | Various times Venue: York Explore, YO1 7DS

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EVENTS & NETWORKING VARIOUS DAYS UNesco city of media arts expo This is your opportunity to experience cutting-edge work, forge strategic partnerships and meet the future creators making waves in the UK’s Creative Industries. The UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO showcases the exceptional work being delivered by a wide range of leading media arts and creative businesses based in region, with an international reach.

Free to attend. All are welcome.

Date & Time: 7-8 November 09:00-21:00 | 9 November 09:00-17:00 Venue: Guildhall, YO1 9QL

WEEKEND Kids Workshops: Animation, Filmmaking & games We believe in nurturing children’s creativity. This year, we are offering 7-14 year-olds the chance to develop, direct and make their own stopmotion animations, games and live action films. They are delivered in partnership with Grand Central Trains, are led by Animation Nation, Impact Gamers and Pauline Quirke Academy. See more on p.236.

Separate ticket required. This does not grant access to screenings.

Date & Time: 9-10 November | Various times Venue: York St John Creative Centre, YO31 7EX

DAILY pitching Across various days we’re offering a series of 20-minute pitching sessions where experts provide guidance on how to develop ideas, break into the industry and further your distribution goals. These exciting opportunities are led by expert delegates from BBC Film, Film4, Goldfinch, Ridley Scott Associates and Neal Street Productions. See more on p.248.

Pre-selection and application are required.

Date & Time: 6-9 November | Various times Venue: Malmaison, YO1 6DS | Pre-Application required

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Register for MASTERCLASSES be sure to book your place for our industry sessions.

6-9 November | YORKs. Museum / Explore / YSJU / THeatre To attend our exciting range of masterclasses and discussions taking place 6-9 November, all attendees should pre-register to secure a seat. Your pass will need to be valid on the day of the event. You can find all of the scheduled events and book tickets by visiting asff.co.uk/events 65

THE STRANDS At Aesthetica, our programmes are curated into five daily strands that offer a wide-ranging view of how film has the power to ignite, transform and change the world. Curation at Aesthetica Film Festival is centred around compelling narratives, original ideas and powerful, timely storytelling.

We organise the festival into five overarching strands, and these strands reflect the current state-ofplay. These programmes are then sub-curated thematically by genre. We focus on the topics that are the most meaningful, pressing and present in our world. Film is a mechanism to understand the past and present, and it also offers a view of potential futures, encouraging us to ask big questions.

Our curatorial team comprises a number of talented individuals who have a range of expertise and specialisations, having worked for some of the largest film festivals in the world. Through their curation, audiences can explore new cultures, ideas and engage with the future greats of filmmaking.

The festival is organised into the following strands:

Here and Now n The Power of Liberation n It’s a Pleasure to Meet You n Embracing Transformation n

n

We All Have to Start from Somewhere

In-venue screenings will show a range of programmes from across the strand. All films will be available online from 6 November and will be available On Demand until 30 November.

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ONLINE FROM 6 November

STRAND 1

IN THE HERE AND NOW Every second on earth is a tapestry of varied emotions. This strand invites us to unite, participate in enriching dialogues and pay closer attention to the events unfolding around us. Each of these shorts emphasises our common humanity over our differences. It’s about relishing the small joys that bring happiness day to day: sharing a moment with a stranger, the comforting warmth of a friend’s smile, or the soothing sound of a loved one’s voice. Our lives are brimming with beautiful moments and they are just waiting to be appreciated. n Advertising: The Way We Tell Stories n Animation 6: Rhythms and Repetitions n Comedy 2: Tech it or Leave it n Comedy 6: Occupational Hazards n Documentary 5: Ancestral Wisdom n Doc Feature: At the Door of the House Who Will Come Knocking n Drama 2: Where Are Our Blind Spots Hidden n Drama 6: Food for the Machines n Drama 12: And Beyond n Experimental 5: Alternate Realities n Family Friendly 1: Let's Play n Narrative Feature: High Estate n Thriller 2: Short Circuit n VR 2: Cultural Tapestries

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ONLINE FROM 6 November

STRAND 2

EMBRACING TRANSFORMATION How can we expand our perspectives? What does it truly mean to be a global citizen? We can often lose sight of the broader context.

The world is immense, and the narrative of humanity is intricate. By understanding history, we can create societies that are inclusive and interconnected. Despite efforts to sow division, individuals can unite around a world-view grounded in empathy. This strand explores how we can learn from each other during times marked by advances in technology, social media and the heavy weight of the climate crisis. n Animation 2: Escape Plan n Artists' Film 2: Past Meets Future n Comedy 1: In Her Power n Documentary 1: Movement Heals, Movement Liberates n Documentary Feature: Dancing Palestine n Documentary Feature: Silent Men n Drama 5: The Weight We Carry n Drama 10: One Fine Day n Drama 15: Realities of Life n Experimental 1: Beyond Being n Experimental 3: I Am Changing Because of You n Fashion 1: Searching for Meaning n Music Video 2: Dreaming Awake n Thriller 1: Figures in Landscape n VR 3: Echoes of Change

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ONLINE FROM 6 November

STRAND 3

WE ALL START FROM SOMEWHERE Life is a blend of joy, sorrow and everything in between. At any moment, we can experience a mix of these emotions. Often, they come all at once. It's by enduring challenging times that our true character emerges. However, the ways in which we respond and shape the outcome define us. We must confront whatever life throws at us, drawing strength from each other. There is always a moment of sliding doors and the choices that we make impact our futures. These films highlight people's resilience and celebrate moments of happiness. n Animation 4: A Gear Change n Artists' Film 3: Self and Society n Comedy 3: Fight Your Corner n Dance 3: Parallel Lines n Documentary 3: Stronger Together n Documentary 6: It's Complicated n Drama 1: Standing On The Edge Of A Cliff n Drama 7: Kids Rule! n Drama 13: The Space Between n Experimental 4: Our Uniqueness Connects Us n Family Friendly 2: Together Forever n Narrative Feature: A Wasted Night n Narrative Feature: Hamlet Within n Narrative Feature: All The Songs We Never Sang

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ONLINE FROM 6 November

STRAND 4

THE POWER OF LIBERATION Humans are complex creatures. Questions about whether we can be shaped over time, or if our identity is fixed from birth, have been asked for generations. Are we defined more by genetics or by our environment, and does this distinction matter? These films take us on a deep dive into memories, experiences and dreams. Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, and always remember that you have the unique power to become the greatest version of yourself. Every day is a new day, full of possibility and opportunity. n Animation 1: Looking Back / Moving Forward n Artist Film 1: Identity and Connection n Comedy 5: Meeting People is (Not) Easy n Dance 2: A Way to Move Through n Documentary 4: Embracing the Unknown n Documentary Feature: Shâd Bâsh n Drama 3: Between Two Worlds n Drama 11: Ripples of Consequence n Experimental 2: Blurred Lines n Family Friendly 3: Inner Strength n Music Video 1: All the Colours of the World n Narrative Feature: Satu - Year of the Rabbit n Narrative Feature: Ciurè n Thriller 4: The Lonely Are Brave n VR 1: Inner Worlds

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ONLINE FROM 6 November

STRAND STRAND5 5

IT'S A PLEASURE TO MEET YOU Our identities are closely linked to the relationships we form. We embody multiple roles simultaneously. Human connections span colleagues, family, friendship, romance and more. Every unique interaction we have is a distinctive emotional experience, teaching us compassion, empathy and trust. This strand digs deep into the bonds that bring us together, from fleeting encounters to lifelong friendships and family ties. It reveals the network of relationships that influences our lives – and ultimately shapes who we become. n Animation 3: Let's Connect? n Animation 5: Encounters n Comedy 4: Awwwwwkward n Dance 1: Ricochet n Documentary 2: A Family Affair n Documentary Feature: Heartist n Documentary Feature: My Bad Sister n Drama 4: Searching for Something n Drama 8: Girls on Top n Drama 9: Motherhood n Drama 14: Moving Towards Home n Fashion 2: Complex Stories n Thriller 3: Body Melts n VR 4: Dreamscapes and Dimensions

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d/cw/mh

STRAND 5

DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

HEARTIST (SUBTITLED)

PG U

WEDNESDAY 6 November, 19:30 Venue: Friargate Marianna Mørkøre, Beinta á Torkilsheyggi Faroe Islands, 2023, 01:00:00

STRAND 4

Heartist explores the life and work of artist Sigrun Gunnarsdóttir – one of the most important and beloved contemporary painters on the Faroe Islands. The colourful simplicity of her style has resonated with the art world, resulting in local and international recognition. Through aesthetically pleasing and carefully composed imagery, inspired by Sigrun's very own approach, this documentary explores her artistic vision, life journey, personal challenges and quirks. It is a warm and creative portrait of both the artist and the landscapes that have given her inspiration.

SHÂD BÂSH (SUBTITLED)

PG 12

THURSDAY 7 November, 19:00 Venue: Friargate Hélène Rastegar France, 2024, 01:19:00 Hélène Rastegar's documentaries are imbued with an everevolving dual Iranian culture, driven by female characters struggling to find their place. In this feature, she asks her dad: what is Iran like now? What if I go there? History has meddled in our lives, diverting our personal stories, creating knots and lacks. But am I able to go to the land you fled? In the memory of my heart, the lines of a Persian poem you taught me: "Nothing remains, everything passes, everything changes, so live in joy!" Bâbâdjoun, will we have enough time to make up for lost moments before we disappear?

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STRAND 2

SILENT MEN

PG 18

FRIDAY 8 November, 17:00 Venue: YSJU Duncan Cowles UK, 2024, 01:27:00

STRAND 5

Part therapy, part road trip, this deadpan film takes us on a journey through male mental health, stigma and taboo in the UK. Admitting that he is not always open and intimate in his conversations with loved ones, BAFTA- winner Duncan Cowles has set out to understand masculinity in the modern age. He is on a mission to find out what makes men tick and, more importantly, come to terms with all aspects of health, both physical and mental. Silent Men grapples with being able to express oneself as a man – to become someone at peace with themselves, their life and the ones they love.

MY BAD SISTER

18

SATURDAY 9 November, 19:00 Venue: YSJU Joe Magowan UK, 2023, 00:40:00 Polly and Sophie Duniam are an infamous pair of twins from South-East London. Performing together since early childhood, the duo has made a name for themselves on the illegal rave circuit. But a decade of being the biggest wreckheads in the rave has begun to take its toll. Joe Magowan’s intimate documentary follows the twins, as they embark on a new journey of sobriety whilst tackling intense sibling rivalry, the Covid-19 pandemic and a dwindling fanbase.

Now, the sisters must decide if they have what it takes to get serious and grow beyond a world that's holding them back.

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STRAND 2

DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

DANCING PALESTINE

15

SATURDAY 9 November, 19:00 Venue: YSJU Lamees Almakkawy UK, 2024, 00:37:02

STRAND 1

To dance is to remember; to dance is to remind. As the Palestinian identity continues to be threatened with erasure, communities turn to their folk dance – the dabke – as an homage to their history and culture, and to assert their very existence. Dancing Palestine documents this embodiment of collective memory, as those who create the choreography for the dabke piece together their identities too. Alongside the film – which is a performance in itself – the dabke stands as a testament to Palestinian people’s deep love for life, and their desire to record, archive and celebrate their heritage.

AT THE DOOR OF THE HOUSE WHO WILL COME KNOCKING

PG U

SUNDAY 10 November, 17:30 Venue: Friargate Maja Novaković Serbia, 2024, 01:24:00 Set within the harsh yet beautiful landscape of Bosnia and Herzegovina, At the Door of the House Who Will Come Knocking reveals inner realms through the protagonist's patient observation of the natural world. The film follows an elderly man living in isolation, weaving together a tapestry of dreamlike visuals, as the narrative records the routines of his daily life. Told through a blend of slow, observational footage and evocative re-enactments, Novaković's film is a poetic meditation on solitude, loneliness and aging. It offers a unique portrait of the nature of human existence.

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STRAND 4

NARRATIVE FEATURES

SATU - YEAR OF THE RABBIT (SUBTITLED)

U

WEDNESDAY 6 November, 15:30 Venue: Friargate Joshua Trigg UK, 2024, 01:32

STRAND 1

Bo flees the capital city of Laos, and an abusive family, in pursuit of a life in photojournalism and the story that will kick start her career. Along the way, she encounters Satu, a Buddhist orphan who may in fact be the answer she is looking for. When an unexploded American bomb endangers the Pha Tang temple that Satu calls home, the two are forced to head north in search of his long-lost mother. As the duo traverses the rich tropical landscape by motorcycle in search of answers, they meet perils, kidnappings, heartbreak and begin to find themselves.

ALL THE SONGS WE NEVER SANG (SUBTITLED)

U

THURSDAY 7 November, 17:30 Venue: YSJU Chris Rudz Japan, 2023, 01:55:00 A rebellious teen, Natsumi, arrives from Tokyo to a small provincial island in search of treasure, left by her deceased mother. There she meets her aunt, who works as a traditional freediver; Natsumi is shocked to discover that she is her mother's identical twin sister. A long-standing conflict between the siblings meant the two had never met. All The Songs We Never Sang follows Natsumi as she tries to find a way to heal old wounds and reunite her family. This is all whilst searching for the treasure left by her mother, and trying to save herself from the difficult challenges ahead.

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D/SW

STRAND 4

NARRATIVE FEATURES

CIURÈ (SUBTITLED)

15

FRIDAY 8 November, 19:00 Venue: YSJU Gianpiero Pumo Italy, 2023, 01:49:00

STRAND 3

Life in suburban Palermo can be tough: Salvo is a young father who struggles between makeshift jobs and criminalgrotesque affairs to support his son. When the whirlwind of violence turns against him, he runs into Ciurè, a transgender dancer, who helps him by opening doors to a kaleidoscopic gay night club where she performs every night. As their two different worlds collide, the pair must find a way to help one another. Will Salvo be able to overcome his prejudices against the "wanderers of the night" and put on a new set of clothes, to the point of reinventing himself in a new body?

HAMLET WITHIN SATURDAY 9 November, 17:00 Venue: YSJU Ken McMullen UK, 2023, 01:26:00 A modern-day version of the iconic Shakespeare play, Hamlet Within explores a young man's psyche, as he contemplates avenging his father's death. By drawing on expertise from actors and scholars, the film investigates the way our perceptions of Hamlet's character are shaped by history and questions why the play has such enduring appeal across the world. Part-documentary, part-narrative feature, this is a film that is shot in five acts, framed with a prologue and an epilogue, creating a collage of moments that perfectly mirrors Hamlet's most famous soliloquies.

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PG

STRAND 1

HIGH ESTATE (SUBTITLED)

PG

SUNDAY 10 November, 13:30 Venue: Yorkshire Museum Rebecca Gallon, Yassine Aïssaoui France, 2023, 00:39:00

STRAND 3

High Estate is inspired by the stories of those who lived in the Assas Tower, a significant building housing people in a deprived area of Montpellier. The 76-metre-high building is due to be demolished in 2024. The film follows, Saïna, a Moroccan woman who moves into the tower block in 1972. The film follows her from decade to decade, and we see the small moments that make up a life unfold within the four walls. Saina builds a home across the years, and, as her life progresses, the story moves closer to the inevitable destruction of the place she calls home.

A WASTED NIGHT (SUBTITLED) 15 SUNDAY 10 November, 13:30 Venue: Yorkshire Museum Suming Zhang Japan, 2023, 01:00:00 Aya and Asuka are two call girls living in Tokyo, who are trying to navigate their lives amidst the bustling Japanese cityscape. Despite the stark contrast in their personalities, they are able to find harmony in each other's company. One fateful evening, when their usual shuttle car malfunctions, Aya and Asuka find themselves meandering through the city's nocturnal streets. As they walk together, their typical chatter takes on a new depth, which leads them to discover a special significance in their mundane “simple days,” a realisation that deepens their bond and perspectives.

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A/SW 15

THE WAY WE TELL STORIES ADVERTISING

Why do we like what we like? Why do we buy what we buy? Advertising is a unique strand in the festival. We are looking at how stories are told in order to evoke action or reaction. It may be from a large brand like Versace or a charity that wants you to give. How do you make a story ? This programme shows a range of methods used in content collaborations.

01

02

SUSPENDED IN SPACE

WHAT'S YOUR TRUTH?

Laís Sambugaro Brazil, 2023, 01:17 The branded short for cosmetic brand Natura was shot almost entirely on Super8. Set in London, it advocates for the use of self-expression to help people embrace and welcome change.

STRAND 1

Cameron Thuman Canada, 2023, 06:30 Two skiers enjoy a single moment of pure bliss as the frozen winter landscape of the Yukon Territory awakens their souls. Suspended in Space stars pro skiers Kajsa Larsson and Celeste Pomerantz.

03

04

SEAHAWKS THROWBACK

WELCOME TO THE 70S

Madeline Down USA, 2023, 01:24 Seahawks Throwback announced the new "Throwback Uniforms," created in collaboration with Nike. A one-shot movement takes us from a 1990s bedroom through to an era-accurate stadium.

05

06

TABOO

SORRY, I DIDN'T QUITE CATCH THAT

Niyadre Taylor UK, 2023, 01:00 Taboo's experimental fragrance commercial, dives into the special connection between scent and memories. The tender ad immerses viewers in the gentle, nostalgic ambience of a summer romance.

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Gretta Sammalniemi Germany, 2023, 02:30 A jazzy, psychedelic call for a return to 1970s fashion reminds us that there is one aspect of the decade that should not come back in style, using the powerful #NoComeBackForUnsafeAbortion.

Daniel Liakh UK, 2023, 03:39 Released in support of International Stammer Awareness Day, a woman with a stammer is stuck in an endless loop of just lousy customer service whilst trying to return a coffin back to the store.

Thursday

Theatre Royal 17:30-18:30

07 BOUBACAR (NO DIALOGUE)

Ivetta Urozhaeva Germany, 2024, 04:10 Boubacar Tangara, a Malian refugee, arrives in Germany without knowing the language. Tangara uses football to unite people and inspire a refugee centre despite the underlying ethnic tensions.

08

Friday

NCEM 14:00-15:00

SAturday

NCEM 15:30-16:30

A/V

HOW TO DRAW A MOUNTAIN

Benn Northover France, 2023, 18:00 How to Draw A Mountain explores the strong spirit of athletes who are at the apex. It is about the ideas of nature and adventure, and how tough challenges are a conduit for self-discovery and change.

STRAND 1

09

10

DEAR PANCREAS (SUBTITLED)

EXILES (NO DIALOGUE)

Fariba Buchheim Germany, 2024, 02:40 We follow Rina who shares with us her journey from childhood to adulthood, living with type one diabetes. Dear Pancreas raises awareness and gives hope to people living with invisible illnesses.

Tomas Kamphuis Portugal, 2023, 03:48 EXILES is a collaborative project commissioned by Hamcus and Adidas China. It is set in the terrains of Zone 3, where the local community stays strong despite living in an unforgiving drought.

11

12

BURT'S BEES - "FLAWLESS IS FORGETTABLE"

CALVIN KLEIN - ETERNITY

Andy Mihov UK, 2023, 00:45 Flawless is forgettable. Being perfect is boring. You are unique.

Burt's Bees celebrates different kinds of beauty in a commercial that challenges us to re-consider what we label "imperfections."

Bamba Kimball USA, 2023, 01:00 In digging up his late brother's time capsule, a man sets out on an emotional journey down memory lane, reflecting and eventually carrying a small piece of his beloved brother with him for eternity.

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A/SW 15

THE WAY WE TELL STORIES

Thursday

Theatre Royal 17:30-18:30

ADVERTISING

13

14

GREY GOOSE: DON'T FORGET THE GOOSE (SUBTITLED)

TINDER - MOVE ON

NCEM 14:00-15:00

SAturday

NCEM 15:30-16:30

Bamba Kimball USA, 2023, 00:45 Stuck constantly reliving a long-term relationship in the past, this short film's main character finds himself in a bar the morning after with other people trapped in the memories of former lost loves.

STRAND 1

Taytum Blake USA, 2023, 01:00 A nun, a goose, and a secret plan. An elaborate scheme sees a group of school girls plan their daring escape using lipstick on the bathroom mirror. All for a bottle of the world's finest vodka.

Friday

15

16

DESERT DIAMONDS | A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND

PUB STORIES: A GOOD NIGHT OUT

Dimitri Yuri Qatar, 2024, 03:30 This short advert for Desert Diamonds paints a portrait of a young woman navigating her life: capturing the turbulent moments, the peaceful glimpses and the euphoria of doing something you love.

17

18

TWISTED PARADISE

A HEALING HEART (SUBTITLED)

Tim Hahne, Samir Zorlak Germany, 2024, 02:30 The cameras join Sebastian Steudtner, as he brings together a team of scientists, wave spotters and safety experts to try and break his own world-record by surfing a massive 26-metre wave.

80

Alice Bloomfield, Ed Morris UK, 2024, 01:00 A Good Night Out is a collaboration between directors Ed Morris and Alice Bloomfield. It features real people who are sharing their best and wildest stories from their most memorable nights out.

Alexandra Tahereh Kaucher, James Jenkins Ecuador, 2023, 06:07 For the Mushullakta tribe, nature and culture are both connected.

Through the sharing of seeds and knowledge, these conservation specialists are bringing back the disappearing trees of their home.

it's THE friday night Party!

Grab a drink & get ready for the weekend ahead 8 November, dusk & Drawing Board 20:00-late Dusk hosts the renowned Friday Night Party, helping to carry Aesthetica Film Festival into a weekend of fun social events and inspiring cinema screenings. This year's event is at Dusk & Drawing Board, located in New Street. It's the perfect spot to join in with the festivities or re-group with your brand new friends.

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AB/MH/SW xx 12

LOOKING BACK/MOVING FORWARD

WEdnesday

City Screen 1 12:00-13:00

ANIMATION 1

Friday

Theatre Main 15:45-16:45

Saturday

Yorks. Museum 16:30-17:30

We can sometimes get trapped in the past, replaying memories of loved ones or revelling in childhood nostalgia. This selection of animations explores what happens when we try to move on. It questions the rose-tinted glasses through which we often see the past. How might these realisations affect our present? Could they change the future trajectory of our lives?

01

02

THE LAST SKETCH (SUBTITLED)

SPECTRE OF THE BEAR

Josh Hicks UK, 2023, 10:53 One man's obsession with crisps becomes unhealthy – and not because he's eating them. Tom's quest for the truth takes him on a journey into the unknown in this animated comedy.

STRAND 4

Edgar Huebert Germany, 2024, 23:50 After the death of his child, Teo can no longer draw. The very last picture he made symbolises the end. This is a story about the power of images and how they can lead to self discovery.

03

04

A TIME BEFORE

I WOULD LIKE TO LIVE ON THE MOON (SUBTITLED)

Leo Metcalf UK, 2024, 12:40 Olly delves into his childhood memories, navigating through the fantastical worlds his sister created to shield them from familial strife. A journey into the buried past that shapes who we become.

05

06

POROUS (NO DIALOGUE)

THE MAN WHO LOVED FLOWERS

Cecilia Reeve UK, 2023, 04:00 Paint on glass, gouache and digital animation come together in this dreamy narrative. A woman takes a bath and reflects upon her past. Submerged in the water, she enters a space out of time.

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Emily Burke UK, 2023, 02:13 A young non-binary person feels overwhelmed and wants to escape – literally – to start a new life on the moon. This short film navigates gender identity and what it means to belong.

Sonu Thomas UK, 2023, 03:18 This poignant illustrated short tells the story of a shy Indian man, Pinto, who has hidden his love for flowers all throughout his life due to the societal pressures that are placed upon him.

AB/BV/MH/SW

ESCAPE PLAN

Wednesday

Yorks. Museum 18:00-19:00

ANIMATION 2

Friday

City Screen 1 14:00-15:00

Saturday

YSJU 15:30-16:30

12

Film is often used as an escape, or a portal through which to jump into another world. In this programme, the main characters are trying to break free – whether from a personal experience or a sticky situation. Yet, these films show how running away from our fears may not always be the answer. Sometimes, they can provide opportunities to discover something new.

01

02

TENNIS, ORANGES

THINK SOMETHING NICE (NO DIALOGUE)

Sean Pecknold USA, 2024, 10:53 A robotic vacuum cleaner, suffering from burnout, quits its job at a hospital and sets out to find community and greater purpose on a quiet street. It meets two rabbits who are stuck in perpetual loops.

Claudius Gentinetta Switzerland, 2022, 06:00 Our protagonist is at the mercy of the dentist's chair. He can't escape the inevitable confrontation with pain, but, to distract himself, he takes refuge in a fantasy about fishing and the sea.

STRAND 2

03

04

THE NECTAR INSTEAD

GOODBYE FOREVER MAYBE?

Yoo Lee USA, 2023, 04:12 A young fly gets stuck in a trap at a stop-motion studio, only to have the existential realisation that it spent its entire life chasing after the wrong thing. Now, it seeks to rectify these past mistakes.

Karoline Björk, Sammy Paul UK, 2023, 13:37 A stranded astronaut attempts to write his own eulogy. As he looks down from above, he asks: what message should I send to those back on Earth? How would I like to be remembered?

05

06

A WIND AND THE SHADOW

GARDENING

Kris Kelly Ireland, 2023, 08:51 A mother confronts her biggest fears and uncertainties. The lines between reality and memory blur in a profound moment: when her daughter bravely opens up and discusses her illness.

Sarah Beeby UK, 2024, 13:54 In the aftermath of sexual assault, a woman retreats into the garden of her mind. She is searching for answers, realising she needs to regain her voice and discover new paths to healing.

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Mh/S/SW xx 15

LET'S CONNECT?

Thursday

City Screen 1 17:30-18:30

ANIMATION 3 (SUBTITLED)

Friday

Yorks. Museum 21:00-22:00

Sunday

NCEM 12:00-13:00

We live in a hyper connected world, but this can sometimes leave us feeling more alone than ever. These films reflect on the different links – with friends, family or ourselves – that might swell, grow and develop across our lives. They also raise questions about how, unfortunately, these connections may be challenged or threatened by things that happen around us.

01

02

AND GRANNY WOULD DANCE (SUBTITLED)

NOGGIN (SUBTITLED)

Case Jernigan USA, 2024, 07:10 There's no sugar coating it: you’ve got brain damage from multiple sclerosis. Your memories are fading, so it's time to gather everything together and soon you’ll build a palace.

STRAND 5

Maryam Mohajer UK, 2024, 09:48 Marmar listens to stories told by her grandmother’s friends, as they play an illicit card game. This is a tribute to the solidarity of Iranian women, based on childhood memories and shared stories.

03

04

SPRING (NO DIALOGUE)

THREADED (SUBTITLED)

Pernille Kjaer Denmark, 2023, 12:28 In a farmhouse, a woman tries to lure the resident house spirit – a mischievous Nisse – with offerings of food. Spring is around the corner, but winter's chill still lingers as Nisse slips into her dreams.

05

06

DODO (NO DIALOGUE)

MEE AND BURD (SUBTITLED)

Yi Luo China, 2023, 12:36 Young Dodo‘s father is, unexpectedly, a big blue bird. Sadly, one day, he flew away from the windowsill, and he has not come back home. Since that one fateful day, Dodo has stopped growing up.

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Naaman Azhari UK, 2024, 04:35 As preparations for the wedding unfold, Faisal’s mother takes us on a heartfelt journey through his past, weaving together memories and moments that have shaped him as a person.

Greg McLeod UK, 2023, 07:48 A post-operative existential crisis inspires an animator to make a film about a post-operative existential crisis. Embark on a metatale from one half of the BAFTA-winning The Brothers McLeod.

AB/CW/FLS/MH

A GEAR CHANGE

Thursday

City Screen 1 10:00-11:00

ANIMATION 4

Saturday

City Screen 1 12:00-13:00

Sunday

YSJU 15:00-16:00

15

Situations change, and, sometimes, this is totally out of our control. Unexpected events can alter our lives either positively or negatively. This programme uses humour, metaphor and real experiences to consider the different ways a slight shift can have a ripple effect. It asks: how do we embrace these moments, and not let a change of gear completely derail us?

01

02

PASSENGER

THE GARDEN OF HEART

Nia Alavezos UK, 2024, 09:55 In this anime-inspired film, Cora’s life changes forever after a vengeful spirit appears. The spirit tries to possess Cora’s body, but over time they form a dysfunctional relationship.

Olivér Hegyi Hungary, 2022, 10:32 A young aspiring painter with low self-esteem is in his last set of interviews for the painting department of the Academy of Fine Arts. Whilst waiting for his interview, his demons appear.

STRAND 4

03

04

DRAGONFLY

SWEET LIKE LEMONS (NO DIALOGUE)

Julia Morizawa USA, 2023, 13:33 A young girl learns of her mother’s survival after the devastating fire-bombing of Tokyo: air raids that took place from 9-10 March 1945. The tale is narrated through the eyes of her brother’s spirit.

Jenny Jokela UK, 2023, 05:31 Sweet Like Lemons is a visual reflection on getting out of a harmful relationship and moving on. The title is a play on the saying: “when life gives you lemons make lemonade.”

05

06

IN LOVING MEMORIES (NO DIALOGUE)

FALLING FOR GRETA (NO DIALOGUE)

John Eaton UK, Year, 07:42 A young boy tries to comfort his grieving mother during a hard time. This deeply personal story, retold in painstaking graphite drawing, depicts a child who has to appear older than his years.

Gustavo Arteaga UK, 2023, 11:16 When love comes knocking, Greta’s world is turned upside down. As her passion grows, complications follow. But little does she know that change is coming in the shape of water.

85

xxx AB/ED/DU/FLS/LNE/MH/S/SW xx 18

ENCOUNTERS

Thursday

YSJU 20:00-21:00

ANIMATION 5

Saturday

City Screen 1 17:30-18:30

Sunday

YSJU 18:00-19:00

A chance meeting, thought or experience can alter the course of a day, a week, or even a lifetime. Whether it is with a stranger, an animal or an object, even the smallest encounter can make a big difference to how we see the world. This programme of six short films uncovers how unexpected and surprising moments can challenge us to think differently.

01

02

AN ANGEL ON OXFORD STREET

DARWIN STORY

Natasha Tonkin UK, 2023, 09:00 Lee returns to Darwin from London when her mum is taken ill.

After a chance encounter, there's an opportunity to reflect on the past, but is she ready to think differently about her home?

STRAND 5

Paul Shammasian UK, 2024, 08:32 An Angel On Oxford Street centres around the character Saul and his reluctant journey into Oxford Street, London, where he has an unexpectedly life changing meeting with one rough sleeper.

03

04

THE WOLF (NO DIALOGUE)

PLUNGE

Theodroe Ushev Canada, 2024, 10:00 An old man is chasing a wolf pack. One small wolf manages to survive the hunt, but, eventually, the little cub will return to face him. One question remains: who will win – the wolf or the man?

05

06

BRIGHT WHITE LIGHT (SUBTITLED)

SHE AND HER GOOD VIBRATIONS (NO DIALOGUE)

Henna Välkky, Eesu Lehtola Finland, 2023, 13:32 Bright White Light is a short animated documentary that explores near-death experiences. It is told through five culturally diverse narratives, using real audio to voyage to the edges of mortality.

86

Ellie Land UK, 2024, 07:55 This is Katie Wotton's journey. She regains control of her life by reconnecting to nature and the sea, finding empowerment, friendship and healing by plunging into deep and frigid waters.

Olivia Griselda, Sarah Cheok Singapore, 2023, 10:48 After receiving a vibrator by mistake, a middle-aged, stressedout woman gets hooked on solo pleasure sessions, but as her addiction sets in, she quickly begins losing touch with reality.

BV/S/SW

RHYTHMS AND REPETITIONS

Thursday

Theatre Royal 13:00-14:00

ANIMATION 6

Friday

NCEM 19:30-20:30

Saturday

Theatre Royal 13:30-14:30

15

Repetition is built into every day. There are routines we follow, from getting out of bed to travelling to work and back home again. These patterns can be comforting and reassuring, or monotonous and predictable. For better or worse, these cycles can break down. It is up to us to decide what we do next: whether to get back on track, or to build an entirely new rhythm.

01

02

THREE HARES

[S] (NO DIALOGUE)

Paloma Baeza UK, 2024, 04:50 Three Hares weaves an enchanting creation myth. An origin story of three ancient hares morphs into an environmental tale about three sisters who must remind mankind to respect planet Earth.

Mario Radev UK, 2024, 12:33 [S] is a moving artwork that exposes the lifespan of infinity. This film delves into an immersive loop of organic forms and repeated patterns, reflecting on the different entanglements of life and art.

STRAND 1

03

04

WANDER TO WONDER (SUBTITLED)

DYING FOR BEGINNERS

Nina Gantz Belgium, 2023, 13:20 Mary, Billybud and Fumbleton are the names of three miniature human actors who perform in an 1980s kids TV series: Wander to Wonder. After the creator dies, they are left alone in the studio.

Emily Downe UK, 2023, 04:18 A short animation about what happens as we die. Voiced by palliative care doctor, Dr Kathryn Mannix, the film takes a gentle step-by-step journey through the process of dying.

05

06

ON THE 8TH DAY (NO DIALOGUE)

THE BROWN DOG

Sénéchal, Massez, Debruyne, Carin, Duhautois France, 2023, 08:12 It took seven days to create the world, but it only took one to disrupt its delicate balance. This is the premise of On the 8th Day, a film about how easily an ecosystem can be derailed.

Nadia Hallgren, Jamie-James Medina USA, 2024, 14:24 Night after night, we follow a watchman who clocks in to work at a lonely security booth in an empty apartment complex parking lot.

Voiced by the late Michael K. Williams, he composes endless logs.

87

DU/MH/SW DU/MH/SW

IDENTITY AND CONNECTION

15

Thursday

Theatre Royal 21:00-22:30

ARTISTS' FILM 1

SAturday

Theatre Royal 10:00-11:30

Sunday

YSJU 21:30-23:00

These short films explore the empathic cords that connect us, define us and, sometimes, bind us. Nico follows a recently transitioned trans man, as he struggles to be seen as himself. Tender Cords dives into the feeling of proximity that technology promises, whilst Benchwarmers showcases the massive impact a park bench can have on a diverse London community.

01

02

TENDER LOVING CARE (SUBTITLED)

NICO

Max Olson USA, 2024, 16:00 Nico, who is a recently transitioned trans man, is offered a readymade masculine identity to slip into when Helen, his grieving neighbour, mistakes him for her recently deceased husband.

STRAND 4

Kalina Pulit UK, 2023, 20:00 This is a tender and poignant story about love and connection in the urban sprawl of London. A single woman in her 30s decides to call up various customer support lines in search of companionship.

03

04

TENDER CORDS

BENCHWARMERS

Rosana Cuellar Germany, 2024, 18:51 The telephone line becomes the only source of connection as Sylvie attempts to navigate the bureaucratic red tape to get her elderly and unwell mother Susanne out of her nursing home.

05

06

EVER PRESENT

TURNER

Antony Barkworth-Knight UK, 2023, 14:40 An intimate exploration of the transience of life in an age where we can constantly capture every moment. Ever Present was created using personal mobile phone footage shot across the last decade.

88

Isaac Rhodri Bokoko UK, 2023, 05:56 Benchwarmers is a captivating short film that gives us insights into the intertwining narratives of a diverse London community from the single, unnoticed perspective of an unassuming park bench.

Joanna Mamede Brazil, 2023, 17:48 Ella Turner lives between shades of pink and blue. Translated into the language of colours, the film spans physics, psychology and aesthetics whilst exploring social constructs and the natural world.

BV/CW/FLS/LNE

PAST MEETS FUTURE

Friday

Theatre Royal 17:30-19:00

ARTISTS' FILM 2

Saturday

Friargate 17:00-18:30

Sunday

YSJU 10:00-11:30

15

A series of films that depicts the friction between old and new. In Just Kids, an ambitious Asian-American man is confronted by echoes from his childhood. Marc Horowitz's Don’t Tell Peanut is a neo-Campbellian techno-parable. In Upriver, extractive industries clash with human and non-human communities, whilst Rachel Maclean's DUCK is an innovative deepfake short.

01

02

THE FLESH OF LANGUAGE

8 (SUBTITLED)

Amanda Rice Ireland, 2023, 16:00 The Flesh of Language establishes a link between interspecies and paranormal communication to engage with and question the barrier that typically separates modern science from esotericism.

Anaïs-Tohé Commaret France, 2023, 20:00 In the suburban housing estates across France, young people begin to wish for money and success. Their dreams clog up the air conditioning ducts, until, one day, everything begins to drip.

STRAND 2

03

04

JUST KIDS

DON'T TELL PEANUT

Jackie Bao USA, 2023, 05:00 An ambitious Asian-American man is shaped by the experiences of his immigrant father. His life is unexpectedly changed forever when he is visited by a familiar figure on his journey to the top.

Marc Horowitz USA, 2023, 22:04 Dad is gone, mama is sick. With no way up and every way down, Peanut tries to strike it rich and save his family. Find out whether Peanut emerges as a zero or a hero in this epic techno-parable.

05

06

UPRIVER

DUCK

Felipe Castelblanco Switzerland, 2020, 14:00 Upriver is a two-channel film that takes the viewer on an incredible journey up the Putumayo River into the Colombian Pan Amazon region, revealing a vertical landscape with planetary resonance.

Rachel Maclean UK, 2024, 16:26 DUCK is a deepfake short that follows Sean Connery’s unravelling after he sees Marilyn Monroe’s return from the dead. This bold, daring film is set in the recognisable world of a British spy thriller.

89

A/AB/CW/FlS/S

SELF AND SOCIETY

PG

Wednesday

Yorks. Museum 19:30-20:30

ARTISTS' FILM 3

Thursday

Friargate 17:30-18:30

Friday

Friargate 19:30-20:30

This selection examines the relationship between prevailing cultures and individual experience. In Tell Me What You Want, diverse women reflect on what it means to exist, as a person read as female in a world that was not made for them, whilst in the moving Bitter Fruits, a young Turkish woman, misunderstood and unheard, finds solace in the sanctuary of her body.

01

02

TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT

THE INVISIBLE SHIFT, 2024

Caroline Emma Mackenzie UK, 2024, 15:00 The Invisible Shift looks into the human side of shift work through the eyes of a Windrush generation nurse called Thelma, as she shares her life experience of being both a worker and caregiver.

STRAND 3

Lea Thurner Germany, 2024, 11:27 More than 30 women reflect on what it means to exist as a person identified as female in a world that was not made for them. This is a short about intimacy and sex and, for that very reason, also life.

03

04

BITTER FRUITS (SUBTITLED)

HIGH STREET REPEAT

Paula Buchta Germany, 2024, 02:39 Misunderstood and unheard, a Turkish girl questions her place in a world that confines her to predefined roles. She considers the reality of womanhood as she watches her sister become an adult.

05

06

COMFORT

BEACONS

Daisy Smith Netherlands, 2023, 17:16 We meet Evangeline Dobbs, who traverses night shifts, workplace reviews, environmental change, national borders and physical discomfort in her quest to make an honest living for her family.

90

Osbert Parker, Laurie Hill UK, 2023, 04:25 High Street Repeat uses a range of both stop motion and digital animation techniques to delve into the narratives of migration and enterprise, told through the changing face of Britain’s high street.

Jasmina Cibic UK, 2023, 23:00 A cinematic journey unfolds as eight women translate speeches from the inaugural conference of cultural workers from NonAligned Movement countries into a mesmerising musical score.

AB/ED/S/SW

IN HER POWER

Wednesday

City Screen 1 10:00-11:30

COMEDY 1

Thursday

NCEM 15:30-17:00

Saturday

NCEM 13:30-15:00

15

There are no shrinking violets or demure wallflowers to be found here. Rather, the women who appear in this collection of shorts all possess a force of will, which sees them school men who wrongly assume they know better. They refuse to have their voices ignored by dismissive and ill-designed systems, acting on long-held grievances in the most satisfying of ways.

01

02

JANE AUSTEN'S PERIOD DRAMA

ROAST DINNER

Julia Aks, Steve Pinder USA, 2023, 12:41 During a long-awaited marriage proposal, Miss Estrogenia Talbot gets her period. When her dashing suitor mistakes the blood for an injury, it soon becomes clear his education has missed a spot.

Hipatia Argüero Mendoza UK, 2023, 12:36 We meet a woman who tries to reconcile her desires and fear of intimacy through a convoluted sexual game, but then she meets a man who is the literal embodiment of her problematic fantasy.

STRAND 2

03

04

GRAVE ERROR

ESSENTIALLY PAINLESS

Andrew Jonathan Smith UK, 2023, 12:08 Grave Error follows protagonist Emma, who embarks on a wildly absurd bureaucratic odyssey to officially get her life back after an administrative error means she is now registered as legally dead.

Sam Seccombe UK, 2023, 15:18 When Ella makes an emergency visit to a sexual health clinic, her ludicrous experience leaves her reeling. She begins to question the value of her own voice and the validity of her own experiences.

05

06

TRESPASSERS

GOLDEN CHILD

Isla Elizabeth Jackson-Ritchie UK, 2023, 10:22 In this dark comedy, a young woman has got to tell her loyal and loving boyfriend one harsh truth: that in order to have an orgasm, she must imagine she is anywhere else and with anyone but him.

Hannah Levin USA, 2023, 10:02 A young woman is reunited with her childhood friend at a pool party and now has to reckon with the bizarre fact that the fullygrown adult before her used to pee on her when they were kids.

91

BV/FLS/MH BV/FLS/MH/SW

TECH IT OR LEAVE IT

15

Wednesday

City Screen 2 13:30-15:00

COMEDY 2

Friday

Friargate 17:30-19:00

Saturday

Friargate 21:00-22:30

Love it or hate it, technology pervades every facet of our lives, be that the food we eat, the way we work or even our closest relationships. Featuring a woman's battle to prove her humanity, a man who vehemently eschews its lure and AI assistants that do much more than hallucinate, this programme exposes the inextricable role tech plays in everything we experience.

01

02

I'M NOT A ROBOT (SUBTITLED)

HAPPY MEAT

Matt Green UK, 2024, 16:20 When its lab-grown vegan meat suddenly begins to develop teeth, the company owners are faced with an escalating series of urgent moral dilemmas – and the dire situation soon gets out of control.

STRAND 1

Victoria Warmerdam Netherlands, 2023, 20:00 After a series of unsuccessful attempts to complete a Captcha test, feminist Lara must find the answer to the question of whether she is a robot, and, as such, a possession owned by her own boyfriend.

03

04

QUIET LIFE

VERRUCAWAY

Ruth Pickett UK, 2023, 11:03 After a bruising public breakup, Geoffrey (Luke Rollason) decides that he needs a quiet life. He buries his phone and shuns all tech in his staunch one-man silent rebellion against the modern world.

05

06

ROBUTLER

DOPE FIEND

James Button UK, 2022, 05:37 Overworked, disorganised and dismissed, Cwnt Jones is a local council worker who one day stumbles across an advert selling a "Robutler." Can this AI assistant help him turn his dull life around?

92

Magnus McCullagh, Charlie Brafman UK, 2023, 18:00 In the humdrum hive of a leading pharmaceutical company that specialises in verruca and wart treatments, everyman Paul finds his life upended by the arrival of Iris, a pioneering AI assistant.

Rosanagh Griffiths UK, 2023, 14:58 Fran, a clean-cut woman, waits for her partner Nia to join her for a therapy appointment. As the clock ticks, Fran is sent on a chaotic and increasingly surreal journey throughout the waiting room.

AB/D/FLS/MH/SW

FIGHT YOUR CORNER

Wednesday

Friargate 21:00-22:30

COMEDY 3

Friday

City Screen 1 12:00-13:30

Sunday

15

Yorks. Museum 10:00-11:30

It may be laudable to turn the other cheek but some battles should definitely be fought regardless of whether they're won or lost in the end. Here we square up alongside the provocateurs of a silent political fight, a gig work delivery driver who rebels against his privileged customers, and a disrespected, overlooked puppeteer who finally decides enough is enough.

01

02

VICTORY TO THE MIMERS

TIPPY TOES

James Green UK, 2024, 14:59 When his beloved family trade becomes targeted by a right-wing government with a long-standing hatred for the arts, one mime performer desperately rallies the troops for a silent revolution.

Louis Paxton UK, 2023, 14:04 His ex-girlfriend. His boss. The downstairs neighbour who just won't stop complaining. Sam tries hard to be nice to everyone he meets, but he soon realises that he may, in fact, be too nice.

STRAND 3

03

04

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

FLUFF

Cameron Turnbull UK, 2024,10:45 A man discovers that his image is being used in a series of shock campaigns. With his reputation, job and engagement on the line, he approaches the advertising agency responsible for answers.

Max Clendaniel UK, 2024, 13:27 A puppeteer is pushed to the limit when her puppet starts getting bigger, but no one believes her. As Barno starts to wreak physical havoc, Eunice's ability to keep it all under control begins to crack.

05

06

SIDNEY

THE BALLAD (SUBTITLED)

Iris Breward UK, 2023, 10:20 Fresh out of clown school, Sidney has high aspirations for his first children’s party booking. But things take a turn when he is dragged into a power struggle with the birthday boy’s dad.

Christofer Nilsson France, 2023, 13:13 A fed-up delivery worker chooses a split-second act of rebellion and locks himself in the home of the customer he was delivering to, resulting in an awkward dance between the differing classes.

93

D/FLS/S/SW D/FLS/S/SW

AWWWWWKWARD

15

Thursday

NCEM 11:30-13:00

COMEDY 4

Friday

NCEM 15:30-17:00

SunDAY

City Screen 1 15:30-17:00

What better place is there to experience that toe-curling feeling, which rises from the pit of your stomach as the awkward embarrassment of a situation takes hold, than a comedy programme? From the invasive revealing of medical information to navigating gifting coffee to a stranger, these films are bound by the enjoyment of their characters' palpable discomfort.

01

02

IN THEIR DREAMS ALL JELLYFISH ARE WET

HOPES AND BEANS

Klara Kaliger UK, 2024, 10:40 Zoe offers to buy a stranger a coffee and it goes terribly wrong, over and over again. That is until we realise we’re stuck in a loop of the worst possible scenarios inside her socially anxious mind.

STRAND 5

Marie Luise Lehner Austria, 2023, 27:00 This film questions not only the rules of the swimming pool, but also gender norms, social conventions and the great feeling that emerges when one has managed to overcome one's own shame.

03

04

OFFLINE (SUBTITLED)

HELIKOPTER (SUBTITLED)

Daniel Fure Schwarz, Mauritz Brekke Solberg Norway, 2023, 15:57 The final version of a new commercial is supposed to promote the company’s diverse profile, but soon problems begin to arise when the client thinks two of the Black actors in it look too much alike.

05

06

GOOD NEIGHBOUR

AMIGO

Julian Lucas Australia, 2024, 12:00 Phil is in hospital after a kidney failure when Jeff, his neighbour, emerges as a potential donor. However, his demand in exchange for the key organ sparks a moral dilemma for Phil and his family.

94

Jesper Sichlau Denmark, 2024, 09:30 When Rikke brings home a guy she’s only just met, her night takes an unexpected turn. Soon she finds herself facing a hard dilemma that will put her staunchly-held body positive beliefs to the test.

James Newman, Harrison Newman UK, 2024, 11:29 Amigo is a new rent-a-friend app that has taken London by storm, but an unfriendly Amigo's life comes crashing down around him when he finds out his very existence is not what he thought it was.

AB/BV/DU/MH/S/SW

MEETING PEOPLE IS (NOT) EASY

Thursday

City Screen 1 13:30-15:00

COMEDY 5

Saturday

City Screen 1 10:00-11:30

Sunday

18

YSJU 19:30-21:00

No matter how confident we may feel in ourselves, the unpredictability that comes from our interactions with strangers can often throw us into hilarious turmoil. In these shorts, supposed idyllic retreats, support groups with confused objectives and hookups – which end in any manner of ghastly ways – demonstrate how meeting new people isn't all it's cracked up to be.

01

02

GOOD LUCK NELLE

A.A.

Carissa Thorne UK, 2023, 14:00 After being evicted by her landlord, Nelle has just 24 short hours to secure a room to rent in London. She is forced to attend a series of increasingly bizarre, chaotic and disturbing property viewings.

Auden Bui USA, 2023, 05:47 A desperate woman heads into an AA meeting, but, as the people around her begin to open up, she soon realises that it is not the AA gathering she, or anyone else in attendance, was expecting.

STRAND 4

03

04

I HOPE HE DOESN'T KILL ME.

THE FARM

Lyndon Henley Hanrahan, Nora Dahle Borchgrevink UK, 2023, 13:32 We meet Buzz, who pauses outside the apartment building of his anonymous Grindr hookup, imagining the endless depraved ways this night could end. Horrified yet horny, Buzz buzzes the buzzer.

Leo Villares Brazil, 2023, 19:04 Calvin and Hanna come to the farm expecting rest and relaxation.

When they meet Bernardo, the resort's eccentric guru, they learn that the retreat is actually an experimental psychotherapy centre.

05

06

A ROSE FOR KATRINA

THE REAL THING

Harry Quinlan Australia, 2023, 09:13 Michael, a man hoping to make a positive impression on his first date with Katrina, is soon drawn into a strange web of mind games as the charismatic Katrina begins to reveal her true eccentricities.

Charlie Fink UK, 2023, 14:26 A lonely guy tries to dispose of an ultra-realistic sex doll after an unexpectedly successful date. Seeking help, he contacts the doll company, which offers an "off the books" disposal service.

95

BV/LNE/SW BV/LNE/SW

OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS

15

COMEDY 6

Wednesday

City Screen 2 17:30-18:30

thursday

City Screen 3 12:30-12:30

Friday

Friargate 21:00-22:00

saturday

City Screen 1 21:15-22:15

Sunday

City Screen 2 12:00-13:00

Whether you live to work or work to live, this line-up turns the mundane world of work into a comedy playground where airport officials play hot potato with a corpse, newbie criminals stumble, stage divas crumble, and corporate climbers clash for the top spot. These films prove that sometimes, the path to career success is paved with missteps and pitfalls aplenty.

01

02

UNPRECEDENTED CRIMES

DON'T HATE ME

Grace Campbell UK, 2024, 12:25 When we meet Grace, she is doing ... sooooo well. She happens to be like, the happiest she’s ever been. Why? Not her good health or burgeoning career, no. Because of a man she met three weeks ago.

STRAND 1

Samuel Hurlock, Joseph Beverley UK, 2024, 07:22 Looking for a job? How about crime? It's Frank and Ollie’s first day at "work" and things don’t quite go the way it does in the movies.

Ultimatums can be tricky in this workplace comedy-with-a-twist.

03

04

OFFICE ROYALE

THE NOBODY

Sam Baron UK, 2023, 13:17 A bland office is shaken up when the owner informs his employees that he wants to hand the company over to one of them and that they can't leave the premises until a new boss has been selected.

05 JUST BE AWESOME

Cringo Williamson, Ed Kear UK, 2024, 13:33 With spiralling debts and a burnt-out partner, Alex needs some work. An opportunity at a trendy agency offers a way out. But he's going to have to play their game if he wants to land the role.

96

Razan Madhoon UK, 2024, 10:52 UK Airport Immigration Officer Sarah questions her very role and institution when an unidentified passenger, whom Sarah believes to be an illegal immigrant, dies on an arrival flight from Egypt.

RICOCHET

Friday

NCEM 21:00-22:00

DANCE 1

Saturday

Friargate 15:30-16:30

Sunday

PG

YSJU 13:30-14:30

Solidarity, haunting, battle and joy coalesce in this genre-hopping selection of short films. We ricochet from the enthralling choreography of Yugo Manchester to the bruised characters contorting through cars in UWD, and the load of motherhood in Weight. Elsewhere, in Oya, Dance!, a girl connects to her Yoruba culture through music. Worlds and bodies keep spinning.

01

02

SHADOWASH

UWD

Eve McConnachie UK, 2024, 04:40 Ballet – but not as you've seen it before. In Shadowash, dancers at the Scottish Ballet take us on an intense emotional voyage as their bodies contort, writhe and flow to the harsh, jolting rhythm.

Myriam Verreault, Brigitte Poupart Canada, 2023, 18:30 We enter into a ruined world where each person survives alone in collective disarray. Their moving bodies reveal bruised characters, haunted by a past that is sweeter than this now crumbling reality.

STRAND 5

03

04

TO HOLD MY LOVE (SUBTITLED)

OYA, DANCE!

Elettra Giunta, Adam Othman UK, 2023, 10:00 Five dancers engage with women's vulnerabilities, identity, body image and sensuality. A portrait of complex emotional journeys experienced through the profound strength of strong sisterhood.

Naomi Soneye-Thomas Nigeria, UK, 2024, 05:33 A girl, who lives in a tower block in East London, connects to her Yoruba culture through dance. This short film explores how music connects the Nigerian diaspora living in the UK and beyond.

05

06

YUGO MANCHESTER

THE WEIGHT

Daniel Rodrigues Correia Slovenia, 2023, 13:00 This film guides us through the 20 th century city transformation of Maribor, Slovenia, through mesmerising choreography. It shows the gradual shift from an industrial powerhouse to a cultural gem.

Vanessa Rose UK, 2024, 05:00 A mother dances through her morning ritual. Her husband and son lovingly wrap a blanket around her. As time passes the layers increase, making it harder and harder for her to dance.

97

FLS /LNE/MH/SW

A WAY TO MOVE THROUGH

15

Wednesday

Friargate 12:00-13:00

DANCE 2

SAturday

YSJU 10:30-11:30

Sunday

YSJU 16:30-17:30

These films look back, clash with the present and feel the future. In Door of No Return, the artist moves through horrors at House of Slaves, Senegal. Mothertongue sheds light on the shared experiences of parenthood. In Where Do Ants Sleep at Night, a man and a woman suffer from the same terrible disease, as a pigeon flies in through the window and wreaks havoc.

01

03 02

SENTENCE (NO DIALOGUE)

STATSIS (NO DIALOGUE)

Amaka Lin UK, 2023, 05:34 Three characters, who are enclosed in a home, remain trapped in an unknown stasis where nothing moves, and nothing grows.

Suddenly, an ethereal light brings them back to life – but at a cost.

STRAND 4

Rosemary Lee, Hugo Glendinning UK, 2023, 09:00 Sentence evokes the ephemerality of dance through the usage of slow shutter speed. Shot in a former court room, traces of the dancer's movements blur into the dark wood panelled interiors.

04 03

04 05

WHERE DO ANTS SLEEP AT NIGHT (NO DIALOGUE)

MOTHERTONGUE (SUBTITLED)

Dean Wei China, 2023, 20:00 A man and a woman suffer from the same terrible disease: they do not fit in. Their world, which is a bleak office space, is disrupted when a pigeon flies in through the window and wreaks total havoc.

06 05 DOOR OF NO RETURN

Suzanne Smith, Sylvia Solf USA, 2024, 15:48 Gregory Maqoma navigates his own identity through a deeply personal narrative performed at House of Slaves on Goree Island, Senegal, a landmark to one of humanity’s most horrific journey.

98

Darcy Wallace UK, 2024, 06:07 Mothertongue sheds light on experiences of parenthood. It speaks truthfully to its often dark and multi-layered narratives, whilst celebrating the sheer power and moments of incomparable joy.

xxx AB/ED/FLS/MH

PARALLEL LIVES

Thursday

City Screen 2 16:45-17:45

DANCE 3 (SUBTITLED)

Friday

Theatre Royal 19:30-20:30

Saturday

Yorks. Museum 19:30-20:30

PG

This programme explores the transformative power of dance, movement and the body, as vital tools for navigating personal and collective struggles. These elements combine to unlock unique storytelling, whilst providing a holistic understanding of challenges faced by individuals and communities. Movement bridges gaps, fostering connections and change.

01

02

SPELLBOUND (NO DIALOGUE)

N25 (NO DIALOGUE)

Nicola Hepp Netherlands, 2023, 11:24 A woman makes her way slowly through a dark, untouched forest.

She is following someone in the distance, someone she can’t quite seem to make out. Or is the other person actually following her?

Valentina Khodnevich UK, 2024, 01:39 N25 weaves an intimate portrait of the dancer. The body begins to emerge as a living canvas, allowing viewers a catch a rare glimpse into the therapeutic nature of dance and movement.

STRAND 3

03

04

MEGADEATH OF MEANING (SUBTITLED)

CHRYSALIS (SUBTITLED)

Corina Andrian Romania, 2024, 20:00 In a sequence of nightmares, dancers find themselves in situations they cannot escape and must succumb to cruelty – confronting shame, failure, shadow and a looming sense of total damnation.

Alex Simpson UK, 2022, 07:04 Chrysalis is a project about strength and character – a visual love letter to those who shine bright. It deals with the confusing reality of being an outcast and those moments filled with dark shadows.

05

06

TO BEND & NOT BREAK (NO DIALOGUE)

IMPOSSIBLE IMAGE (SUBTITLED)

Dan Canham UK, 2024, 10:48 This is a journey – from sorrow and hopelessness to community and congregation. The narrative flows between states of grief and joy to celebrate the beauty of dance as a communal healing force.

Karen Pearlman France, 2023, 08:00 Impossible Image remixes the anarchy of women living during the 1920s with the fury, irony, and sly humour of 2020s dancers. The goal: bring together past and present to challenge gender norms.

99

BV /FLS

MOVEMENT HEALS, MOVEMENT LIBERATES

15

DOCUMENTARY 1

Wednesday

NCEM 10:00-11:30

Thursday

YSJU 18:00-19:30

SAturday

City Screen 1 13:30-15:00

These films examine the powerful ways in which moving our bodies can be a restorative tool and an act of resistance. Travel through the underground space of the East and South East Asian clubbing community in London before meeting a global Muslim girls’ skate crew, a plus size dancer confronting fatphobia and a group of Black adults who are defying stereotypes.

01

02

MIDNIGHT RISING

LA ROCHE (SUBTITLED)

Nolan Büchi, Basil Schneeberger Switzerland, 2023, 27:36 Marc Rochat's career was never going to be a walk in the park.

This short portrait documentary follows his rapid ascend and battle to enter into the elite level of World Cup Slalom skiing.

STRAND 1

Aileen Ye UK, 2023, 08:06 An intimate portrait exploring London’s East and South East Asian clubbing scene, a world in which the allure of raving, fashion and hyperpop becomes a bold affirmation of love, acceptance and joy.

03

04

BLACK STROKE

BIG MOVES

Olivia Smart UK, 2023, 12:01 Drowning isn't an option as these people decide to tackle their biggest fear. We follow their stories as they take on the challenge of learning how to swim for the very first time in just eight weeks.

05

06

SKATER UKTIS

UNLESS WE DANCE (SUBTITLED)

Mehek Azmathulla UK, 2023, 07:10 A joyous glimpse into skateboarding through the eyes of a global Muslim girls' skate crew, as they find their feet through both faith and sisterhood, tenderly redefining what it means to be a "skater."

100

Sarah Grant UK, 2023, 13:35 Bodies that traditionally get pushed to the back are front and centre in this personal documentary about dancing as a plus sized woman, which re-imagines iconic scenes from pop culture.

Fernanda Pineda Palencia, Hanz Rippe Gabriel Colombia, 2023, 14:34 Meet Bonays, an Afro dance teacher who is behind a vital initiative that seeks to rescue young people from the crime that constantly stalks Quibdó, a city with the highest homicide rates in Colombia.

mh/sw

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Wednesday

City Screen 1 13:30-15:00

DOCUMENTARY 2

Friday

City Screen 1 10:00-11:30

Saturday

Theatre Royal 17:00-18:30

12

Family matters are rarely easy, as this programme astutely demonstrates. Whether dealing with loss, grief, change, communication issues or the complexities of queer family-making, these films offer moving and thought-provoking reflections on the challenges that are inherent in familial structures, as well as their constant capacity to enrich, nourish and surprise us.

01

02

WHEN THERE ARE NO WORDS

CARA MAMMA

Gabriella Canal USA, 2024, 22:00 When her grandfather loses his voice to cancer, Gabriella Canal captures the journey before and after his procedure, revealing a portrait of grief and resilience, as he loses what once defined him.

Sky Neal UK, 2024, 24:22 Dancer Naissa tells his mum, Daniela, that he is a man and will be transitioning. A series of candid personal letters between them documents the changing relationship between mother and child.

STRAND 5

03

04

SPERM DONORS WANTED!

TAKE ME TO THE OCEAN

Logan Rea UK, 2024, 12:00 A transgender performance artist decides to interview hundreds of potential sperm donors live on stage – a quest to find the perfect connection that will enable him and his partner to start a family.

Ilanna Barkusky USA, 2023, 05:13 After a car accident that changes her life forever, Erena struggles with survivor's guilt and depression. Seeking solace, she turns to water, which holds a deep connection to her childhood memories.

05 ETERNAL FATHER

Ömer Sami Denmark, 2023, 30:00 Nasar decides to be cryonically frozen upon death. As his family grapples with what this means for their lives, and if they should follow suit, Nasar is forced to reassess what truly matters in life.

101

ab/cw/d/du/s/sw

STRONGER TOGETHER

18

Wednesday

City Screen 2 15:30-17:00

DOCUMENTARY 3 (SUBTITLED)

Friday

NCEM 12:00-13:30

Sunday

Friargate 21:30-23:00

There is real strength in community, as these films hearteningly reaffirm. We look at the diverse experiences of a group of online sex workers; the effects of censorship on the people of Northern Ireland; a group of elderly female surfers defying expectation; and a trailblazing deaf DJ who is working to dispel outdated myths about the Deaf community's love of music.

01

02

AQUÍ Y ALLÁ (SUBTITLED)

THE GRANNY GROMMETS (SUBTITLED)

Leah Rustomjee Australia, 2023, 08:59 Every Friday morning, the Granny Grommets meet at Middleton Beach to catch a wave, turning the tide on what is expected of us as we get older and reminding us that there is no age limit on fun.

STRAND 3

Isabella Breton USA, 2023, 09:59 This short film is a conversation with iconic photographer Winston Vargas. It dives into the evolution, adaptation and resilience of the Dominican community that migrated from one island to another.

03

04

THE BAN (SUBTITLED)

SYSTEM ERRORS (SUBTITLED)

Roisin Agnew UK, 2024, 25:00 During the conflict in Northern Ireland, actors were hired to dub over those associated with the IRA. The Ban addresses the British government’s use of the threat of "terrorism" to justify censorship.

05

06

TURN UP THE BASS (SUBTITLED)

I'M DOING MY BEST (SUBTITLED)

Ted Evans UK, 2023, 12:00 Produced by a mix of Deaf and hearing creatives, Turn Up The Bass tells the remarkable story of Troi Lee, aka DJ Chinaman, the unstoppable force behind the UK's Deaf music and rave scene.

102

Clementine Bess Lloyd Australia, 2023, 25:07 System Errors shares insight into the diverse personal experiences of online sex workers, humanising the people who are frequently dehumanised by historical prejudices and today's societal norms.

Rosie Baldwin UK, 2024, 07:22 An amateur portrait artist finds moments of fleeting connection with strangers when he takes to the streets of Sheffield to offer free drawings to anyone who is willing to sit and pose for them.

DU/fls/lne/mh/sw

EMBRACING THE UNKNOWN

Thursday

City Screen 2 13:30-15:00

DOCUMENTARY 4

Friday

Theatre Royal 14:00-15:30

Sunday

NCEM 19:15-20:45

15

Sometimes we have no choice but to surrender to the journey. Uncharted territory is met with openness and curiosity in Balera 12 and An Act of Service. Time itself is precarious, as the liminal spaces of Limen demonstrate. Primero, Sueño and This Is Endometriosis see their protagonists negotiating physically and metaphorically treacherous terrain with courage.

01

02

AN ACT OF SERVICE

LIMEN

Owen Smith UK, 2024, 10:46 Limen is the Latin word for threshold or passage, a metaphorical or physical line that must be stepped over. This is a documentary that invites you into the liminal spaces that are often overlooked.

03

04

STRAND 4

Brandon Kapelow USA, 2024, 17:34 A fire-fighter undergoes ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in an attempt to resolve his work-related PTSD, and learns to break down the stigma for others struggling with their mental health.

BAULERA 12

Mila Araoz, Amaru Villanueva Bolivia, 2023, 29:41 Baulera 12 takes us on a personal voyage to where we are all going; death. Knowing he is terminally ill, Amaru, with the help from his loved ones, creates a memory room in a storage unit.

PRIMERO, SUEÑO (SUBTITLED)

Andrés Lira USA, 2023, 16:57 Selected as part of the 2023 Sundance Ignite Fellowship, this is an insight into the lives of undocumented farmworkers in America and their experiences with migration, exploitation, and poverty.

05 THIS IS ENDOMETRIOSIS

Matt Houghton, Georgie Wileman UK, 2021, 18:05 Told in the first-person and blending present-day narrative with memories from the past, this film is a uniquely personal account of what life with endometriosis really looks like for women today.

103

ANCESTRAL WISDOM

PG

Thursday

City Screen 1 15:30-17:00

DOCUMENTARY 5

Saturday

NCEM 10:00-11:30

Sunday

Friargate 13:30-15:00

From Australia, Canada and Iran to Northern England, Ladakh and Sierra Leone, this programme explores the preservation of heritage and connection to the land. Modernisation is questioned in light of the climate disaster in Mahika Kai, A Flow of Consciousness: Evanescence and Our Grandmother the Inlet, whilst A Move sees traditions flouted and elders challenged.

01

02

A MOVE (SUBTITLED)

TRAVELLING HOME

Juliet Klottrup UK, 2023, 05:00 This social documentary seeks to preserve the crucial histories of travelling communities. It follows Joe Cannon Snr, a retired farrier, making this annual journey to Appleby Horse Fair in Cumbria, UK.

STRAND 1

Elahe Esmaili Iran, 2024, 26:37 Elahe returns home to Mashhad, Iran, to help her parents move after 40 years. Inspired by the Woman-Life-Freedom movement, she's also hoping for a bigger change beyond just a new apartment.

03

04

MAHIKA KAI

A FLOW OF CONSCIOUSNESS: EVANESCENCE

Kieran Mpetyana Satour New Zealand, 2024, 09:45 Mahika Kai is all about a family of Kāi Tahu cultural conservators on a mission of rehabilitating disintegrating landscapes through the regeneration of their own traditional food gathering practices.

05

06

WHERE MY MEMORY BEGAN

OUR GRANDMOTHER THE INLET (SUBTITLED)

Priscillia Kounkou Hoveyda Sierra Leone, 2023, 08:38 Elder Ballu hears the news that the 400-year-old Cotton Tree has fallen. Standing at the foot of the remnants, she remembers the ancestors who crossed the Atlantic back to Africa to find freedom.

104

Thida Nathalie India, 2024, 34:00 In the remote region of Zanskar, where community is intrinsically linked to their natural environment, inhabitants face a poignant dilemma: how do you balance modernisation with preservation?

Jaime Leigh (Demetra) Gianopoulos, Kayah George Canada, 2023, 08:43 Here, a relationship between a grandmother and a granddaughter reveals to us the hardship of industry dominance on the mental health of Indigenous youth, and the spirit of love and connection.

AB/bv/du/mh/s/sw

IT'S COMPLICATED DOCUMENTARY 6

Wednesday

City Screen 2 12:00-13:00

thursday

City Screen 3 14:00-15:00

Friday

City Screen 1 19:30-20:30

Saturday

Friargate 12:00-13:00

15

Conflicted feelings and complex journeys come to the fore in these films. Harvest looks at ambivalence towards motherhood. My Exploding House is a search for the truth behind a memory. A survivor of parental violence grapples with her father's death in The Final Chapter, whilst the contradictions of womanhood are explored in Does That Make Me a Woman?

01

02

HARVEST

MY EXPLODING HOUSE (SUBTITLED)

Sophia Seymour UK, 2023, 19:57 Conflicted about motherhood, the director addresses the subject of not wanting children, all whilst she undergoes the process of freezing her eggs to insure against the risk of changing her mind.

Liberty Nam-Do Smith UK, 2024, 17:11 My Exploding House follows a quest to establish the truth behind a memory that is now 30 years old. It's a film that connects the dots between family, community, place and the very concept of home.

STRAND 3

03

04

THE FINAL CHAPTER (SUBTITLED)

DOES THAT MAKE ME A WOMAN?

Frøydis Fossli Moe Norway, 2023, 13:17 The Final Chapter follows Frøydis, as she grapples with the news of her estranged father’s terminal illness. This shocking update ignites a personal journey of reflection and unresolved emotions.

Bec Evans UK, 2024, 04:30 This short film unravels the many contradictions of womanhood – questioning what women are expected to embody, and the clash of strength and vulnerability that arises from these very pressures.

CELEBRATE THE BEST FILMS. JOIN US AT THIS YEAR'S AWARDS CEREMONY. SUNDAY 10 NOVEMBER, YORKSHIRE MUSEUM | 16:30-19:00 Our 14th edition closes with an awards ceremony where we recognise films from each genre, as well as our Audience Choice, Best of Fest and Special Guest Awards. Be part of the celebration.

105

A/AB/BV/MH/SW

STANDING ON THE EDGE OF A CLIFF

PG

Wednesday

City Screen 2 10:00-11:30

DRAMA 1

Thursday

NCEM 19:00-20:30

Saturday

Friargate 19:00-20:30

New beginnings and antiquated barriers test the limits of characters on the hunt for truth and love. For instance, a young woman, reeling from a breakup, seeks any connection she can find. A single mother pushes herself to the limit to ensure her son has a happy upbringing. Elsewhere, we meet a single pregnant woman who must learn to accept her circumstances.

01

02

MACHINES (SUBTITLED)

PUSH

Sigurd Bleken Norway, 2024, 14:46 We witness a 24 hour period in which everything goes to hell for a single mum working as a cleaner, when she takes an extra shift to afford a special present for her son on his 14th birthday.

Elly Condron UK, 2024, 10:45 Lonely and nine months pregnant, Mags now seeks advice from a visitor, but instead is prodded out of self-pity and encouraged towards finally accepting what will soon become her new normal.

STRAND 3 03

04

CHÈRE LOUISE (SUBTITLED)

BLOOM (SUBTITLED)

Rémi Brachet France, 2024, 24:45 Louise is my great grandmother – she was murdered by her own husband in 1949. If she had lived, she would have been 70 years old in 1969, and she would have gone on holiday for the first time.

05 TONDEX 2000 (SUBTITLED)

Jean-Baptiste Leonetti France, 2023, 28:00 We meet Sylvain, an Afghan veteran living off of petty crime. His life is changed when he crosses paths with Nathalie, an upper class CEO struggling to keep her lawnmower company afloat.

106

Kasey Lum Canada, 2023, 10:57 Fragile after a breakup, Laurel searches for stability, only to form a strange connection with a house-plant. She questions where the plant ends and she begins, as it starts to take root in her psyche.

AB/BV/cv/MH/Sw

WHERE ARE OUR BLIND SPOTS HIDDEN

Wednesday

Friargate 13:30-15:00

DRAMA 2

Friday

City Screen 2 10:00-11:30

Saturday

15

YSJU 19:00-20:30

Secrets and truths can only stay buried for so long. What happens when they finally rise to the surface? These shorts show us the explosive revelation of parts of characters that have been long suppressed. A young Black girl learns why her father had always told her to hide her afro and a young man meets his brother in prison, digging up years of buried memories.

01

02

LULLABY (SUBTITLED)

AFTER THE FACT

Josh Silverlock UK, 2024, 10:46 When a group of young friends attempt to become viral prank YouTubers, they get into a bad situation. Their solidarity is tested as members try to distance themselves from the consequences.

STRAND 1

Chi Thai UK, 2024, 14:43 In this tense psychological drama, a refugee mother is forced to confront the guilt of losing her child. Lullaby shines a light on the difficult decisions people make when forced to flee their homes.

03

04

DEATH CODE X (SUBTITLED)

WEAVE

Alexander Löwen Germany, 2024, 24:37 31-year-old Ilja works in crisis intervention. When he is assessing a bereaved mother after her son committed suicide, Ilja struggles, but refuses to admit his weakness to himself and his supervisor.

Martyn Lee UK, 2023, 12:00 A young Black girl is being coaxed to hide her Afro by her fiercely protective father. She soon learns his motivations and concerns are meant to save her from suffering the same fate as his mother.

05

06

ALARMS (SUBTITLED)

TWAIN

Nicolas Panay France, 2023, 16:43 Pierre is diligently overseeing the completion of the tumultuous construction site that will become a new eco-district. But for now, he is ensuring that progress doesn't come at the cost of safety.

Pip UK, 2024, 15:59 A young man sits face-to-face with his incarcerated twin brother.

As their childhood memories and buried secrets resurface, these young men – though separated by glass – remain bound by fate.

107

A/BV/D

BETWEEN TWO WORLDS

12

Wednesday

City Screen 1 15:30-17:00

DRAMA 3

Friday

Theatre Royal 12:00-13:30

Saturday

NCEM 21:00-22:30

This is a selection of stories that showcase the delicate balance of belonging, whilst being true to your identity and responsibilities. In Alone With You, a couple must confront oppressive societal norms and keep their connection intact. Elsewhere, Journey Mercies follows a Nigerian library cleaner on his last day at work before moving back home to his country of birth.

01

02

DAMMI

L'AVANCE (SUBTITLED)

Djiby Kebe France, 2024, 18:20 Aliou sells a painting of his deceased mother for 3,000 Euros to a renowned collector. As he completes the journey to deliver the painting, he begins to realise the weight of the money he earned.

STRAND 4

Yann Mounir Demange UK, 2023, 16:00 Returning to Paris, a man (played by Riz Ahmed) meets a FrenchAlgerian woman. As their intimacy grows, he has to come to terms with his shame and fears whilst exploring his Arab identity.

03

04

THE BUILDING OF EUROPE (SUBTITLED)

ALONE WITH YOU

Julian Albrecht-Lazo Luxembourg, 2024, 15:00 A migrant worker is building the towers of an unknown city. Like every year, he will again miss the birthday of his daughter. But the machines driving the metropolis demand a price to be paid.

05

06

JOURNEY MERCIES

9 DAYS IN AUGUST (SUBTITLED)

Tomisin Adepeju UK, 2023, 15:00 It is Bade's last day at work. The library cleaner plans to finally move home to Nigeria, the country where he was born. Journey Mercies explores cultural identity, grief and the notion of “home.”

108

Tara Shehata Egypt, 2024, 14:00 Living in conservative Egypt, Nadine and Karim seek to discreetly dispose of a used condom. In doing so, they will inadvertently test their relationship's strength in the face of oppressive social norms.

Ella Knorz Germany, 2024, 17:17 Lea is now 18 and pregnant; it's a summer that she will remember for her whole life. Whilst she is busy partying and navigating her relationships, she has to deal with the bureaucracy of an abortion.

BV/D/mh/sw

SEARCHING FOR SOMETHING

Wednesday

Friargate 17:30-19:00

DRAMA 4

Friday

City Screen 1 15:30-17:00

Saturday

Theatre Royal 21:00-22:30

15

Loners. Critics. Artists. Mavericks. Explorers. These films feature men who are trying to search for something for themselves, whether it be love, acceptance, a fresh identity or a whole new life and world. This is a programme that takes the viewer on a journey, through a selection of short films about men who have a desperate want or need, and how they navigate finding it.

01

02

MISSING HER

RIDER

Karl Shefelman USA, 2023, 14:32 When a middle-aged man is forced to spread his wife's ashes by a government mandated deadline, a stranger's kindness is the only lifeline to help him through the sacred ritual before time runs out.

Edward Whelan UK, 2023, 15:00 On the night of his birthday, Indra, an immigrant food delivery rider, struggles to find his place in London’s ever-changing gig economy whilst coping with memories of the life he left behind.

STRAND 5

03

04

CENTURY EGG

SOMETIME, SOMEWHERE

Charles Jacob Barratt Taiwan, 2024, 18:03 A man returns to Taiwan, the home country he left behind decades prior, only to find himself wandering through a city he no longer recognises, in the company of the kind stranger who took him in.

Logan Findlay UK, 2023, 17:49 In an unassuming village pub, a touring country singer arrives to perform. There, he must come to terms with the journey that has led him to that moment – and the road that still lies ahead.

05

06

ONE

THE FOOD TASTER

Adam Freise, Nathan Freise USA, 2024, 11:19 When an elite competition offers a young artist the opportunity to escape destitution, he must face the blood sacrifices required to enter. But soon he decides to pursue success on his own terms.

Alexander Emborg UK, 2023, 18:27 After globetrotting and reviewing food for years, Roman's passion for cuisine wanes. He returns to Prague to search for the "perfect bite," but memories of his deceased ex-wife soon start to resurface.

109

AB/CW/SW

THE WEIGHT WE CARRY

12

Wednesday

NCEM 21:00-22:30

DRAMA 5 (SUBTITLED)

Friday

Friargate 15:30-17:00

Sunday

City Screen 1 10:00-11:30

Some burdens are invisible to the world, but they shape every moment of our lives. This programme is a witness to complex characters, be they an ex-con struggling with the cruelty of his colleagues, an obsessed maid desperate to fill a void or a couple facing a medical crisis. They navigate life's darkness whilst fighting to heal wounds that are both old and new.

01

02

MERCENAIRE (SUBTITLED)

NAKED EYE (SUBTITLED)

Helena Oborska Poland, 2023, 28:21 A maid is spying on hotel guests, in an attempt to fill her own void.

Her desires are fuelled by a soap opera she is obsessed with. One day, the on-screen actress begins crawling out of her imagination.

STRAND 2

Pier-Philippe Chevigny Canada, 2024, 14:58 Ex-convict David is working at a slaughterhouse and struggles to come to terms with his new-found freedom. He must repress the violence that boils within as he witnesses his colleagues' cruelty.

03

04

WHAT WE WISHED WE COULD BE (SUBTITLED)

ROCK PAPER SCISSORS (SUBTITLED)

Luke Shelley UK, 2024, 20:45 Based on a true story. We gain an insight into the lives of a couple affected by the contaminated blood scandal. This short explores their sacrifices, love and the things they never felt safe to share.

05 LET IT ALL GO WRONG (SUBTITLED)

Dimitri Baronheid, Olivier Lambrechts Belgium, 2023, 13:03 Marta, 33, and Daria, 13, both rush to get to school on time in the morning. When Daria is sent to the school principal, they embark on an emotional roller-coaster that will push Marta to her limits.

110

Franz Böhm UK, 2023, 19:59 A father and son, running a makeshift hospital on the front line of war, face a tough decision when a platoon of soldiers approaches their building. Rock Paper Scissors is a film based real-life events.

DU/FLS

FOOD FOR THE MACHINES

Thursday

City Screen 2 10:00-11:00

DRAMA 6

Saturday

Yorks. Museum 18:00-19:00

Sunday

YSJU 16:30-17:30

15

Shifting away from traditional depictions of future technologies and scientific breakthroughs – robots running amok, drone birds, dystopian AI world domination – this programme reflects on our present-day relationships with digital spaces. Here we see a future where the likes of medical advancements and memory serums are embedded seamlessly into normal life.

01

02

THE FIRST TIME I NEVER MET YOU

ESSENCE

Eric Kole UK, 2023, 13:44 John, a grieving scientist, inadvertently rewinds time and finds himself at his very first date with his late wife, Esmé. But can he win over the woman who fell for the man that John no longer is?

Matthew Sterling UK, 2024, 04:20 Lonely and grieving Zach takes a new drug that allows the user to relive their memories as vivid trips, allowing him to reconnect with family members – and have the chance to say one final goodbye.

STRAND 1

03

04

SWEAT

ONE LAST DANCE

Duncan Loudon UK, 2023, 08:54 London, 2026. Dr Tracy Stewart and her medical student prepare for an eyeball transplant, but it soon becomes clear the student has never been in such close proximity with a dead body before.

Lukas Galle Austria, 2024, 03:00 This film addresses the power of love – and its sometimes harmful and toxic consequences – through the solo suicide mission of one woman who can't bring herself to let go of her deceased husband.

05

06

FIRST SIGHT

WISH YOU WERE HERE

Andrew McGee UK, 2024, 18:50 Luna finally feels ready to re-enter the world of dating, turning to smart contact lenses to try to overcome her anxiety. But when her vision is held for ransom, she must outsmart the unknown hacker.

Ramzey Sabbagh, Fhuad Braimoh UK, 2024, 06:38 This film explores the lengths which a lonely old woman would go to find human connection. It was created to highlight the fact that 2 million people over the age of 75 live in isolation in the UK.

111

AB/DU/MH/SW

KIDS RULE!

15

Thursday

City Screen 1 11:30-13:00

DRAMA 7

Friday

City Screen 1 21:00-22:30

Sunday

NCEM 13:30-15:00

This is a programme of films where young people are at the heart of each story. Angst. Identity. Experimentation. Realisation. These are stories of children who come to painful enlightenment, who begin to understand who they are, how their family works and what living in the real world can be like. Expect your heart to be warmed and broken. These. Kids. Rule.

01

02

BEVERLY HEIGHTS

SWEET TOOTH (SUBTITLED)

Willy Fermelin Sweden, 2024, 13:00 Teetering on the border of childhood and adolescence, a group of 14-year-old girls hang out at the playground. Together, they smoke, coordinate TikTok dance routines and share a pack of pills.

03

04

STRAND 3

Alyssa Aldaz USA, 2024, 18:56 Marci stars as a cheerleader on the hit television series Beverly Heights. Behind the scenes, she grapples with her sexuality in an industry where "coming out" is often strongly discouraged.

GOBSTOPPER

Jo Lane UK, 2023, 10:58 A young girl discovers that a mother's love is complicated and it does not always present itself in conventional ways, as she and her sister struggle to cope with their mother's alcoholism.

05

06

CHEVALIER (SUBTITLED)

JULES

Frederic Zeimet Luxembourg, 2023, 16:02 Lonely and abandoned by both her father and society, 11-yearold Emma witnesses a moment of violence. When she is faced with a man's threats, she flees to search for refuge in the nearby forest.

112

WUSS

Nadine Wilson UK, 2023, 13:29 Abandoned by his father, young Zach finds it hard to express his feelings of loss and anger. However, when his cherished cat goes missing he embarks on a relentless journey to find is beloved pet.

Jenny Ward USA, 2023, 10:52 Jules takes place over the course of a single evening, as a teenager tries to cope with the latest manic episode of her mother's bipolar disorder and work out how to create space for her own emotions.

A/AB/BV/D/fls/SW

GIRLS ON TOP

Thursday

NCEM 13:30-15:00

DRAMA 8

Saturday

City Screen 2 10:00-11:30

Sunday

City Screen 2 15:30-17:00

15

Women’s voices are heard loud and clear in this programme. The female experience is at the core of each of these compelling stories. Abandonment. Empowerment. Rejection. Identification. Liberation. These are films about women who take the bull by the horns and tell it where to go, and who learn how to control their relationships with others as well as themselves.

01

02

HER BODY

RE-ENTRY

Amelia Moses Canada, 2024, 10:11 One night, 19-year-old Raegan flees a violent encounter with her boyfriend. On the journey back, she stops at a beautiful secluded beach where she happens upon a dead body lying on the sand.

Ariel Mahler USA, 2024, 15:52 When a trans scientist rediscovers a lost satellite from her former life as a NASA engineer, she’s forced to confront her painful past in order to reconcile who she once was with who she’s always been.

STRAND 5

03

04

ALL ALONG SONDER HILL

OPENING UP

Ben Konotey-Ahulu UK, 2023, 15:00 This zero-dialogue short film poses the long-asked question "what if?" through the story of two musicians striving to flourish in the creative world, whilst simultaneously navigating their relationship.

Oz Arshad UK, 2023, 11:00 After turning a dejected Adam down for a second date, despite their undeniable chemistry, all Jas wants is some peace and quiet. Instead, she gets her interfering, matchmaking flatmate.

05

06

HOME

TRAVEL SOCKS

Kanya Iwana USA, 2023, 14:25 A lonely and paranoid Indonesian ex-pat is forced to look inward whilst she is rehearsing an acting monologue that is too close to home – reminding her of the life and family she has left behind.

Tess Annan, Joseph Madden UK, 2024, 18:54 As the world shuts down due to Covid, spirited young woman Orla ‘Socks’ decides to leave her home of Belfast and travel across the Irish Sea to the UK to secure herself legal access to an abortion.

113

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MOTHERHOOD

15

Thursday

City Screen 1 19:00-20:30

DRAMA 9

Saturday

City Screen 1 15:30-17:00

Sunday

NCEM 17:30-19:00

Themes central to this selection include relationships, family connections and the complex fabric we weave around our lives and personal narratives. The reel explores motherhood through differing lenses, touching on struggle, desire, hope and shame. This core crux allows a deeper look into the nuances of physical and mental health, well-being and grief.

01

02

A GOOD START (SUBTITLED)

MASTERPIECE MOMMY

Dorothy Sing Zhang UK, 2024, 15:00 After suffering a fall, the doctor tells Tess of a potential presence of a lump in her breast and refers her to have a mammogram. Her daughter goes with her and uncovers the real reason for the fall.

STRAND 5

Sarah Blok UK, 2023, 12:02 After a rave, a chance encounter sees two boys help a new mum in changing her young baby at a petrol station in the early morning.

The film considers how intimacy can emerge between strangers.

03

04

BEST BEFORE

LOOSE STRANDS

Lisa Service UK, 2024, 13:48 Helena and Lainie start their final round of IVF treatment and the stress begins to affect farm life. With their chicken, Shakira, laying eggs every day, Helena decides to make it a competition.

05

06

WEEK 12 (SUBTITLED)

DREAMLINK

Isabel Delclaux Spain, 2024, 13:36 After experiencing a miscarriage, Ines faces the melancholy and loneliness of a silenced grief, and the unexpectedly intense fear and anxiety that comes with the possibility of another pregnancy.

114

Panayiota Panteli UK, 2023, 16:30 In this film, a neglected and lonely young woman tries to discover an helpful way to support her grief-stricken mother deal with the death of her first daughter, as well as cope with her personal loss.

Kalani Gacon Australia, 2024, 19:26 The relationship between an influencer mother and her daughter finds a remedy in DreamLink, an app merging dreams and reality that promises to connect them with the person they need most.

ab/d/mh/sw

ONE FINE DAY

Thursday

Yorks. Museum 21:00-22:30

DRAMA 10

Saturday

YSJU 13:30-15:00

Sunday

YSJU 21:30-23:00

15

Even in a world of turmoil and uncertainty, we all live individual lives and deal with personal struggles. With so much upheaval and sadness seen on the news, coupled with extreme anxiety about the future, it is often difficult to see the metaphorical woods for the trees. These films consider personal, deeply felt issues that continue in the face of global tragedy.

01

02

THAT NIGHT

ONLY WHEN YOU BURY ME IN THIS EARTH

Emma Miranda Moore UK, 2024, 14:21 A young writer is haunted by the loss of a dear friend and replays the last night they spent together. As he considers the events, he reflects on whether things could have ever turned out differently.

Nima Shahmalekpur UK, 2024, 16:56 Shaheen, an Afghan refugee, has lost contact with his brother who is travelling to England. To cope, he makes kites. But when his kite crashes, he is forced consider how to rebuild a shattered life.

STRAND 2

03

04

JUST KIDS

RAGE (SUBTITLED)

Alessandro Riconda UK, 2024, 07:37 Nine-year-old Alisha is tired of being the only girl on the rugby pitch, but after clashing with yet another boy unwilling to lose to her, she realises how important it is for her to keep playing.

Andrés Felipe Ángel Colombia, 2023, 19:31 After school, Fabián is forced to spend time with the friends of his older brother. He experiences his first moment of shameful sexual desire that is provoked by a man; the leader of the group.

05

06

ONE MORE

RYAN CAN'T READ

J Taylor Brookes UK, 2024, 09:27 The heartbreak of final goodbyes is brought to the screen in One More. A queer couple makes a surreptitious visit to the lake where they first met in an attempt to create one final cherished memory.

Rhys Chapman UK, 2023, 19:45 A lad from Liverpool is faced with the overwhelming burden of trying to keep up with his bills. A lifeline is suddenly thrown his way when his friend Tyrone offers him a chance at redemption.

115

AB/bv/d/mh/sw

RIPPLES OF CONSEQUENCE

12

Thursday

City Screen 2 15:30-16:30

DRAMA 11

Saturday

City Screen 2 12:00-13:00

Sunday

Yorks. Museum 12:00-13:00

What consequences are we willing to face for those we love, or for our happiness? A father and son on the front line of war faced with a tough decision, a brother bound by his duty of care to his sister, a closeted man struggling with self-acceptance – these intense short films explore the repercussions of the complex interplay of duty, desire and personal identity.

01

02

7 FOIS (SUBTITLED)

ONE PUNCH

Huse Monfaradi UK, 2024, 10:21 A prisoner is racked by guilt when he is visited by the kind parents of the boy he killed. This film brings to light the concept of a "one punch kill," where a single punch leads to an unintentional death.

STRAND 4

Christine Wiederkehr Switzerland, 2024,16:18 One afternoon, Elio, a quiet, young and very polite boy, meets his tutor's secret mistress. This encounter compels him to confide his own feelings for his tutor. Later, Elio starts to reveal more secrets.

03

04

DO NOT RESUSCITATE

FAIRVIEW PARK

Kumyl Saied UK, 2024, 12:00 Kas is a caregiver to his mentally ill sister. He makes a living at a local launderette, and here, detached from responsibility, he can cleanse and exorcise his demons through reading horror books.

05 1 UP

Greg Francis UK, 2023,16:18 Whilst trying to deal with the loss of his dad, 15-year-old Andrew struggles to support his grieving mother. He begins to search for guidance and connection through his father’s record collection.

116

Ellie Hodgetts, Aymeric Nicolet UK, 2023, 13:58 Declan Flynn is preyed upon by a gang of self-described "Queerbashers" in Dublin in 1982. Based on the true story that is seen as one of the major catalysts for Ireland’s LGBTQ Pride movement.

D/FLS/LNE/mh/Sw

AND BEYOND

Thursday

NCEM 21:00-22:30

DRAMA 12

Saturday

NCEM 17:00-18:30

Sunday

Yorks. Museum 19:30-21:00

12

The future begins here. The same issues that have been felt over generations – poverty, crime and lack of opportunity – are now jostling with climate anxiety. Films about dystopian futures and the end of the world punctuated the submissions this year more than ever, spotlighting the growing stress felt by young people about not just their present, but their future.

01

02

SHADOW

SPACE(S)

Joel Vargas UK, 2023, 10:55 This film tells the story of a boy’s adoration for his brother as they navigate the tumult of boyhood against the backdrop of a council estate – where adolescent boys are routinely seduced by trouble.

Luke 'Frsh' Fannin UK, 2024, 11:33 Feeling like he is imprisoned by his surroundings, young Naira decides to take matters into his own hands. But it soon turns into a nightmare when he bumps into two people from his old reality.

STRAND 1

03

04

CROSSBAR CHALLENGE

DREAM CAR WASH

James Oliver UK, 2024, 13:36 During a casual kick about, two college friends on the verge of adulthood fight to hang on to their adolescence in an absurd test of strength, until reality threatens to overwhelm the game.

Edoardo Brighenti UK, 2024, 12:58 Amidst mundane routines and fleeting encounters, Sara's dream of becoming a dancer yearns to be fully realised. Dream Car Wash explores the resilience of the human spirit in pursuit of its dreams.

05

06

KINGS OF THE COURT

WHY THE SUN & MOON LIVE IN THE SKY

Josefa Celestin UK, 2024, 16:51 On the day of an annual “School’s Out Tournament”, the reigning basketball champion Ollie arrives expecting to defend her title.

But only her friend Aileen shows up, with no other players in sight.

Aisha Bolaji Ireland, 2024, 13:10 Tired of the boring suburbia of a small Irish town, two teens plan to escape by building a spacecraft and living in the sky. This short film seamlessly interweaves Nigerian folklore and classic sci-fi.

117

ED/MH/SW

THE SPACE BETWEEN

15

Wednesday

Yorks. Museum 21:00-22:30

DRAMA 13

Friday

NCEM 17:30-19:00

Sunday

Friargate 10:00-11:30

Often, the most powerful moments lie in the space between: words left unsaid, stillness, tension, breath and love. These emotionally resonant films navigate a range of human relationships – romantic, familial, platonic and personal. Here, we follow characters through their everyday life encounters with moments of bliss, joy, loss, love and constant uncertainty.

01

02

JUST A WEEKEND

THE RALLY

Jake Ringsell UK, 2023, 11:13 A terminally ill woman, Renata, spends her final days camping with her best friend, Sam. When Renata's rapidly declining health suddenly takes a positive turn, Sam grows increasingly suspicious.

STRAND 3

Aella Jordan-Edge UK, 2023, 14:06 Questions of power and relationships emerge when a mother comes to stay for the weekend, bringing with her the toxic sway of emotions and pitching a young couple against each other.

03

04

MOTHERLAND

ROSES

Lijie Xie USA, 2023, 19:19 When a Chinese mother visits her son in Manhattan to celebrate news of his engagement, she must grapple with her own feelings after she discovers that he is planning to marry another man.

05

06

THE MEGAGULPER3000

LOVIN' HER

Hermione Corfield UK, 2024, 17:48 One bright, spring morning, two ex-lovers meet for a final loaded exchange. But one burning question remains that they cannot resolve, where on earth is the Megagulper3000 hoover head?

118

Coral Knights UK, 2023, 15:29 Rosa is out alone as her daughter throws an 18th birthday party in their house. Whilst wasting time in her small Cornish town, she spies a woman she has met once before – and is drawn to her.

Day Canada, 2024, 14:58 A mature trans woman navigates the complexities of a fading memory. As the lines between past and present blur, she explores ideas of love and the burgeoning of her evolving gender identity.

AB/LNE

MOVING TOWARDS HOME

Friday

Theatre Main 14:00-15:30

DRAMA 14

Saturday

Friargate 10:00-11:30

Sunday

15

NCEM 21:00-22:30

One of the most significant relationships we share, or lack, is the one with a parent or guardian. But what does it mean to take on such a role? What are the experiences during childhood that shape us into adults? Who gets to challenge the norm and reject ideas around raising children? This selection of short films explores the wide variety of parent / child dynamics.

01

02

BABA (SUBTITLED)

THE DEBT

Patricio Mosse Spain, 2023, 10:00 Amanda takes her class's pet turtle to the family dry cleaner, but her superstitious mother believes it will bring bad luck. She must choose between rejecting the mistreatment or accepting the rules.

Celine Buckens UK, 2024, 10:58 Tempers quickly flare over a takeaway dinner between Leila and her ageing father. When Leila’s dad presents her with something truly shocking, their entire relationship is called into question.

STRAND 5

03

04

IS ANYONE ALIVE? (SUBTITLED)

EXCEPTION

Omar Elemawi Palestine, 2024, 09:04 When a bombing destroys his house, a father gets stuck under the rubble and desperately looks for help to come and save his injured young daughter. This film is inspired by real-life events.

Rodrigue Hammal Canada, 2024, 30:00 A leaked video of a tenured professor's lecture on the Psychology of Oppression sparks accusations of anti-Semitism, causing the Palestinian-American Karim Hadawi to make a difficult decision.

05

06

MATERNAL

A MOTHER GOES TO THE BEACH (SUBTITLED)

Olivia Owyeung UK, 2024, 13:30 A new mother refuses to engage with her daughter after giving birth, leaving the midwives to attend to her baby’s needs. But in the night she is forced to question what being maternal means.

Pedro Hasrouny Portugal, 2024, 15:58 Teresa, a single mother, spends a day at the beach with her son, Benji and her sister, Marga. The day turns stressful thanks to her sister's constant comparisons between Benji and her own son.

119

AB/MH/SW

REALITIES OF LIFE

12

Thursday

NCEM 17:30-18:30

DRAMA 15

Friday

YSJU 18:30-19:30

Saturday

Yorks. Museum 10:30-11:30

Life is shaped by pivotal moments and encounters that transform our present and future. Each interaction has the power to change our emotions, perspectives and paths forever. The ways in which we respond to these instances define the journey we take, influencing who we become and, moreover, how we view the world. These shifts are the essence of personal growth.

01

02

IN THE ROOM

LAPEL

Nicholas Seaton UK, 2023,14:29 A sound recordist buries herself in her work to avoid going home to her family. But when she witnesses a performance by a young actress, she finds herself haunted by the decisions she has made.

STRAND 2

Paul Barrie UK, 2024, 13:40 When Cait gets a call-back for a film, she's thrilled. That is until she learns she'll be acting opposite Danny. She hasn't forgotten their last interaction, and what she's been living with ever since.

03

04

REMEMBER TO BREATHE

TUSKY

Joseph Simmons UK, 2024, 09:05 Over the course of 24 hours, Charlie struggles with the realities of his life working as a junior doctor. He encounters a patient that causes him to pause and appreciate the little things in life.

05 CLODAGH

Portia A. Buckley Ireland, 2024, 16:35 Mrs Kelly, a lonely, devout and rigorously honest housekeeper for a local priest, encounters a young girl of extraordinary talent.

This meeting sparks a profound internal conflict for Mrs Kelly.

120

Steven Boyle UK, 2024, 14:59 Rhubarb farmer Harry spent his working life perfecting his prizewinning crop. Now, long retired and cared for by his wife Joyce, Harry begins to experience vivid and disturbing hallucinations.

CW/DW/FLS/SW

BEYOND BEING

Wednesday

NCEM 15:30-17:00

EXPERIMENTAL 1

Friday

NCEM 10:00-11:30

SAturday

City Screen 2 13:30-15:00

12

Emotions, obsessions and introspection – the experience of being human is relentless. These films are stretching the meaning of being alive by celebrating the ups and downs of life. We can often lose ourselves, as we set out on our own paths.

Only by going through the intense rollercoaster of emotions we possess, can we really experience life to the fullest.

01

02

THE ODE TO PARTITION

TWO BIRDS ONE STONE

Tajpal Rathore UK, 2022, 12:00 British. Asian. Is that two identities or one? Four British Asians share the reality of their existence as Britons as they attempt to come to terms with their split heritage and their life in the UK.

Duncan Lethbridge UK, 2024, 08:00 Two Birds One Stone is aerial video art filmed by drone, set to electronic soundscape. It creates a multi-sensory experience, combining technology and traditional filmmaking methods.

STRAND 2

03

04

THE OASIS I DESERVE (SUBTITLED)

THIRST (NO DIALOGUE)

Inès Sieulle France, 2024, 22:27 Online chatbots have trouble determining their place in the real world. Here, they share their thoughts with humans talking to them. Events unfold through conversations found on the web.

Kristina Norman Estonia, 2024, 16:07 Thirst is a post-human choreography of displaced plants and machines. The thirst for luxury and abundance is the force that keeps the capitalist machinery running and drains resources dry.

05

06

DEPART TO ARRIVE

THEN, & NOW. A MEDITATION ON THE PROCESS OF ACTING.

Timothy Graham Marvell UK, 2024, 09:04 A journey into abstraction and beyond. This short film recalls a late night train journey and uses the experience of fatigue, harsh lights and mesmeric motion of travel to create a sense of stillness.

Tony Kaye UK, 2024, 26:53 A group of actors immerse themselves in their roles with such an intensity that the lines between character and self begin to blur.

A gripping insight into the transformative power of actor training.

121

D/FLS/MH xxx

BLURRED LINES

15

Friday

Friargate 14:00-15:00

EXPERIMENTAL 2

Saturday

NCEM 12:00-13:00

Sunday

Friargate 12:00-13:00

Migration is a broad term, encompassing both physical and mental borders shaped by society’s rules. The projects in this programme examine the social structure of borders, questioning their development and lasting cultural impact. What does home mean, and who gets to decide? These works explore the profound shift experienced by those who leave their homes.

01

02

FALLEN

MADE IN THAMESMEAD

Mary Martins UK, 2024, 13:16 By intertwining the lived experiences of three local residents of Thamesmead, this film reflects on the area's past racial tensions and how, today, it one of the most diverse communities in London.

STRAND 4

Kirk Percival Canada, 2024, 20:37 Fallen is a collection of 10 vignettes about the unfiltered thoughts of young adults wandering the city. Their inner monologues are perverse, bitter, determined, hopeless, comedic and very honest.

03

04

SOVIET FANTASIA (SUBTITLED)

YARA

Penn Bálint UK, Hungary, 2024, 08:11 A surreal exploration of queer identity in the face of immigration, following teenager Hajnal as they grapple with the demands of leaving behind their post-Soviet country for a new life in England.

05

06

REBIRTH (NO DIALOGUE)

MIDDLE NAME BLANK

Joel Claudio UK, 2024, 06:25 A bustling London neighbourhood is in disarray after tragedy strikes. Soon after, a cherub-like figure appears, embodying the change the community craves and bringing the winds of hope.

122

James Doherty Ireland, 2023, 12:32 A Syrian father, haunted by his past, struggles to adapt to the loneliness of his life with his daughter in rural Ireland. Together, they try to make this new place feel like his beloved old home.

Daniel Liakh, Daniel James Boulton UK, 2024, 05:00 One young man longs for the family memories he wasn't able to make with his deceased father. His desire for these experiences leads him to look for help from generative artificial intelligence.

BV/ED/FLS/MH/s

I AM CHANGING BECAUSE OF YOU

Thursday

Friargate 15:30-17:00

EXPERIMENTAL 3

Saturday

YSJU 21:00-22:30

Sunday

NCEM 10:00-11:30

15

Relationships hold up a mirror to ourselves, be they with the people surrounding us, someone on our mind, or our own sense of self. Some of them are healthy, others not so much. These captivating films reflect on the connections we have with people and our environment, and how they shape us. They show us how a single encounter can be life-changing.

01

02

GRANITE (SUBTITLED)

ROXANE

Alexander Einemo Zwart Norway, 2023, 07:13 A woman carries a granite rock from a mountain that will become her father's grave stone. This short film is about loss, grief and the strength it takes to regain a sense of self after a personal tragedy.

Nadia Cavelle UK, 2024, 29:59 Three siblings come together in a ritual game of make-believe to re-enact their mother’s life. They use her tapes, the one thing she left behind, each containing a section of her unheard memoirs.

STRAND 2

03

04

DUMMY!

YOU CAN'T GET WHAT YOU WANT BUT YOU CAN GET ME (NO DIALOGUE)

Francesca Pazniokas USA, 2024, 13:21 An aspiring singer struggles to break free from her controlling mother – a ventriloquist dummy who was once a cabaret star herself. DUMMY! is about fearing you weren't built for this world.

Samira Elagoz, Z Walsh Netherlands, 2024, 13:00 This is a slideshow of two trans men falling in love. Over the span of one year, the artist couple photographed real-life events such as their first kiss, meeting each other's parents and top surgery.

06 05

04 06

THE WHITE FIELD (SUBTITLED)

HALF-WITTED GNUS ARE A MYTH

Marlies Pöschl Austria, 2022, 11:00 The White Field documents an encounter between the filmmaker and a 76-year-old woman who has chosen to live her life entirely without the use of any technology, as she thinks it makes her sick.

Marie-Anne Hafner Switzerland, 2023, 12:33 A bizarre protest film about diversity of opinion in a world full of paradoxes. Dystopian messages are coming from the smokefilled radio studio. Men experience freedom underneath the hijab.

123

D/FLS/MH xxx

OUR UNIQUENESS CONNECTS US

PG

Wednesday

City Screen 1 21:30-23:00

EXPERIMENTAL 4

Friday

City Screen 2 15:30-17:00

Sunday

City Screen 2 13:30-15:00

There is always more to a person than meets the eye. The films in this programme look at different kinds of mental health, uncovering the unseen depths, struggles and complexities of the human experience. Our growing pains shape us and define who we are, as we move through life, highlighting the intricate layers that make up a person's individual self.

01

02

THIS WEREWOLF COMPLEX

THE LOOKING GAME

Ann Upton UK, 2024, 07:02 Eyes are tracked and attentions plotted as a fictitious audience follows the narrator's orders. They are divided by the screen and, though they try, neither can see through to the other side.

STRAND 3

Heather E Andrews UK, 2023, 15:20 A moving image and sound portrait of the aura, which are seizures in parts of the brain that cause sensory, physical and emotional changes, sometimes acting as warnings for convulsive seizures.

03

04

ALWAYS, ALREADY

ISAAC

Ken Sackheim USA, 2023, 28:06 Always, Already combines narrative, documentary and animation elements to discuss a very complex theme: the illusory nature of human identity in a universe that is defined by perpetual change.

05

06

EMPTY SHELL

THE PEOPLE OF THE SUN

Nonoka Matsuo, Tomi Katz Japan, 2024, 04:03 There are no humans in the area because everyone either left or ran away. But some things, which look like matryoshka and canopic jars, are quietly watching from somewhere just nearby.

124

Caroline Corbasson France, 2023, 16:18 Isaac, a teenager anxious about the future of the planet, sets out to climb the Pic du Midi to get closer to nature. The route will lead Isaac towards a complete and unexpected metamorphosis.

Lucinda Ohlson South Africa, 2023, 06:01 This film blends documentary elements with narrative storytelling to spotlight Ouma Katrina, the final guardian of the ancient Nluu language, alongside some evocative poetry by Siphokazi Jonas.

MH

ALTERNATIVE REALITIES

Thursday

NCEM 10:00-11:00

EXPERIMENTAL 5

Saturday

Yorks. Museum 12:00-13:00

Sunday

YSJU 15:00-16:00

18

Each short in this reel explores our beliefs, examining how they shape our understandings and perceptions of the modern world. Challenging the medium of film itself, these works question our societal ideas of gender, youth, identity and society as we know it, inviting viewers to take a step back and reflect on their personal experiences, expectations, ideas and norms.

01

02

QUESTIONING THE EXISTENCE OF ALEC

SQUARE THE CIRCLE (SUBTITLED)

Roger Horn USA, 2023, 04:34 In this dreamlike journey, two or three friends, one of whom may be Alec, are followed from adolescence through to adulthood.

The surreal short film blurs past and present, reality and fantasy.

Hanna Hovitie Finland, 2023, 17:26 Square the Circle is a film about one person's round trip out to the (un)known universe and into themselves, in search of a sense of belonging, after feeling like a circle in a world full of squares.

STRAND 1

03

04

20TH CINEMATIC NAIL FACTORY (NO DIALOGUE)

GARDEN STATE (NO DIALOGUE)

Dalibor Martinis Croatia, 2023, 06:53 This film was made with software random editing. It is created from the only video footage of the Mustad Horseshoe Nail Factory in operation, recorded by the artists in the city of Karlovac in 1999.

Julie Langsam USA, 2023, 11:36 Filmed in various locations throughout New Jersey, Garden State explores the diverse landscapes in which wildlife, farming and industry coexist within the most densely packed state in the USA.

05

06

PATIENT

ASMR DECONSTRUCTION (SUBTITLED)

Lori Felker USA, 2023, 20:00 Fiction, reality, the private and the performed overlap during a routine but emotional day at a medical centre. This film is a study of the ineloquent and chaotic qualities of real human interaction.

Karolina Gliniewicz UK, 2024, 04:20 This non-scripted performative ASMR piece encourages us to look at the (non)sense that comes from regular self-exposure to over stimulation. In this film, making sense is definitely optional.

125

Family friendly Inspire your children with incredible films.

Join us for Family Friendly screenings and be part of the most exciting cultural event in the UK this year. Watch Family Friendly animations, engaging dramas and laugh-out-loud comedies for young people. Foster a lifelong relationship with film through our children's workshops.

126

LET'S PLAY

FAMILY FRIENDLY 1 (SUBTITLED)

Wednesday Recommended for ages 4-10 years

NCEM 12:00-13:00

Saturday

YSJU 10:30-11:30

Sunday

u

YSJU 13:30-14:30

Childhood is fun. Everything is an exciting adventure. Through play and exploration, we make friends, see new places, work together and look at the world differently. With no preconceptions, children are able to explore the world with wonder and acceptance. These films teach us that friends look out for each other, support each other, and above all, have fun together.

01 SHELLFISH (NO DIALOGUE)

Aubert, Bouton, Callies, Chesneau, Danton, Girault,Peyrude, Raux France, 2023, 05:57 In a French rocky inlet, Bernard, a small and selfish hermit crab, loses his shell. With the help of another little crab, Bernard must now face the many dangers of the beach to search for a new home.

02

A/V

MUSICAL SOCKS (SUBTITLED)

Ana Horvat Croatia, 2023, 10:34 Darko the bunny is taking singing lessons from Zvonko the cricket, but their classes are a total failure. That is until hedgehog Željko shares a new perspective, offering a positive take on Darko's flaws.

STRAND 1

03

04

HOOFS ON SKATES (NO DIALOGUE)

WILFRID GORDON MCDONALD PARTRIDGE (SUBTITLED)

Ignas Meilūnas Lithuania, 2024, 12:24 In a winter wonderland, two friends are having a blast ice-skating on a frozen lake. Suddenly, a strange world opens up underneath them, forcing the pair to overcome their fears and preconceptions.

Hattie Archibald Australia, 2023, 14:56 When six-year-old Wilfrid discovers his 96-year-old best friend Nancy has lost her memory, he sets out to get it back. This short film is a heart-warming story about intergenerational connection.

04 01

06

AS THE SUN GOES DOWN (NO DIALOGUE)

ALONE (NO DIALOGUE)

Bocquet, Caucal, Fechner, Laurent, Robert, Roussel, Vandenbeuck France, 2023, 05:56 A rabbit bounces around a flower-filled meadow. However, when it becomes night time, he is thrown into a scary world of darkness.

Here, he must learn to face his fears in order to get his light back.

Alex Weight Australia, 2023, 07:14 A lonely robot, tending to human incubators, decides to assemble its own companion from spare parts. However, the robot will soon face a tough decision: preserve human life or save its new friend.

127

TOGETHER FOREVER

u

FAMILY FRIENDLY 2

Thursday Recommended for ages 7-10 years

Theatre Royal 10:00-11:00

Saturday

YSJU 12:00-13:00

Sunday

YSJU 12:00-13:00

Our relationships with families and friends can have a massive impact on our identities as we journey through life. We might be content, or we may instead yearn to be surrounded by different people or find a chosen family elsewhere. This collection is about bonds we build with those around us. Even if our paths go separate ways, we can always rely on each other.

01 OVO (NO DIALOGUE)

02

A/V

WILD TALE (NO DIALOGUE)

Aline Quertain Belgium, 2023, 15:51 In the middle of a boreal forest, a lonely feline meets a small bird.

A friendship blossoms, despite them being predator and prey. As suspicions and tensions arise, will they be able to remain friends?

03

04 05

STRAND 3

Stiv Spasojevic France, 2023, 06:40 A robot from outer space crash lands on planet Earth and begins to explore its strange, new surroundings. It spots a white egg in the distance, which soon hatches into an adorable baby robin.

THE UNREACHABLE STAR

Sharon S. Park USA, 2022, 14:55 Inspired by the tales of Don Quixote, a brother and sister duo sets off in search of adventure to escape their own wartime reality. On the way, they learn that imagination is the greatest act of heroism.

05

06

OCTOPUS BANANA HOTCHPOTCH (NO DIALOGUE)

FOR YOU (SUBTITLED)

Milanka Fabjancic Slovenia, 2023, 07:40 We follow best friends Mila and Mara on a wonderful adventure as they take different life paths. Over the years, it becomes clear that their separate worlds are connected and enriched by sisterly love.

128

LOVE PHOTOSYNTHESIS (NO DIALOGUE)

Alisa Zolonz Ukraine, 2024, 04:00 In the microscopic realm of a leaf, Water and Chloroplast are stars of an improbable love story. The two embark on a transformative journey – not only for themselves but for everyone around them.

Luca Paulli UK, 2023, 03:33 A heartfelt letter from a father to his two-year-old son reflects on a summer's day in the park. Even though uncertainty lies ahead, we can create a better future with courage, imagination and love.

INNER STRENGTH FAMILY FRIENDLY 3

Friday Recommended for ages 10-16 years

Theatre Main 10:30-11:30

Saturday

YSJU 12:00-13:00

Sunday

YSJU 12:00-13:00

PG

Things can be tricky sometimes and our feelings can shift and change. We may question ideas, or feel different to those around us and it can be hard to say or explain how we feel. These films, though very different on the outside, each explore curiosity and courage when it comes to facing fears, overcoming obstacles, accepting change or finding our inner selves.

04 01 FINDING JIA

Alice Yang Australia, 2024, 13:04 Mei, an eight-year-old immigrant unfulfilled with everything she experiences at home, yearns for the western way of life she sees on TV. But, is the world on the screen really as perfect as it seems?

02

A/V

FREAK OF NATURE

Alexandra Lermer Germany, 2024, 08:16 In this story of personal growth and overcoming fears, a shy and lonely creature is too scared to leave the old circus cage in which it once was trapped. That is, until it finds a seedling to look after.

STRAND 4

03

04

TAMAGOYAKI

REMOTE STRUTTING

Meg Igarashi UK, 2024, 04:27 When Aya moves to the UK from Japan, she slowly becomes more aware of cultural differences in the ways families show their love and affection. This makes her question if she is loved by her mum.

Lorna Fitzsimons Ireland, 2024, 12:00 In Remote Strutting, we follow the journey of a young, imaginative IT professional who battles the self-limitations that are preventing her from stepping out of her comfort zone and into the real world.

05

06

DRAGFOX

KOLAJA

Lisa Ott UK, 2024, 08:00 Sam's search for identity is suddenly interrupted by a mysterious neighbourhood fox. Together, the pair embark on a fun, magical journey to discover the things they both might have in common.

Kaylen Francis, Judah Meade UK, 2024, 22:32 Meet Joseph, a brooding teenager who feels like an "alien" in his own family. One night, he encounters Rehe, an actual humanoid from another planet, who is desperately trying to get back home.

129

D/FLS/MH/S

SEARCHING FOR MEANING

12

FASHION 1

This programme takes a journey though deeply personal stories, which look at how identity is constructed through cultural expectation. It asks: When, and how, can we break free from societal norms and the perceptions of others? These are people who define themselves beyond the status quo. Now, they are inviting us to consider our own experiences of self-discovery.

01

02

AITAI (SUBTITLED)

BYE BYE CONFIDENCE

Mădălina Zaharia UK, 2023, 17:55 Within the confines of a small south London flat, one filmmaker decides to say a final goodbye to her already lacking confidence.

Her close friends come together to help her see this task through.

STRAND 3

Miluum Japan, 2023, 02:18 AITAI (longing) is a poetic film that explores gender identity and fluid expression within Japan's LGTBQIA+ community. It follows two non-binary models, Riku and Minor, as they traverse Tokyo.

03

04

ARTIFICIAL FLOWER

NIGHT HAWKES

Zehua Wu USA, 2023, 03:51 In Nanzhao, China, people cover coffins with artificial flowers and play the suona to safeguard living memories of the dead. This is a short dedicated to preserving those precious fleeting moments.

05

06

ASPERA ASTRA

PYTHONS

Gerfried Guggi Austria, 2023, 04:36 Searching for meaning, for the one thing worth suffering for, will the Seeker be able to find what he’s looking for? Leaving the white void behind, he is ready to get lost in the big pond – the universe.

130

Atlas Ferrera USA, 2023, 12:45 A closeted "madman" gets more than he bargained for when he goes looking for love in an underground gay bar in 1950s Brooklyn, uncovering misogyny, queer oppression and racism.

Perry Curties UK, 2023, 07:19 A short documentary exploring the invasive python problem in the Florida Everglades for P448, a brand working with licensed python extractors to find the sustainable solution to the issue.

Wednesday

City Screen 2 19:00-20:00

07

08

DEAR DIARY

TEENAGE LOVE FOREVER

Clementine Decremps Germany, 2024, 03:04 Dear Diary, I cannot sleep. There are so many things in my past that I could have done differently. I'm sick of having a head full of useless regrets. I need to exorcise my mind of my former selves.

ThursdaY

Friargate 21:00-22:00

Friday

YSJU 20:00-21:00

A/V

Imogen Harrison UK, 2023, 05:25 When adolescent optimism soon turns to resentment, a couple’s intense bond becomes the making of their downfall. This is a poem about love, communication, surrender and being human.

STRAND 3

09

10

STAND UP, STAND OUT

BURN-IN

Ronita Awoonor-Gordon UK, 2024, 03:37 This film pays homage to styling choices that people have used to fight for change, showing clothes that have made wearers targets of discrimination and those that have helped us to gain freedom.

Charles Dillon Ward USA, 2024, 02:25 Once online, you will remain online forever. This film explores what it means to try to be forgotten, studying the impossibility of invisibility and the true permanence of being on the internet.

11

12

CAMPANADAS 2024 (SUBTITLED)

FLURRY (SUBTITLED)

Pablo Soto UK, 2024, 05:00 We follow Paula Ulargui, the independent designer and textile researcher chosen to make the dress for Cristina Pedroche, who marked 10 years presenting the New Year's countdown in Spain.

Giulio Rosati Italy, 2023, 03:42 Immersed in a white winter landscape and surrounded by soft snow, Giorgia Andreazza's playground is a magical place where models become carefree, invisible and mischievous creatures.

131

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COMPLEX STORIES

15

FASHION 2 (SUBTITLED) Fashion film blends artistry, dance and narrative storytelling to uncover the intricate layers of identity and relationships.

These films highlight the complexities of self-expression, exploring how cultural influences, personal experiences and societal expectations shape identity. Relationships are depicted with subtlety, revealing bonds that define the human condition.

01

02

PARASITE (NO DIALOGUE)

TWO OF HEARTS (SUBTITLED)

Mashie Alam Canada, 2024, 05:30 "It has always been just us. Two of us. Two of hearts." Faced with an uncomfortable dilemma, we meet a brother and sister who are embroiled in a battle of wits. An important decision must be made.

STRAND 5

Jordan James Bridge UK, 2023, 03:18 Our everyday lives are often filled with fear and questions about our existence. But at what cost, for what purpose? Caught in a dark reality, we search for something positive through the white noise.

03

04

SOMETHING OUTTA NOTHING (NO DIALOGUE)

CAVALLI PARADISE (SUBTITLED)

Michelangelo Carliez Italy, 2024, 02:50 In the magical world of iiWii Hub, an experienced tailor creates new and wild clothes. Where other people see garbage, iiWii Hub finds a rare opportunity: "flaw" is just a cruel way to say unique.

05

06

HUBRIS (NO DIALOGUE)

A MUSE ME FOR ARENA HOMME PLUS (NO DIALOGUE)

Jules de Niverville Canada, 2023, 29:30 Hubris is an experimental docu-narrative that chronicles three individual journeys interpreted by dance and circus artists, exploring a powerful storyline about the climate emergency.

132

Francesco Calabrese Italy, 2024, 01:29 C41 presents the Director’s Cut of Paradise S24. A diverse cast of actors and models, each selected for their unique charm and personality, discovers the mysteries and temptations of paradise.

Timur Celikdag UK, 2023, 04:45 We observe the transformation of a simple young man into an object of obsession. The making of a muse leads to ideas of desire, possession, objectification, manipulation, coercion and control.

Friday

Friargate 10:00-11:30

Saturday

Friargate 13:30-15:00

Sunday

Friargate 19:30-21:00

A/V

07

08

VERSACE JEANS COUTURE (NO DIALOGUE)

JOIRI MINAYA’S PATTERN MAKING (SUBTITLED)

Enrico Bellenghi UK, 2024, 01:04 C41’s How Many Objects? is an editorial project that has graced the cover of the magazine. It contains images, short videos and an offline and online article in collaboration with Versace Jeans.

Alina Rancier USA, 2023, 06:57 We meet Dominican Republic-born, New York-based artist Joiri Minaya, who challenges the ways that Caribbean cultures have been represented and is actively making space for untold stories.

STRAND 5

09

10

THE SHAPE OF LIFE (NO DIALOGUE)

THE PRINCESS AND THE PEACOCK (SUBTITLED)

Nicola Martini Italy, 2023, 01:57 A flock moves over the mountains. Below, a young woman dances in a large hall. The birds enter and move around her. In the end, they are truly one entity, formed from many small diamond rings.

Daniel Baker-Wells Germany, 2024, 13:22 This is a rare and intimate glimpse into "freak-show" performances amongst Berlin's FLINTA (femme, lesbian, intersex, non-binary, trans, a-gender). A short created by, and with, the community.

11

12

I AM LIGHT (SUBTITLED)

Julia Schönstädt UK, 2023, 03:34 I am Light is inspired by Belinda Fenty's personal experiences and her reflections on the George Floyd murder. It uses vignettes to showcase the joys and pains of life as a Black person in the UK.

SOULFUL

Callum Lloyd-James UK, 2024, 01:00 An homage to the Northern Soul movement, a subculture born out of the 1970s underground music scene, this film immerses the audience in the sights, sounds and sensations of the dance floor.

133

s

ALL THE COLOURS OF THE WORLD

12

MUSIC VIDEO 1

From iridescent folk-tales to broody cultural insights, this programme ponders place, and how origins form a basis for aesthetics. There are musings on how the visibility of storytelling in the Global North has influenced narratives in the Global South, and the universal power of music for expression. You’ll be met with a litany of genres, bright colours and countries.

01

02

SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE - TULL

SABALI

Valentin Guiod France, 2024, 10:00 Sabali, which means "patient" and "immortal", is a poetic showcase of the resilience of Moudou’s migration, his clandestine odyssey, his unwavering fight for love and, above all else, his own patience.

STRAND 4

AINS UK, 2023, 02:35 This video features Scottish Ensemble musicians performing Anna Meredith’s music atop a forest of pink plinths that seem to grow in response to the music, creating a surreal, hypnotic visual.

03

04

SHAKE STEW - LILA

BEST DJ EVER (I'M THE!!!)

Rupert Höller Austria, 2023, 04:04 In this surreal video, a dancer is melting into a landscape of palm trees, rocks and ocean waves. The over-saturated colours see the figure's neutral outfit blend seamlessly with the sandy backdrop.

05

06

IN THE DARKNESS

IDLES - POP POP POP

Adilet Abish Kazakhstan, 2024, 06:44 When a frightened child arrives at an orphanage, he acquires a friend who finds a way to shine a light on his anthropomorphised grief. It's a method he must then pass on to the next newcomer.

134

Ella Michaeli UK, 2023, 03:20 In Best DJ Ever, viewers are immersed in a vivid neon-lit world that resembles a high-stakes retro video game. Get ready for a thrilling rollercoaster ride of beats, laughs and unexpected turns.

Stewart Baxter Iceland, 2024, 04:19 Stewart Baxter captures a typically charismatic performance from the stylish Joe Talbot who, dressed in bright colours and clashing textures, roams the breathtaking landscapes of freezing Iceland.

Wednesday

NCEM 19:30-20:30

07 EVERYBODY KNOWS

Daria Geller Israel, 2023, 03:06 Daria Geller uses the words of Leonard Cohen to expose the true senselessness of war and the dangers of responding with silence, a situation where everybody knows, but no one does anything.

08

Friday

Theatre Royal 21:00-22:00

Saturday

Yorks. Museum 21:00-22:00

A/V

ADONXS - 'OVERTHINKER'

Jiří Horenský Czech Republic, 2023, 03:27 This music video is inspired by the "Adonis Complex" – a subtype of body dysmorphia that primarily affects men, characterised by an obsessive desire to attain a perfectly muscular physique.

STRAND 4

09

10

SEX, POWER AND ART

DOBRIY ZLOY - SIROTKIN

Manu Gavassi, Gabriel Dietrich Brazil, 2023, 14:57 This music video questions the perceived worth of the body in modern society. It brings together a diverse group of dancers to draw attention to the bodies that are usually foregrounded.

Oleg Trofim Uzbekistan, 2024, 05:09 Inspired by J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, this short film foregrounds the lives of neglected children who, lacking parental attention, support and affection, seem to stray from the right path.

11

12

OVERTHINKER

AETERNA

Max Davies UK, 2024, 03:22 This split screen music video, made for band Aqualine, was shot on a combination of digital and Super 8 to create a video which reflects the duality of the experience of over thinking.

Cayetano González Spain, 2024, 04:40 Aeterna considers the concept of beauty and delves into the life of an actress. It exposes the psychological contrast between her authentic self and the outward facade she maintains for society.

135

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DREAMING AWAKE

15

MUSIC VIDEO 2

Astral projecting rockstars, dystopian fetishists and existential thinkers – we’ve got it all in this programme which blends the ethereal with the wondrously impractical. In terms of execution, feel and colour, these stunning music videos are the closest you can get to a dream whilst being awake; some are glimmering in the moonlight whilst others shine through the foliage.

01

02

NONEXISTER - KATER

BLYTH

Tom Dream UK, 2023, 05:00 Blyth is an exploration of the various witch burnings and dancing plagues of the 16th century which swept across Europe. The film examines what it means to be feminine, regardless of gender.

STRAND 2

Garrick Lauterbach Germany, 2024, 06:46 From the mate who bounces from one disaster to the next, to the person who votes for a politician working against them – this video explores the insanity of doing the same thing repeatedly.

03

04

MAYBE MAN

HENDRIX HARRIS - IT'S NOT YOU

Trevor Von Klueg, Vivian Raine USA, 2021, 03:11 Maybe Man visualises the story of American pop trio AJR's titular album track. This animated short blends art and music to reflect on existential dread and imagine the person we wish we coud be.

05

06

ALL THE BEST

FROGS

Pablo Rafael Roldán Argentina, 2023, 03:37 Dedicated to all those who were told they were weird. Once we lose sight of rigid social norms, weird can be anything, and it can be funny, maybe confusing, but most of all it can be authentic.

136

Lauren Luxenberg UK, 2023, 02:43 It's Not You is a visualisation of the feeling of losing yourself in an endless search for self-discovery through romantic relationships.

Dark yet dreamlike colours represent hazy memories of the past.

Maya Marzuki Peters USA, 2024, 02:13 Raegan is reimagined as a fairytale character trapped inside a cottage in the middle of a swamp. She must find some way to reckon with the barrage of frogs trying to break down her door.

Thursday

Friargate 10:00-11:00

07 KLANGKARUSSELL X GIVVEN - AFTERGLOW

Rupert Höller Austria, 2024, 06:17 Afterglow tells a story of loss and grief. It’s about coming to terms with death and learning how to keep living in the Afterglow of a person that's no longer here, but whose presence can still be felt.

08

SAturday

YSJU 15:30-16:30

Sunday

YSJU 18:00-19:00

A/V

LSDXOXO - BLOODLUST

Griffin Stoddard USA, 2024, 03:17 Self-destructive tendencies coupled with a flair for the dramatic can make for a satiating downward spiral. Bloodlust is about the power and stimulation that can be found in relinquishing control.

STRAND 2

09

10

NONNONNON - MADA MADA FEAT. ORLANDA (DIRECTOR'S CUT)

OPTO OPTICS

Alexandre Richard Canada, 2024, 04:13 Following eye surgery, a man embarks on an increasingly surreal, dreamlike journey that unveils his deepest fears and forces him to address his darkest apprehensions about the medical procedure.

Pearl Seemann Germany, 2024, 04:13 A man is out shopping when he unexpectedly becomes witness to an event that means his world descends into surrealism. This psychedelic trip takes him far beyond his search for his dinner.

11

12

JUDELINE "MANGATA"

LUCY DREAMS - LOVE

Nono Ayuso, Rodrigo Inada Spain, 2024, 03:28 When Ángela becomes possessed by her own demons, she finds that mysterious markings and Andalusian folklore spirits appear, leading her on a disorienting experience that distorts her reality.

Monika Jungwirth Austria, 2024, 02:13 SonicWaveArtPop band Lucy Dreams's music video is surrealist and dreamlike, cast in hues of blue and white. Monika Jungwirth's signature minimalist style allows the music to speak for itself.

137

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FIGURES IN LANDSCAPE

15

Wednesday

Friargate 10:00-11:30

THRILLER 1

Friday

City Screen 1 17:30-19:00

Saturday

NCEM 19:00-20:30

The peace and stillness of the British countryside is often considered a bastion of hope for those who seek to retreat from their busy lives, the stimulation of big cities or the constant barrage of information and news we now receive every day.

These thrillers, however, fervently remind us that wild, untamed and rural UK landscapes are often no place for refuge.

01

02

THE AWAKENING

UNRAVELLING

Aimie Willemse UK, 2024, 08:03 After helping her chronically ill grandmother, Maeve, de-clutter her cottage, Fiona is forced to face her own fears when a strange invisible ailment begins to physically manifest from her skin.

STRAND 2

Al Campbell UK, 2023, 14:58 A nerve-racking tale, inspired by classic British folk stories and Japanese tech-horror, of a man who finds he’s been sleepwalking and is curious to learn where he goes in the middle of the night.

03

04

BLACK DOG

REFLECTIONS (NO DIALOGUE)

Ed Kirk UK, 2023, 11:51 Black Dog is a haunting Yorkshire folk-tale that sees a father and son uncover their personal family history and navigate shared grief within the crumbling walls of their remote moorland home.

05

06

THE TRAIL

WILD ANIMAL

Joseph Ollman UK, 2023, 13:30 When Martin and his sister, Sam, go on a walk to try and reconnect, their encounter with a walker, who hands them a complimentary parking ticket, fills them with a sense of paranoia about safety.

138

Zak Harney UK, 2023, 14:18 Elderly widowed Sid lives in self-imposed isolation with his dog, Ace. That is until, one day, Sid sees a mysterious house appear on the misty horizon – a house that looks exactly like his own home.

Beth Park UK, 2024, 18:56 In this film, which explores ideas around postpartum psychosis, a successful woman finds an abandoned baby on a remote dam and begins to realise that she is being stalked by the mother.

bv/fls/lne/sw

SHORT CIRCUIT

Wednesday

NCEM 17:30-19:00

THRILLER 2

Friday

Friargate 12:00-13:30

Sunday

City Screen 1 13:30-15:00

15

Where would we be without technology? Artificial Intelligence, personal devices and social media consume the very fabric of our contemporary world and it is hard to imagine what daily life would look like without the use of digital assistance.

This programme offers a satirical and provocative perspective on our continued and unrelenting reliance on automation.

01

02

WIRED

BENJI

Will Jewell UK, 2024, 18:13 When Becca loses her partner and job she pours her heart out to her only companion – MAIA, her AI wellbeing Smart Hub. But as she begins to turn her life around, it seems MAIA has other plans.

Oscar Garth UK, 2023, 06:08 A seemingly innocent television commercial for a family-friendly recycling bin becomes increasingly unsettling when the father decides to recycle more than just his typical household waste.

STRAND 1

03

04

S/N:05 (SUBTITLED)

SOULMATE

Hans Jakob Harms Germany, 2023, 09:11 In this film, a 20-centimetre-tall robot is forced to face off against its competitor, a tomcat. If it is victorious, it will save a young girl from the impending attack of an unknown monstrous machine.

Richard Fenwick UK, 2023, 14:58 Anna, a lonely computer coder, has been secretly nurturing an illegal romance with an AI. When her company uncovers the affair, she’s forced into a desperate battle to save her illicit relationship.

05

06

OUTSIDE NOISE

RAT!

Ethan Evans UK, 2024, 07:45 An overwhelmed woman listens to a sleep ambience app to try to unwind before bed, but when the sounds eerily begin to blend with reality, she suspects it has conjured something into her room.

Neal Suresh Mulani USA, 2024, 16:45 When a disgruntled music journalist accuses a hugely popular global pop star of queer-baiting, the singer’s devoted fans quickly descend on his remote cabin to wreak havoc and seek retribution.

139

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BODY MELT

18

Thursday

Friargate 13:30-15:00

THRILLER 3

Saturday

YSJU 13:30-15:00

Sunday

Yorks. Museum 21:30-23:00

Excess consumption, gore and body horror are the order of the day in this delectably depraved set of horror and thrillers.

You can expect copious amounts of blood, vomit and spaghetti, with a little bit of K-Pop as your appetiser. One thing is for certain, these films are definitely not for the squeamish. Prepare to watch this particular collection through your fingers.

01

02

BOY BAND

MUSH

Olivier Richomme UK, 2024, 15:44 A young woman wakes up in a stupor in a nameless British seaside town and spends a day attempting to make sense of this foreign and confusing world. How did she end up here?

STRAND 5

Benedict Chiu USA, 2024, 15:52 A popular member of a famous K-Pop boy band, whose face has been disfigured after he was involved in an accident, must undergo extensive surgery to try and repair his fracturing image.

03

04

LAGOON

DEMONS (SUBTITLED)

Conall O'Brien UK, 2023, 05:42 Dave leads a monotonous life. Slowly, but surely, all of his worst existential worries begin to manifest in the form of a ghastly mass of spaghetti; the pasta seeps into all corners of his waking reality.

05

06

SPOOR

SHÉ (SNAKE)

Sunita Soliar, Statten Roeg UK, 2023, 14:47 A freakish, throbbing growth torments Ash. With every indignity, Ash’s lump grows, until one day it erupts, spewing a mysterious substance. She must try to figure out what it is and how to stop it.

140

Adesh Prasad India, 2024, 14:57 A man shares a newly found "cure" to help his friend get rid of what haunts him. The haunting does stop, but at a gruesome cost.

This is a queer-themed horror film about living with your demons.

Renee Zhan USA, 2023, 15:30 Fei Li is the top violinist in her elite youth orchestra. When another Chinese violinist arrives to challenge her place, Fei’s internalised racism and anxieties grow to take on a monstrous physical form.

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THE LONELY ARE BRAVE

Thursday

City Screen 1 21:00-22:30

THRILLER 4

Saturday

YSJU 21:00-22:30

Sunday

NCEM 15:30-17:00

18

These thrillers feature an array of characters who seek justice, need to escape, want answers or are pursuing companionship. An eclectic selection of world cinema that uses innovative and experimental storytelling techniques – such as direct camera address and dance – to paint vivid and affecting portraits of protagonists who are trying to navigate being human.

01

02

NAY DAY

DEMONBOY

Derek Ugochukwu Ireland, 2023, 12:40 In this psychological thriller, a teenage TikToker walks her dog, she tells the story of her hectic life and aspirations. Behind her, we see the backdrop of a menacing industrial landscape unfurl.

Aaron Lovett USA, 2024, 11:16 What begins as an innocent fascination is fuelled by social media, seeing an isolated 20-something develop a perilous obsession with an unsuspecting man. It is a suspenseful supernatural thriller.

STRAND 4

03

04

AFTER DARK (SUBTITLED)

GIRLS (SUBTITLED)

Iain Forbes Norway, 2024, 10:07 On his way home late one night, Kristian encounters a lone young woman in desperate need of help. He agrees to accompany her to the train station, but soon finds himself questioning her story.

Julien Hosmalin France, 2023, 20:00 Romane and Ally are in love. As they look for a place where they can be free, they are kidnapped at a local gas station. They were looking for peace, but vengeance will first cross their path.

05

06

SYNCOPE

FACTORY DROP (NO DIALOGUE)

Linus von Stumberg Switzerland, 2023, 20:00 After Whim successfully auditions for the dance piece Syncope, the choreographer is unsatisfied with her commitment. But this is just a glimpse of what his dark vision will demand of the dancers.

Petja Pulkrabek Germany, 2024, 15:00 In a dark future, civilization can only survive in skyscrapers. The cellar floors are inhabited by the working class. When a rebellious dance occurs, two of the workers are forced to run for their lives.

141

SCREEN SCHOOL VR & IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES LAB The possibilities of 360° film are endless. Immersive experiences like these bring audiences closer to the action than ever before, positioning them in both real and entirely imagined environments.

For the seventh year, we present our 360° Cinema and Immersive Experiences Lab, sponsored by UAL’s London College of Communication.

The Lab takes place at the Hospitium, Museum Gardens, from 6 November 16:30-20:30; 7-9 November 09:30-21:00; 10 November 09:30-19:30. To attend the VR Lab, pre-registration is advised.

Alongside the VR Lab, we present daily VR panel discussions which tap into some of today’s most pressing issues in new technologies, from ethics and representation to data mining and empathic narratives.

This is a chance to step into someone else's shoes and view the world from a different perspective. It's a celebration of how we are always finding new ways of telling stories and connecting to one another.

142

INNER WORLDS

6 November

Hospitium 16:30-20:30

VR LAB 1

7-9 November Hospitium 09:30-21:00

10 November Hospitium 09:30-19:30

Step inside personal narratives that explore the human condition. These experiences bring intimate emotional journeys to life, delving into themes of grief, self-acceptance, mental health, and the complexity of relationships. From sitting at the table with a grieving family to entering the mind of an autistic child, these stories invite you to walk in someone else’s shoes.

01 BEFORE WE EAT

02 PG

Mikkel Haynes Germany, 2023, 13:52 In Before We Eat, we sit down at the dinner table with a grieving family. Grief can be a complicated thing, since each person has their own unique idea of exactly what grief should look like.

FINALLY ME

U

Marcio Sal Brazil, 2023, 18:00 From an unnoticed brothel in Rio de Janeiro emerges a poetic tale, inspired by the Carnival, of the coming out of Mr. Saul, an aging musician burdened with a lifetime of rejection and shame.

STRAND 4

03

04

THE LONGEST WALK

LOU

15

PG

Alexander Tarevt UK, 2022, 12:00 The Longest Walk is a deeply personal, walking simulator. The project was inspired by the filmmaker's experiences of having and guiding a loved one who lives with anxiety and depression.

Martine Asselin, Annick Daigneault Canada, 2022, 20:00 There are as many ways to be autistic as there are autistic people.

Lou lets people experience what it's like to be in the body of an autistic child, to see and hear the world through his eyes and ears.

05

06

HEARTBEAT

Dee Harvey UK, 2023, 09:00 Heartbeat is an animated 360 verbatim documentary that brings you inside the world of one woman's miscarriage. It’s a place of impressions, where pain and confusion reign.

18

MAMMARY MOUNTAIN

12

Camille Baker UK, 2023, 23:12 Mammary Mountain is an immersive experience that tells the stories of patients' and survivors' healthcare struggles, and the experiences of breast cancer treatment, by vibrating the areas affected.

143

CULTURAL TAPESTRIES

6 November

Hospitium 16:30-20:30

VR LAB 2

7-9 November Hospitium 09:30-21:00

10 November Hospitium 09:30-19:30

Travel across the globe and through time, as these VR experiences immerse you in rich cultural histories and identities.

From the Māori legends of Aotearoa to the struggles of Palestinian women preserving their homes, these stories weave together heritage, resilience and tradition. Each piece offers a unique glimpse into communities around the world.

01

02

SOUTH AFRICA WORLD WAR I

THE FIRST DAWN

u

u

Joseph Purdam Australia, 2023, 12:17 Te Ata Pūao (The First Dawn) is a captivating VR film that takes viewers on a poetic and meditative journey through the powerful and unforgettable Māori legend of Ranginui and Papatūānuku.

STRAND 1

Paul Long UK, 2022 , 14:35 South Africa World War I is a 360-degree VR short film that explores the breadth of military involvement from across South Africa and re-frames common notions of World War I remembrance.

03

04

REMEMBER THIS PLACE: 31°20’46’’N 34°46’46’’E

HUNTER-GATHERERS

Patricia Echeverria Liras Qatar, 2023, 25:00 A fragile home has been threatened in the physical world, yet continues to survive thanks to the determination of local women who are fighting to preserve their rights to the land.

15

05 A LOVE LETTER TO THE NIGHTINGALE

18 Elham Eshraghian-Haakansson Australia, 2023, 30:00 Somewhere in-between the lands of dreams and dark nightmares, viewers enter a world of Persian mythology. They will witness the false fairytale, fragmented and poetic – an ode to love and pain.

144

18 Davor Rostuhar Croatia, 2023, 30:00 Immerse in the life of the Tanzanian Hadza tribe, one of the last groups on Earth that still live today the way humans have lived for 99% of evolution. This is the first Croatian VR documentary film.

ECHOES OF CHANGE

6 November

Hospitium 16:30-20:30

VR LAB 3

7-9 November Hospitium 09:30-21:00

10 November Hospitium 09:30-19:30

These powerful narratives explore pressing social and environmental issues, from homelessness and sexual assault to climate change and human rights. Through immersive storytelling, these VR experiences challenge viewers to confront real-world crises, reflecting on humanity's impact on the planet. It offers an urgent call to action and space for reflection.

01

02

MISSING 10 HOURS

STREETS OF CHANGE VR

U Fanni Fazakas Hungary, 2022, 17:00 A visitor witnesses 22-year-old Mara gradually lose control of her actions. She was drugged with GHB, the date rape drug. The power to change how the night unfolds is in the visitor’s hands.

pg

Andy Campbell, Judi Alston UK, 2024, 08:40 Streets of Change VR illuminates the frequently overlooked lives of homeless people. Amid the escalating housing crisis, this film humanises rough sleepers, aiming to highlight their resilience.

STRAND 2

03

04

EDUCATION EYE OF THE STORM

RETURN TO IMPRESSION

18

PG Alejandro Lendinez USA, 2023, 06:24 This virtual reality project mixes 3D 360 -degree simulation with stereoscopic film, enabling users to experience the ways in which education is impacted by climate-related events.

Dora Filipovic UK, 2024, 13:40 An artist, Filip, who is losing his sight, is visited by the muse Vera.

She takes him on an inspirational journey to help him paint the scene, by listening to the sounds which she is experiencing.

05

06

AGE OF THE MONSTER

Benjamin Nuel France, 2023, 12:00 Through a succession of time jumps from the 1970s through to a post-anthropocene future, we follow in the footsteps of a mysterious creature as it effortlessly journeys across the eras.

u

STALL

12

Ah Young Shin, Aarti Bhalekar, Ruby Bell, Zoe Shum UK, 2023, 05:42 Stall revolves around a young person's first experience with menstruation. Overwhelmed by shame and reluctant to seek support from parents, they wish themselves away into a toilet multiverse.

145

DREAMSCAPES AND DIMENSIONS

6 November

Hospitium 16:30-20:30

VR LAB 4

7-9 November Hospitium 09:30-21:00

10 November Hospitium 09:30-19:30

Prepare for an otherworldly journey into the surreal and experimental. This collection pushes the boundaries of reality and imagination, blending hyper realistic visuals with fantasy. From a fable about a cosmonaut's visit to a strange planet to metaphoric explorations, these experiences challenge perceptions, offering a sensory adventure into new dimensions.

01

02

OTO'S PLANET

A VOCAL LANDSCAPE

U

Omid Zarei, Anne Jeppesen Denmark, 2023, 14:00 A Vocal Landscape is a hyperrealistic VR short film that explores the strange and familiar anatomy of a conversation. The viewer is taken on an intense, dreamlike journey.

18

STRAND 1

Gwenael François Luxembourg, 2024, 28:00 This interactive virtual reality fable immerses us in the quiet life of Oto and Skippy: their home planet is disrupted by the fall of a spaceship, from which Exo the cosmonaut emerges.

03

04

JOSEPH ROULEAU : FINAL ENCORE

ONCE UPON... MY STORY

u Émilie Rosas, Colas Wohlfahrt Canada, 2023, 20:00 Joseph Rouleau : Final Encore is an immersive animated biopic, based on the life and archives of opera singer Joseph Rouleau.

It aims to reveal a great pioneer of operatic art in Quebec.

Francis Gélinas Canada, 2023, 22:29 Once upon a time, children were invited to let their imaginations run free. These charming adventures combine reality and fantasy, and immerse us in the unbridled imagination of young people.

05

06

PASSIVE POWER

THE DEATH OF TOBY

U JB Singh Ghuman, Jr. USA, 2024, 10:38 A sonic visual 8K 3D 360 VR collaborative experience combining breathing, chanting, sensory and cerebral exploration. Passive Power is focused on the subtle energies of human co-existence.

146

Xiaoyan Dong UK, 2024, 20:00 An unusual priest at a graveyard reveals to the user that Mr. Toby's death was unnatural. The murderer is present at the funeral, marking the beginning of an investigation.

U

15

aesthetica x audible LIstening Pitch Join us at the Film premiere 9 November, city screen 19:00-23:00 The Listening Pitch funds stories that reveal how listening helps us understand new points of view. Join us for the premiere of Liberty Smith’s Greensound and Ornella Mutoni’s The Things We Don't Say. We will also screen Old Lesbians and Speed of Sound. Screening, Q+A, DJ and After Party. Free drink after launch.

147

LONDON COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATION NEW TALENT SHOWCASE We are pleased to present, in this guest programme, four projects from London College of Communication. Here we will experience the breadth and scope of Virtual Reality. This section is all about supporting and encouraging the next generation of talent, as VR becomes more and more part of the everyday through both immersive experience and 360 film.

In recent years we have seen screen culture expanding, which has redefined interactive entertainment. The expansive worlds of film, games and VR merge, creating a unique set of possibilities for the future of storytelling.

As we look towards digital futures, we are thrilled to work in partnership with London College of Communication to expand our horizons through VR, 360 and interactive experiences.

Selection curated by Ana-Despina Tudor and David McLellan.

148

NEW TALENT SHOWCASE

6 November

Hospitium 16:30-20:30

01

02

INK REMINISCE

ASTRO ODYSSEY

U

7-9 November Hospitium 09:30-21:00

10 November Hospitium 09:30-19:30

U

Margarida Lira Gomes De Almeida Belo UK, 2024, 10:00 Astro Odyssey is a captivating journey that takes players into the depths and far reaches of outer space. Dive into three mind-expanding lectures covering the solar system, Mars and black holes.

03

04

ECHOREALMS

TOMORROW'S PLANTS

VR LAB

Shihui He UK, 2024, 10:00 Ink Reminisce, inspired by Chinese ink painting, is centred on the sisterly bond of the White Snake Enchantress folklore. Players enter a stark black-and-white world, which slowly gains colour.

u Jana Abou Nasr and Haohan Cui UK, 2024, 20:00 EchoRealms reimagines the theatre using MR and VR. Experience digital worlds inspired by Bach's classical music, and transition from an extremely hyperrealistic to a hypervirtual theatre space.

Beining Chen UK, 2024, 10:00 A mixed-reality project about AI-based plants of the future. It invites the public to observe and interact with new forms of life, and to consider how everyday people will live alongside them.

U

ENTER NEW AND IMMERSIVE WORLDS. JOURNEY INTO THE SCREEN SCHOOL VR LAB. 6-10 NOVEMBER, HOSPITIUM, MUSEUM GARDENS | BOOK AT ASFF.CO.UK Aesthetica and LCC’s Screen School invite you into the exciting world of interactive cinema.

Discover our 360° Lab and our essential panel discussions at York Explore. Booking advised.

149

DISCOVER OUR BRAND NEW GAMES LAB Games are a big part of entertainment and contemporary popular culture. This year we are pleased to present the second year of our fully interactive Games Lab where you can play outstanding and independent games as part of your festival experience in York.

Video games now provide an immersive experience. We see them as a crucial way to understand the way that storytelling is evolving and changing. We are celebrating all aspects of game culture, design and production, with play sessions and a number of panels and talks.

There are 36 titles for you to try, across PC, console, headset and smart devices. This is an experience for adults and children alike.

The Games Lab is at the Hospitium, Museum Gardens.

Free with pass and pre-registration recommended.

6 November 16:30-21:15 7-9 November 09:45-20:45 10 November 09:45-19:30

150

GAMES LAB

6 November

Hospitium 16:30-21:15

01 STELLAR WATCH

7-9 November Hospitium 09:45-20:45

10 November Hospitium 09:45-19:30

02 3

White Leaf USA, 2024 Stellar Watch is a dynamic space tower defence game where players manoeuvre tower formations in order to protect themselves against enemy obstacles, which are unique in each playthrough.

OUR EARTH YOUR CHOICE

7

One to One Development Trust UK, 2022 Created in collaboration with young people aged 8-20, Our Earth Your Choice follows a team of eco-activists who must restore the Earth’s climate. Go on fun missions to protect the environment!

GAMES LAB

03

04

PLAY YOUR WAY INTO PRODUCTION

SNEAKY BEINGS

7

12

One to One Development Trust UK, 2024 Join a film crew working on a CGI dinosaur documentary. Explore the set, handle the equipment, meet everyone who is involved and undertake important tasks as part of this immersive movie shoot.

Tiancheng Wang UK, 2024 Sneaky Beings is a multiplayer party game for the mischief makers! You play as foxes on a mission to complete tasks around the farm. Disguise as other animals as you sneak your way to success.

05

06

MEZZANINE

15

Mitch Anzuoni, Peter Christian USA, 2023 Mezzanine is a point-and-click adventure that traces the origin of the modern web and takes you into the heart of San Francisco’s Multimedia Gulch as a HR admin working late on the eve of Y2K.

A NUMBER FROM A GHOST

3

Peter Adams USA, 2024 Players are whisked away into a vibrant interactive music video.

On desktop, mobile or with VR, step into an immersive computer animated land that works in visual harmony with the soundtrack.

151

GAMES LAB (CONTINUED)

07

08

REVENGE OF THE CRAB

SYMMETRY-CRAFT

3

3

Junyi Jiang UK, 2024 Symmetry-Craft takes inspiration from the grid system and the beauty of balanced compositions. Here, players have to flip the tiles in order to make shapes symmetrical and solve the puzzles!

GAMES LAB

Jiming Zhang, Xin Gao, Jiayue Han, Yiwen Chen China, 2024 One day, a brave crab escapes from its cage. It finds that the once beautiful beach has been covered with rubbish by the hateful fisherman. Therefore, the little crustacean decides to take revenge!

09

10

SNUFKIN: MELODY OF MOOMINVALLEY

YOU'RE JUST IMAGINING IT

3 Hyper Games Norway, 2024 Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is a story-rich musical adventure game about Snufkin, who has to restore the peace of the valley, whilst helping the quirky characters and critters who call it home.

7 npckc Japan, 2024 You think you have a chronic illness, but you don't know what. All you know is that you're always in pain and have been to too many doctors to count ... How long will it take to finally get a diagnosis?

11

12

THE ECHO CHAMBER

12

Vertical Slice UK, 2025 The Echo Chamber is a narrative-puzzle game where, with the help of an inquisitive priest, a guilt-stricken woman must sift through her own memories to piece together the truth of a traumatic event.

152

WALLACE & GROMIT IN THE GRAND GETAWAY

3

Aardman UK, 2023 When Wallace gets his dates mixed up, the pair have to get to their holiday destination in just half an hour! The rocketship is the only way they can make it in time. Will this be a holiday to remember?

6 November

Hospitium 16:30-21:15

13 PLEASE, TOUCH THE ARTWORK 2

7-9 November Hospitium 09:45-20:45

10 November Hospitium 09:45-19:30

14 12

Thomas Waterzooi Belgium, 2024 You are a dandy, suit-wearing, art-loving skeleton, with the power to travel into paintings. Using this ability, you help repair artwork and find missing items for the quirky people living inside of them.

PROJECT ZIPZAP

12

Studio 4.8 UK, 2024 Project ZipZap is a movement video game, in which you use different dash abilities to fight enemies and traverse the environment.

Chaining their dashes together leads to wild, unique interactions.

VR LAB

15

16

PHOENIX SPRINGS

PIECED TOGETHER

16

3

Calligram Studio UK, 2024 Lose yourself in the mystery of Phoenix Springs, a modern pointand-click set in a striking neo-noir world. It begins with an investigation: find your brother Leo. You already know where it ends.

Glowfrog Games UK, 2026 Pieced Together is a puzzle game that tells the story of two friends, Beth and Connie. Something has come between them and now Connie must decide – is their friendship is worth holding on to?

17

18

ALULA

7

Miracle Tea UK, 2025 Alula is a dreamy, wistful game about gardening and stargazing.

In this puzzle adventure, players have to help a cast of colourful characters solve their problems by exploring parts of their psyche.

ONCE UPON A ROGUE'S TALE

7

PolyPirates Germany, 2024 Once Upon a Rogue's Tale combines strategic roguelike deckbuilding with the luck of the dice. Encounter narratives inspired by fairy tales and make decisions that will affect your personal storybook.

153

GAMES LAB (CONTINUED)

19

20

PINE HEARTS

THE CRUSH HOUSE

16

Nerial UK, 2024 Create 1999's hottest reality TV show! Choose your cast, satisfy voracious audiences and keep the show on the air to uncover the sinister secrets behind this darkly comic thirst-person shooter.

GAMES LAB

3 Hyper Luminal Games UK, 2024 Enter a fun-filled narrative-adventure game set in the sleepy Pine Hearts Caravan Park. Explore the great outdoors as you uncover items, unlock new paths and discover uncover hidden treasures.

21

22

SCHIM

LEILA

3

Ubik Studios Turkey, 2024 Leila is about a middle-aged woman who is struggling to make peace with herself. We must travel through her memories, traumas and mistakes in this point-and-click journey of self-forgiveness.

23

24

FINAL PROFIT: A SHOP RPG

16

Brent Arnold Australia, 2023 Final Profit is a story driven shop-simulator RPG. Gather products and find customers; spend your hard-earned profits on upgrades and investments; and make far-reaching choices as you expand.

154

12

Ewoud van der Werf, Nils Slijkerman The Netherlands, 2024 Schim are souls of objects, things or living beings. Everything in the world has one. But they should never be separated from their thing! Will you be able to reunite with them before it's too late?

CLEM

7

Mango Protocol Spain, 2024 You awake in a world where puzzles weave a narrative rooted in alchemy. A voice awakens you. It gives you purpose. Your guide through the house is a notebook, filled with mysterious entries.

6 November

Hospitium 16:30-21:15

7-9 November Hospitium 09:45-20:45

10 November Hospitium 09:45-19:30

26

35 25 MORGAN: METAL DETECTIVE

3 Studio Morgan UK, 2024 A metal detector game, where you reunite residents of the beautiful Cornish island of Glasden with things they have lost. And, with the help of your late Grandpa, restore magic along the way.

ROBO SOUL

12

Hongtao Jiang / Dianqian Li / Fei Peng UK, 2024 You play as a lost soul wandering between machines in search of your original body in this nostalgic Top-down shooter game. Defeat enemies, explore unique levels and solve this sci-fi mystery.

GAMES LAB

27

28

TAILS OF IRON 2: WHISKERS OF WINTER

NOCTURNALS

16

Odd Bug Studio UK, 2024 Enter a vast, snow-ravaged kingdom as Arlo, heir to the Warden of the Wastes. Adventure through lands home to beasts and bandits, in an epic quest to overcome an ancient and blood-starved evil.

Cowboy Toad Games UK, 2024 This heartfelt choose-your-own-adventure game follows the story of Ted, as he navigates the abandoned, post-apocalyptic town of Ruddleside, and discovers a new companion in Diego.

29

30

BEYOND GALAXYLAND

12

Sam Enright USA, 2024 Take to the stars in the retro-futuristic adventure-RPG spanning the cosmos. Join Doug and gun-toting guinea pig, Boom Boom, on an exhilarating, planet-hopping journey to save Earth itself.

STAR TRUCKER

18

12

Monster and Monster UK, 2024 Haul cargo, trade salvage and keep your space suit close as you search for fame and fortune amongst the stars in a Star Trucker, game that puts an interstellar spin on the truck simulator genre.

155

GAMES LAB (CONTINUED)

6 November

Hospitium 16:30-21:15

31 COSMIC PENGUIN PURSUIT

7-9 November Hospitium 09:45-20:45

10 November Hospitium 09:45-19:30

32 7

POST TRAUMA

18

RED SOUL GAMES Spain, 2024 Post Trauma is a horror game inspired by genre-defining classics of the past decades. Play as Roman, a middle-aged train conductor trapped in a terrifying reality filled with unspeakable horrors.

GAMES LAB

Samuel Corderoy UK, 2024 Welcome to Cosmic Penguin Pursuit, a 3D-platformer with speed and momentum! After UFOs crash the Egg Festival and abduct all the eggs, the Prince of Penguin Town has to save every last one.

35 33

35 34

SORRY WE'RE CLOSED

TRASH GOBLIN

16 à la mode games UK, 2024 You enter a demon world, where you collect items and manage your resources to stay alive. Open your Third Eye to see worlds, uncover secrets and solve puzzles in this survival horror game.

35

35 36

WHY ARE U HERE?

FIX YOUR MOTHER'S PRINTER

18 An Zhou UK, 2023 Why are U Here takes you on an interactive open-world VR journey exploring the concept of neighbourhood detachment by transforming familiar surroundings into vivid and surreal landscapes.

156

16 Spilt Milk Studios UK, 2024 You enter a demon world, where you collect items and manage your resources to stay alive. Open your Third Eye to see worlds, uncover secrets and solve puzzles in this survival horror game.

3 Geoffrey Golden USA, 2023 It is Sunday afternoon and your mum is calling you on Swoon, the video conferencing app built specifically for mothers. She's having a tech emergency and you're the only one who can help!

Cinema is a space where we can engage and see the world through the eyes of others. In this strand, we invite curators from around the world to meet our audiences and share their unique outlooks via specially curated programmes.

This year’s organisations include BBC Comedy, New York Times Op-Docs and The Iris Prize, amongst many others. These champions of new filmmaking offer compelling narratives that broaden the scope of cinematic representation and tell us stories from around the globe, covering a broad spectrum of human experiences.

These films offer powerful opportunities to experience someone else’s point of view and to immerse yourself in ideas beyond your own. In doing so, you’ll open yourself up to new cultures, horizons and landscapes. Sit back, watch and enjoy.

157

A/AB/BV/D/DU/mh/S/SW

18

BAD ASS BITCHES In a time where women’s bodies, choices and rights are objectified, ignored and eroded, Directors Notes presents a programme of films about women who seize control of their own narratives, defy societal expectations and take back their power. Through the navigation of finding oneself, confronting fetishisation, an alternative view of motherhood and transforming trauma into strength, Bad Ass Bitches – DN’s new ongoing screening and event series – illustrates women’s uncompromising journeys to redefine their worth and take back ownership.

158

thursday 7 november Friargate 11:30-13:00

01

02

SCOTTY’S VAG

HYSTERICAL

Chaconne Martin-Berkowicz USA, 2022, 15:30 On the night of a sorority hazing event, a college freshman must make an impression on the older girl she wants to be her “big.”

Scotty soon realises how far she’s willing to go to prove herself.

April Moreau USA, 2022, 15:10 In the days following a traumatic event, a standup comedian tries to hop right back on stage. When this proves more difficult than she’d imagined, she is forced to look inward to start to heal.

03

04

OBJECT OF DESIRE (SUBTITLED)

WALK OUT NICE AND SMOOTH (SUBTITLED)

Naomi Christie USA, 2023, 12:55 When an Asian-American woman takes a karaoke hostessing job for some quick cash to get her confiscated car back, she finds herself unable to escape customers with a relentless Asian fetish.

Kerry O’Neill USA, 2023, 10:58 13-year-old Dani and their mother Anne embark on an all-day odyssey to flip a stolen laptop and make a score for themselves.

But as the pressure mounts, the two are forced closer together.

05

06

THURSDAY (SUBTITLED)

Bren Cukier Poland, 2023, 15:00 Maria is an actress with secret plans for Thursday, but her day takes an unexpected turn. Thursday explores Poland’s strict abortion laws as a woman privately goes through the process.

FUCK ME, RICHARD

Lucy Elizabeth McKendrick, Charles Polinger Australia, 2023, 14:59 Lonely Sally starts a phone romance with Richard from a dating app. As their relationship deepens, Richard’s requests for money to help his sick mother raise big doubts about his true intentions.

159

DU/FLS/LNE/MH/Sw

12

KINSHIP IN COLOUR: BONDS What is the Black experience when stripped back and illuminated without subtext? This programme accents love, friendship and kinship, journeying through different experiences of human connection. These stories are not specific to certain communities but are told in a way that relates to us all – whether through surreal colour or striking cinematography. This collection is sure to take us on an emotional journey of contemporary Blackness, challenging us to ask “Where does our humanity end, and our race begin?” Curated by Rico Johnson-Sinclair.

160

thursday 7 november Theatre Royal Studio 19:00-20:30

01 HOUSE PARTY

02 AMPE LEAP INTO THE SKY, BLACK GIRL (SUBTITLED)

William Alexander Boyd III UK, 2023, 14:00 A naive teenager is out of his element at a drug-fuelled party.

To break out of his shell, he’ll have to smoke and drink his way through a night that’ll be far more grisly than anyone expects.

Claudia Owusu, Ife Oluwamuyide Ghana, USA, 2022, 18:00 Set in the sister cities of Accra, Ghana and Columbus, Ohio, this short is a rhythmic love letter to Black girlhood through the lens of the Ghanaian traditional jumping and clapping game, Ampe.

03

04

SURPRISE, BABY

THE CALL

Zane Igbe UK, 2024, 13:21 Soon-to-be parent Taye contemplates confiding in their pregnant partner Serena about their own gender identity on the day of their baby shower. They have to tell Serena before it is too late.

05 BONDE (SUBTITLED)

Asaph Luccas Brazil, 2019, 18:00 Three young Black friends living in the Heliópolis favela seek refuge and fun in the Queer nightlife of downtown São Paulo in a short that captures all the excitement and joy of a night out.

Riffy Ahmed UK, 2023, 14:00 During a difficult visit to her single immigrant mother, we follow protagonist Athena who discovers that what she thought was age-related mental decline is in fact an inherited magical gift.

06 MARIMACHA

Cami Cruz Thomas USA, 2023, 09:44 When an illicit picture outs the daughter of two conservative Black/Afro-Panamanians on their way to a family wedding, they must finally confront the queer elephant in the room.

161

SW/D/MH

15

LOOK AGAIN: OSKA BRIGHT FILM FESTIVAL With less than 5% of disabled people working in the UK film industry, Oska Bright Film Festival is an organisation that is driven to make real change happen. By working internationally with industry partners and with funding support from the BFI, the team produces the BAFTA and BIFA-qualifying Oska Bright Film Festival, which promotes accessible screenings, runs training for venues, plus development opportunities for emerging filmmakers. They make sure that people with learning disabilities, or who are autistic, are in front of and behind the lens.

162

Thursday 7 November

YSJU Creative Centre Listening Room 20:00-21:30

01

02

DEAD CAT FILM

A TALE OF SWORDS AND SMOKE

Josie Charles, Nathan Miller UK, 2022, 04:38 A young woman becomes attached to the taxidermied corpse of her housemate’s cat. Dead Cat Film is a dark, absurd comedy short starring Will Gao (Heartstopper) and the voice of Hugh Bonneville.

Michael Strachan Brown UK, 2023, 06:52 This is the story of two adventurers journeying across the truly perilous depths of their kingdom, where they must find courage in the pursuit of adventure and then foil a fire-breathing menace.

03

04

UNSCARFED

THE CUNNING

Anita Bruneburg Germany, 2023, 09:00 Three humans serve a giantess in a giant-ruled land. They know that if the blue scarf around their necks would ever be removed it would mean getting closer to her – in the worst possible way.

Alexandra Maher UK, 2022, 13:48 A mother and daughter with Down’s Syndrome are accused of witchcraft. Together, they must hatch an ambitious plan for escape. The tiniest mistake, however, will result in certain death.

05

06

MARIEE SIOU: CIRCLE OF SIGNS

Samantha Shay Iceland, 2022, 05:40 Made alongside a teenager, this music video is about the wildfires rampaging through California, climate grief and the hopeless situation in which capitalism and colonialism has left planet Earth.

BLACK CHALK

Julieta Tetelbaum Argentina, 2022 07:56 Black Chalk immerses the viewer in the world of a woman with Down’s Syndrome, who draws and writes on a white wall with black chalk a list of daily activities to organise her life.

163

SW/D/MH thursday 7 november

15

YSJU Creative Centre Listening Room 20:00-21:30

07

08

GLITCH

GOOD VIBRATIONS

Dan McGowan UK, 2022, 13:00 When Tom receives a mysterious new router, he thinks it’s the end of his lockdown WiFi woes. But the strange box has even stranger powers. Ones that will shock Tom, and also terrify his friends ...

Tamsin Louise Parker UK, 2022, 05:00 Good Vibrations revolves around Tamsin’s misophonia, which leads to a complicated relationship with snoring and stertorous breathing – especially the former – in film, TV and everyday life.

09

10

CHICKEN

Lucy McNulty, Emma Pollard Canada, 2022, 14:00 When Sam splits up with her partner, she has to move back into her childhood home with her mother and neurodivergent brother, Emmett. His baseball game forces her to realise what’s important.

HOLIDAY MAKER

Harry Mead UK, 2022 07:00 The Holiday Maker tells the story of a young woman called Emily, who one day decides to build a miniature model collection of all the holiday destinations that she cannot currently afford to visit.

SEE THE WORLD THROUGH NEW EYES. DIVE INTO OUR GUEST PROGRAMME. We’ve teamed up with curators around the world – from New York Times’ Op-Docs to the Cabriolet Film Festival in Lebanon – to share films that expose audiences to fresh and insightful perspectives.

164

connect & Collaborate From networking to parties, aesthetica is the place to meet.

From the Friday Night Party to our Daily Networking Sessions and themed drinks receptions, we are dedicated to creating spaces for filmmakers to meet, make friends and generate ideas for new projects. Fostering a friendly atmosphere is part of what we do. Come and say hello!

165

SW

15

ROAD TO THE BAFTAS & OSCARS Aesthetica is renowned for discovering and showcasing new talent, consistently bringing fresh voices to wider audiences. Over the past 15 years, we have collaborated with filmmakers and audiences alike to present exceptional storytelling through cinema. Films that screen with us receive nominations for prestigious awards, including the BAFTAs and Oscars, with many going on to win. This programme features six films that have either been nominated for or won a BAFTA or an Oscar.

Experience the skill and craft of our critically acclaimed filmmakers.

166

friday 8 november

York Theatre Royal Main House 12:00-13:30

01

02

GRANDAD WAS A ROMANTIC

YELLOW

Maryam Mohajer UK, 2019, 04:39 “My grandad was a romantic. He once saw a picture of my granny and realised that she was the love of his life. One day he decided to go meet her.” A charming animation about old fashioned love.

Elham Ehsas UK, 2023, 12:49 In Taliban controlled Afghanistan, Laili walks into a Chadari store in Kabul to buy her first full body veil from a Taliban shop-keeper.

Yellow is the story of navigating a future governed by oppression.

03

04

THE SILENT CHILD

Chris Overton UK, 2017, 20:00 The Silent Child is inspired by real life events. A Deaf four-year-old girl, born into a middle class family, lives in a world full of silence until a caring social worker teaches her the gift of communication.

JELLYFISH AND LOBSTER

Yasmin Afifi UK, 2023, 20:00 A magical realist, dark comedy drama set in a gritty British care home. Two terminally ill patients discover a magical blue pool that restores them back to their younger selves beneath the water.

05 NAI NAI AND WAI POU (SUBTITLED)

Sean Wang USA, 2023, 31:24 Nai Nai is my grandma. Wai Po is also my grandma. Together, as a team, they dance, fart and stretch their sorrows away. They remind us that getting older doesn’t have to mean fading away.

167

Sw

PG

EMBRACING THE HIGHS & THE LOWS BBC Comedy has been dedicated to making people laugh for generations. It is behind all-time classics like Gavin and Stacey, Ghosts and The O

e, and has worked with many household names like Daisy

May Cooper, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Romesh Ranganathan. This selection of hilarious shorts finds the funny in a broad spectrum of human experiences, from a botched burglary to the terrible consequences of sleep deprivation. Dive into a rabbit hole filled with characters fuelled by wild ambitions, curiosity and copious amounts of caffeine.

168

friday 8 november Yorkshire Museum 19:00-20:30

01

02

SPUD

CABLE TIED

Siobhán McSweeney UK, 2023, 17:00 This is the story of Spud, a woman who, despite not being young, beautiful or a mother, is quite happy in herself. Until everything changes, and she must come out of the shadows and be seen.

Niamh McKeown UK, 2024, 11:00 Two inept burglars stumble upon a dark, moral dilemma during a break-in that could change their lives – forever. A dark comedy drama about morality and the consequences of our actions.

03

04

THIS IS GAY

Kirk Flash UK, 2023, 14:00 They’re called “gays” – but what are they? Who are they? And why?

Part mockumentary, part sketch show, This Is Gay attempts to answer these questions, guided by a figure known only as “Host.”

05 MOBILITY

Akaash Meeda UK, 2023, 09:00 It’s the first day of sixth form, and Mike is looking forward to a bit of social mobility. He thinks he’s way better than the group of “loser” friends he’s accrued, and aspires to higher things this school year.

POBL BACHYN

Kiri Pritchard-McLean UK, 2023, 11:00 Pobl Bachyn is a short comedy-horror film about the formidable triple threat of Welsh folklore, English tourists and, to a lesser extent, being hungover – all set on a remote farm on Ynys Môn.

06 BIRDSONG

Uncle Shortbread UK, 2023, 12:00 A short film by sketch comedy group Uncle Shortbread that explores the dangers of sleep deprivation, the brutality of the music industry and the unrivalled power of Iggy Pop’s hip thrust.

169

cw/du/sw

15

THE NEW YORK TIMES OP-DOCS MIX This programme showcases the range of work published by Op-Docs, The New York Times’ Oscar-winning series of short documentaries by independent filmmakers. Started by The New York Times Opinion section in 2011, Op-Docs films have sparked global conversations, influenced national policies and garnered an array of industry distinctions.

After this screening of four ground-breaking shorts, Alexandra Garcia, the Supervising Producer for Op-Docs, will lead a brief 15-minute conversation and discussion about how the series has been curated.

170

saturday 9 november City Screen 2 15:30-17:00

01

02

AWAY

TEN METER TOWER

Ruslan Fedotow Belgium, Hungary, Portugal, 2023, 18:00 Two Ukrainian 16-year-olds are helping at a school for refugee children in Budapest. They ask the young people to draw pictures of memories from home. What beautiful things do they recall?

Axel Danielson, Maximilien Van Aertryck Sweden, 2017, 16:00 A 10 metre tower. People who have never been up there have to choose whether to jump or climb down. The situation highlights an instinctive dilemma: weighing up fear against humiliation.

03

04

THE QUEEN OF BAKSETBALL

Ben Proudfoot USA, 2022, 22:00 A tribute to basketball pioneer Lusia Harris, who led her team to three national championships, scored the first basket in women’s Olympic history and was drafted by the New Orleans Jazz in 1977.

CLEAN

Miranda Stern UK, 2023, 18:42 Clean presents a woman’s love letter on addiction. It documents what is a final goodbye to heroin, as she attempts to come off the synthetic opiates that have kept her sober for the past six years.

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FLS/LNE

12

IRIS LOVES DOCUMENTARY Documentaries have always been an important part of the Iris Prize programme, as a way to celebrate real life LGBTQ+ stories. But the main awards at Iris have, to-date, been presented to fiction films. This selection comprises powerful documentaries that have either screened at Iris or been supported financially by the Iris Prize Documentary Fund. All four are examples of excellence in storytelling. It is only a matter of time before they start winning major awards. This year’s Iris Prize programme is introduced by festival Director, Berwyn Rowlands.

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saturday 9 november

YSJU Creative Centre Auditorium 17:00-18:30

01

02

DYKES ON BIKES: AN ORIGIN STORY

SOME GIRLS HATE DRESSES

Tilly Robba, Steph Jowett & Kate Cornish Australia, 2022, 11:00 Dykes on Bikes is a motorcycle club with chapters all over the world.

Today, it’s about having a good time with friends and giving back to the community, but things weren’t so recreational in the beginning.

Somina “Mena” Fombo UK, 2024, 25:00 A nostalgic and evocative look into the lives of the Black British tomboys from yesteryear, told from the perspective of the queer Black women who wore the label with pride throughout the 1990s.

03

04

PEACH PARADISE

Shiva Raichandani UK, 2022, 13:00 A non-binary Japanese-Irish drag artist storms the UK cabaret scene with a gender-diverse, Pan-Asian collective, pursuing the goal of dismantling racial stereotypes by using love and glitter.

TED & NOEL

Julia Alcamo UK, 2023, 25:00 For over 50 years, activist Ted Brown has fought for queer and Black rights. But, after the devastating loss of his partner, can Ted find the inner strength for one last fight for LGBTQ+ liberation?

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EYE TO EYE WITH “THE OTHER” Cabriolet Film Festival presents a selection of Lebanese short films that examines the theme of “The Other.” It’s a concept inspired by Emmanuel Levinas’ philosophy of alterity, which emphasised our ethical responsibility to recognise and value individuals who might be different from ourselves. These projects ask: What does it mean to encounter “the Other”? How can we cultivate empathy in a world rife with division? Each story shows the power of celebrating diversity, encouraging us to think about justice, compassion and our shared humanity.

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saturday 9 november

York Theatre Royal Studio 19:00-20:30

01

02

SISTERS OF THE ROATION [SUBTITLED]

FAILURE [SUBTITLED]

Gaby Zarazir, Michel Zarazir Lebanon, 2022, 15:00 Sisters of the Rotation is a dark comedy that follows a group of women living under the guidance of the Mother Superior in a convent. Here, they learn that the Earth doesn’t spin by itself.

Nadine El Sayegh Lebanon, 2022, 10:02 Miss Lina returns tests to her class in descending order of scores.

She congratulates her favourites before bullying the students who have failed. Last, but not least, she sets her sights on Ibrahim.

03

04

KAAB EL DAYAA [SUBTITLED]

DETOUR [SUBTITLED]

Georges Abi Ramia, Sarah Abboud Lebanon, 2023, 18:52 This documentary is a glimpse into the world of people living in a remote village. Here, intimate interviews and stunning visuals reveal to us each person’s past challenges and present dreams.

Estéphan Khattar, Layal Akiki Lebanon, 2023, 05:30 We are in the car with an actress, who is trying her best to make it to a mysterious audition in time. Stalled by seemingly endless obstacles, all she can do is practice her lines over and over again.

05

06

ABORT MISSION [SUBTITLED]

Oceane Joseph Zahra Lebanon, 2023, 14:00 After finding herself in an unstable relationship, wedding planner Yasmina discovers that she is pregnant. She decides to have an abortion but new encounters cause her to question her decision.

TANJARA W GHATAHA [SUBTITLED]

Zinia Khalifeh, Ryan Nakhle Lebanon, 2023, 03:51 This is a stop motion video collage about Lebanon, told from the perspective of two friends. Together, the pair paint a picture of the country whilst recollecting memories tinged with joy and sadness.

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LISTENING PITCH: FILM PREMIERES Aesthetica x Audible’s The Listening Pitch is a cinematic exploration of the unheard. This year’s theme asked the question: What can we hear if we listen right now? We are proud to premiere the 2024 winners: Liberty Smith’s Greensound and Ornella Mutoni’s The Things We Don’t Say. We will also show the projects that took home prizes in the last few years, Old Lesbians and Speed of Sound. A filmmaker Q A will follow each screening.

Saturday 9 November. Venue: City Screen, YO1 9QL. Screening starts at 19:00 Free with Festival Pass, but pre-booking is essential Drinks and networking from 21:00

GREENSOUND Liberty Smith UK, 2024, 00:25:00 A group of men from Port Talbot, Wales, begin taking forest walks. They are from a community in economic turmoil.

In January 2024, the Tata Steel Plant announced its closure, with 2,500 jobs lost. The men are reeling from the large-scale redundancies and meet in the forest to share their experiences.

THE THINGS WE DON’T SAY Ornella Mutoni Rwanda, 2024, 00:21:00 Thierry’s mother’s world was torn apart by the Rwanda genocide. He confronts family secrets and the intergenerational wounds carried by his peers. Along with a group of young adults, he takes part in a healing workshop where they learn to lean on each other and find the courage to break the cycle of trauma.

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Saturday 9 November City Screen YO1 9QL 19:00-23:00

OLD LESBIANS (SUBTITLED) Meghan McDonough USA, 2023, 00:29:00 For the past 25 years, Houston native Arden Eversmeyer has travelled across the USA to record oral accounts of a fading community – old lesbians. This stop-motion animation documents the legacy of outstanding women who have carved out lives for themselves in a historically heteronormative society.

SPEED OF SOUND Jade Ang Jackman UK, 2023, 00:05:07 Speed of Sound is a sonic portrait of self professed adrenaline junki Carina Edliner, whose determination and athletic prowess led her to win gold at Beijing’s Winter Paralymppics. She skis 80 kmph down a snow laden mountain at two percent vision with nothing but her guide’s voice and the rush of the wind.

LIVE DJ PERFORMANCE Sounds & Beats 21:30-23:00 Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of sonic enchantment in this live DJ performance. This event will transform City Screen into a playground of rhythm. Join us on a journey through the realms of sounds and beats where every drop and note will ignite your senses during this fantastic night.

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THE LIFE AND TIMES This programme focuses on the richness of human experiences, exploring emotions, challenges and triumphs that define our existence.

Still We Thrive interweaves Black history from Africa, the Caribbean, UK and USA whilst Safe highlights the dangers women often face in public spaces. The Oscar-nominated The Red Suitcase portrays an Iranian girl’s decision to remove her hijab. 39 sheds light on the horrors of human trafficking and Belle River captures the resilience of Louisiana residents, as they brace for unprecedented flooding caused by the climate crisis. Finally, Outlets explores grief and the process of letting go.

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sunday 10 november City Screen 2 10:00-11:30

01

02

STILL WE THRIVE

SAFE

Campbell X UK, 2021, 06:21 Archive footage of Black history from the Caribbean, UK, USA and the African continent is interwoven with Black actors speaking direct to the camera. Includes the poem A Negro Dreams of Rivers.

Debbie Howard UK, 2023, 09:53 A short about the repeated experience of harassment and danger in public spaces. Anne, an office cleaner, finishes work late one evening to be pursued and harassed by a man at the bus stop.

03

04

THE RED SUITCASE (SUBTITLED)

39

Cyrus Neshvad Luxembourg, 2022, 15:00 In this Oscar-nominated short, an Iranian girl decides to take off her hijab in a life changing situation. The Red Suitcase is an essential story of choice, womanhood and what it means to be free.

Martin Delfino Guevara Spain, 2022, 13:00 39 is a short film based on true events about the horrific and tragic crime of the 39 Vietnamese men, women and children who died whilst hidden in the back of a lorry in Essex, England, in 2019.

05

06

BELLE RIVER

Guillaume Fournier, Samuel Matteau, Yannick Nolin USA, 2022, 11:18 Annual spring flooding in Mississippi in 2019 hit record highs. In Louisiana, the residents of Pierre-Part are preparing for the worst.

Local authorities could soon be forced to open the flood gates.

OUTLETS

Ducan Cowles UK, 2022, 19:00 Unable to move on from the death of his granny, a filmmaker desperately searches for the right film idea to finally allow him to seek true acceptance. Outlets asks, how can we finally let go?

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STROKES OF HUMANITY In an increasingly divisive society, it can feel as if being disconnected is the constant reality. That is why we often need a reminder that, even in the toughest of situations, we can rely on each other. Strokes of Humanity is a collection of touching short films that implores everyone to remember the power of the bonds that bring us together. Whether we are faced with grief, conflict or oppression, we can find the people around us who are resilient enough to bring us back to a joyful and accepting existence. Let this glimpse of hope guide you through the day.

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sunday 10 november

YSJU Creative Centre Auditorium 10:00-11:30

01 02 AN ORANGE FROM JAFFA

NOW AND THEN

Mohammed Almughanni France, Palestine, 2023, 26:47 Mohammed, a young Palestinian, is desperately looking for a taxi to take him through an Israeli checkpoint. Trouble ensues when the driver, Farouk, discovers Mohammed has made a big mistake.

Harris Alvi UK, 2023, 16:44 Whilst in the middle of moving house, a middle-aged Muslim woman becomes increasingly obsessed with a box of old tapes filled with the memories of her husband’s previous relationships.

03

04

THINGS UNHEARD OF

Ramazan K l Turkey, 2023, 15:43 10-year-old Kurdish girl ev n tries to put a smile back on her mute, bedridden grandmother’s face after the disappearance of her television, which was her only real window into the world.

MUNA

Warda Mohamed UK, 2022, 18:50 Teen Muna is desperate to go on the school trip. Tragedy strikes when her grandfather dies in Somalia, and Muna has to navigate a confusing mourning period for someone she never really knew.

05 SUDDENLY TV

Roopa Goginen Sudan, Qatar, 2023, 18:38 After the fall of President Omar al-Bashir, Sudanese congregate in Khartoum to demand civilian rule. Here, young revolutionaries are creating an imaginary TV station to meet fellow protestors.

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15

RWANDA: A CONTINUATION OF LIFE, LOVE AND GRIEF “In a time like this, fighting to declare your own identity, your own story, therapises you, gives you a sense of continuity … ” Taking inspiration from Ethiopian filmmaker Haile Gerima’s words, this selection of films delves into the nuances of Rwandan culture and the beauty and struggle of the continuation of life, love and grief. They are expressions of a relatively young industry that began to grow a decade after the 1994 genocide. These filmmakers offer fresh perspectives on the evolving identity of Rwandan cinema. Curated by Ornella Mutoni.

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sunday 10 november Friargate 15:30-17:00

01

02

BAZIGAGA (SUBTITLED)

FROM HERE TO THERE (SUBTITLED)

Jo Ingabire Moys France, Rwanda, UK, 2022, 25:00 1994, Rwanda. As the genocide rages on, a Tutsi pastor and his young daughter take shelter in the hut of a Hutu-feared witch doctor Bazigaga. Hunted and trapped, they seek a way out.

Remy Ryumugabe Rwanda, 2022, 03:44 In From Here to There, an old and wise woman is sitting quietly by a still and tranquil lake. As she watches the water, she begins to contemplate her life and share her reflections on existence.

03

04

IMUHIRA (SUBTITLED)

Myriam Biara Rwanda, 2022, 12:40 A young woman goes back to her country home expecting a retreat from her abusive marriage, but she is forced to confront social norms which question what a real housewife has to be.

MUZUNGA (SUBTITLED)

Ganza Moise Rwanda, 2021, 16:00 An opinionated moto driver’s sanity is pushed to the edge when the announcement of a total lockdown means that he is forced to address the long-ignored void in his personal life.

05 I GOT MY THINGS AND LEFT (SUBTITLED)

Mbabazi Sharangabo Philbert Aimé Rwanda, 2018, 23:00 A group of young individuals meets at the home of their deceased friend on the eve of the burial, and spends an emotional evening sharing their collective memories, reflections and remembrances.

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ab/d

PG

THE RIPPLE EFFECT From Guatemala to Chad and Bangladesh to India, women are pioneering locally-led solutions that transform communities and lives. These innovations address the effects of climate change, create livelihood opportunities and increase access to quality education and healthcare. There is extensive evidence that shows that women pay it forward, and whether in the driest deserts or regions subject to flooding, their innovative solutions are turning ripples into waves and enabling communities to adapt and thrive. That’s the Ripple Effect.

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sunday 10 november

YSJU Creative Centre Listening Room 19:30-21:00

01 MAPPING SURVIVAL (SUBTITLED)

02 FOR EVERY GIRL, A FOREST (SUBTITLED)

Nacho Corbella Chad, USA, 2021, 31:30 A nomadic woman from Chad becomes a key leader in the fight against climate change, and a voice for Indigenous peoples across the entire planet, whilst advocating for her own community’s rights.

Nacho Corbella India, 2020, 06:23 A community’s promise to plant 111 trees for every newborn girl has transformed the village of Piplantri, India, leading to mass reforestation and a brighter future for young women.

03

04

FREE TO DREAM (SUBTITLED)

UNDER WATER: CLIMATE CHANGE IN BANGLADESH (SUBTITLED)

Nacho Corbella Guatemala, 2019, 07:25 A Guatemalan girl who escaped the system of forced underage marriage becomes the first in her village to attend university, and a beacon of hope for countless young girls in her country.

Ami Vitale, Brian Storm Bangladesh, 2013, 17:16 Climate change is more than a conversation in Bangladesh; it uproots the lives of villagers and forces them to the city. This short film is a glimpse into how many women are fighting back.

05

06

WE CAN DO IT TOO (SUBTITLED)

TEN RUPEES (SUBTITLED)

Melanie Burford Myanmar, 2017, 05:57 The goal of achieving financial security is an uphill battle in rural Myanmar. Tired of this, these inspiring women teamed up to lift themselves out of poverty and invest back into their communities.

Mick Davie India, 2013, 09:25 By incentivising girls’ education, this community in India is driving an innovative and sustainable approach to encouraging families to send their daughters to school and secure them a better future.

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AWARDS CEREMONY & AFTER PARTY JOIN US TO CELEBRATE SUNDAY 10 NOVEMBER, YORKSHIRE MUSEUM | 16:30-19:00 Join us to see who wins this year’s awards across film, XR and games. These accolades have a track record of launching and nurturing impressive careers in industry, and we invite you to be a part of this always-exciting event. Drinks and networking post-event. All are welcome.

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New Wave is your introduction to the next generation of filmmakers.

We are the only festival in the UK that offers a dedicated strand celebrating graduate filmmakers. This is your chance to see work by fresh talent and to meet the incredible visionaries who are now shaping the future of cinema.

Each New Wave screening is either introduced or followed by a panel with academics, filmmakers and industry professionals. In these discussions, we dig deeper into the craft and artistry of film and explore the contemporary issues shaping the industry (and the world) today. This year’s events will cover ideas including emotional storytelling, purposeful narratives and how fashion questions everything from identity politics to the rise of AI projects.

New voices, new ideas, new perspectives – welcome to the New Wave.

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MH/FLS

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CREATIVE INGENUITY IN ACTION ON SCREEN Creativity, inventiveness and innovation are key skills to have under your belt when faced with the challenging terrain of limited budgets and scaled down resources in filmmaking. By encouraging solution-based approaches to production and nurturing the evolution of the next generation of filmmakers, York St John University enables creative minds to flourish. This programme captures imaginative spirits, powerful storytelling, sophisticated artistry and cinematic ingenuity. Followed by a panel discussion.

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Wednesday 6 November NCEM 13:30-15:00

01

02

THE SWORD

BENEATH

Edward Cooper UK, 2010, 12:53 This is the story of a talented student and an embittered teacher.

Jealousy and promise collide in this poignant drama short all about crushed dreams, a tarnished past and a beleaguered future.

Nina Rees-Stevens UK, 2023, 02:44 An inquisitive young fishmonger living in a flooded city decides to delve into the polluted waters that surround her. In doing so, she discovers the consequences of neglecting ocean life.

03

04

THE BLACK DOG

DINNY GREET

Michael Collins UK, 2024, 12:18 A young history scholar seeks solace in a picturesque B&B in York to pen her thesis, but the lines between reality and an encroaching occult nightmare begin to blur. This is a chilling folk horror tale.

George Cuthbert UK, 2024, 15:20 Dinny Greet: An overnight success, 12 years in the making. A documentary about Edinburgh based band rEDOLENT, exploring themes of self-discovery, pursuing creativity and perseverance.

05

06

FISH

POP SHOT

Karly Runge UK, 2023, 13:14 Widower Fred’s therapeutic fishkeeping hobby is suddenly thrown into turmoil, reigniting his feelings of loneliness, grief and a need for reassurance in this sentimental drama about love, loss and life.

Lisa Brewis UK, 2023, 05:51 Fate and destiny backfire when an assassin accidentally becomes part of a talent contest whilst going after her target. This mishap presents her with a unique shot at something completely different.

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MH/FLS

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ART & LIFE: CHASING TIME Time waits for no one. In this showcase of films from Regent’s University London graduates, characters are challenged with the ways in which the past can influence the present, how the present can reframe the past and how living in the moment can sometimes save your bacon. The key lesson? We might not control the passage of time but we do get to decide how we use what’s left. These thought-provoking shorts represent work from talented acting, production and screenwriting students at Regent’s University London. Discover bold and fresh work from the directors of tomorrow.

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thursday 7 november City Screen 2 11:30-13:00

01

02

MEMORY MULE

WALKING WITH WATER

Luis Adam Garcia, Stephan Pouilly UK, 2024, 14:00 In a near future, the drug of choice is memories – known as MEMS. Groomed to deal in people’s memories, Mel faces the possibility of selling the last good moments she has with her absent mother.

Abigail Matheson UK, 2024, 14:22 George returns to his hometown to reunite with his estranged wife Judith, who now lives in a care home. To reconcile his regret and loss, George turns to his wife’s nurse, called Lila, for guidance.

03

04

SAOIRSE

ROSES

Nathalie Ryan UK, 2024, 11:00 Saoirse sinks into despair after losing both her parents and job. On a self-destructive bender, she discovers her father’s abandoned AA journal, which offers a chance confront the past and her demons.

Fumi Gomez UK, 2024, 09:00 Roses. These flowers have long been considered the symbol of love or, rather, the fiction of love. Here, a couple that is not really a couple re-enacts the final moments of a loveless love story.

05 PASS IT ON

Axel Veerkamp UK, 2024, 06:00 Joe is an annoying people-pleaser whose night takes a dark turn when he acquires a cursed artefact from his drug dealer and becomes the target of a mysterious and shadowy figure.

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FASHIONING OUR FUTURES This showcase highlights how emerging talents from London College of Fashion are redefining fashion film. Here, filmmakers re-examine the genre whilst engaging with UAL’s social purpose by considering the question: “can visual activism be ethical in a fashion context?” These projects connect with themes that range from cultural storytelling to representation, body positivity, sustainable fashion and experimental approaches utilising contemporary filmmaking technologies. Join us in celebrating bold and impactful narratives crafted by the next generation of filmmakers. This programme is your opportunity to experience new talent, as bright careers are launched. Curated by Vicky Mather. The screening is followed by a filmmaker panel discussion.

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friday 8 november City Screen 2 12:00-13:30

01

02

FOREVER CHEMICALS

THE NAAN ISSUE

Micol Ceretta UK, 2024, 05:06 A young girl goes to a restaurant with her family to try a new drink made from some secret ingredients. Unlike the rest of her family, she thinks that there is something sinister behind this blue juice.

Dhruv Prakash UK, 2023, 06:49 An intimate lunch conversation between close-knit cousins delves into the complexities of the brown diaspora, addressing dual cultural norms, fashion, identity and the search for home.

03

04

TAP OF REVERIE

MASLENITSA

Asiah Alsalem UK, 2023, 06:03 In a magical journey through time, a girl discovers the secrets of secondhand fashion and vintage treasures whilst she is tapping her way along to self-discovery in a pair of enchanting red shoes.

Polina Kulbachevskaia UK, 2024, 03:21 Costume designer Anna Sverdlova reveals her artistic connections with the cultural heritage behind her historical headpiece reconstructions, inviting viewers on an journey through folklore.

05

06

UNSHELLED

LIMINAL SPACE

Chunqi Zhao UK, 2024, 04:20 Unshelled seamlessly blends 3D animation with live-action footage to create a narrative where virtuality and reality collide.

Here, 3D models free themselves from the constraints of the gaze.

Zhaodong Zeng, Xinghan Chen UK, 2024, 03:14 Inspired by rave culture, this short portrays the rave scene as a liminal space for metamorphosis. Facing an identity crisis, the young protagonist begins to reshape and re-discover themselves.

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friday 8 november City Screen 2 12:00-13:30

07

08

YOU WERE NEVER HERE

SOFT LIKE STEEL

Yifan Ge UK, 2024, 06:04 In a near-future where AI has developed self-awareness, one digital being gradually loses her self-recognition. Eventually, she realises who she is: a being made of codes and algorithms.

09

10

YOU ME US

AS WE APPROACH

Giselle Bai, Nika Du UK, 2024, 03:44 East Asian young women share trauma they’ve experienced from immediate family and social education. As they break away from societal expectations, they begin to build new support networks.

Ximan Tan, Haowei Li UK, 2023, 03:10 This film revolves around a young girl’s diary, which is used as a narrative thread to show a couple at three different stages of intimacy: initial indulgence to disorientation and final exploration.

11

12

AMAZIGH

HUMANI BLASTER

Serra Soyupak UK, 2024, 05:11 Narrated in her native language, Tamazight, this short film follows an inspiring Amazigh woman who is determined to break free from cultural norms in order to embrace her passion for surfing.

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Shiyi Huang UK, 2024, 05:37 Using poetic language and surreal visuals, this is a space where we envision the sensitive machine. Soft Like Steel is a 3D film that imagines an antique-futurist world where machines can heal us.

YevaWu UK, 2023, 03:11 A TV show presents a magical empathy gun named “HumaniBlaster”. Here, Bob (the trial guest) will show how this weapon has helped him re-arouse empathy and reconstruct “Humanity.”

where are you really from?

An immersive Sound Installation 6-9 NOV 10:00-21:00 | 10 NOV 10:00-18:00 | CITY SCREEN Sound artist and musician, Vendela Haakonsen, conducted eight interviews with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Their experiences are connected by themes of belonging, racism and the emotional impacts of being “othered.” Daily performance from 14:00-15:00.

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BODYSTACK: FILMS ON GAMING, AI AND OUR BODIES What does the future of art look like? How will Artificial Intelligence impact human creativity? In what ways will the artists of tomorrow make use of new technology? BODYSTACK presents a series of short films by students taking the MA Fashion Media & Communication course at the London College of Fashion. It’s a collection packed with thoughtful responses to these many questions. Here, emerging creatives are exploring the relationship between gaming, AI and our bodies from unique perspectives.

This includes everything from addressing the longstanding exclusion of women in video games to imagining the possibilities of brain-computer interfaces. Curated by Daniel Felstead. This screening is followed by a filmmaker panel discussion.

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friday 8 november City Screen 2 14:00-15:00

01

02

THE UNSEEN

LOOMWELT

Jingyi Yu UK, 2024, 03:04 The Unseen addresses the marginalisation of female characters in video games. Women are often sidelined in the genre, but here, their exclusion drives the narrative and gameplay experience.

Qianlan Wang UK, 2024, 02:35 Loomwelt is a game trailer exploring digital media’s impact on perception and cognition. Players navigate information overload, facing disorientation and developing new cognitive strategies.

03

04

HERE I CEASE TO EXIST

SHERO

Red Liu UK, 2024, 02:37 Here I Cease to Exist explores how brain-computer interfaces could the unlock possibilities for development in the future. Here, a person caught in a glitch grapples with nostalgia, AI and self.

Sen Gao (Lab Intelli) UK, 2024, 01:00 In a future plagued by pollution and mutations, AI Virtual Idols unite to overcome oppression. Their fans boost their abilities, empowering them to rescue hostages and battle unfair destinies.

05

06

INNERLINK SUPERMARKET

KISSMETKISS

Qianyu Wang UK, 2024, 02:08 In INNERLINK SUPERMARKET, users upload unique information, earn tokens and exchange experiences. This way of life fosters global communication and sharing within a virtual marketplace.

Eico Lu (Lab Intelli) UK, 2024, 01:35 KissmetKiss merges cosmetics with a fictitious makeup religion in mythical Reflektia. Storytelling influences consumer behaviour in a short that examines the ethical impact of the beauty industry.

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15

friday 8 november City Screen 2 14:00-15:00

07

08

FOCUSNOW

STREAMEVER

Feng Li UK, 2024, 02:13 In a world of collective distraction, FOCUSNOW envisions a future where technology – specifically brain-computer interfaces – can help us embrace new ways of living or resolve deeper dilemmas.

Haixu Zhang (Lab Intelli) UK, 2024, 04:11 Welcome to a new social media platform that streams AI-driven digital experiences. Combining e-commerce and community building, STREAMEVER looks at redefining digital communication.

09

10

AXA (ARTIFICIAL EXPANSE ARCANA)

DATA SACRIFICE

Yiyang Lu UK, 2024, 05:25 AI Artist AiA exposes us to a decentralised virtual black market, which challenges our perceptions of originality and creativity.

This film explores the evolving role of artists in an AI-driven world.

Ruka Zheng (Lab Intelli) UK, 2024, 02:05 Data Sa rifi e is a unique multimedia art experience that blends traditional rituals and digital algorithms. Through cinematic storytelling, it addresses the intersection of these approaches.

MEET AND NETWORK AT THE LONDON COLLEGE OF FASHION DRINKS RECEPTION 8 NOVEMBER, YORKSHIRE MUSEUM (MEDIEVAL GALLERY) | 17:00-18:00 Discuss Our 13thyour edition latest closes shortswith anda make live prize all-important ceremony connections where we recognise with thethe people best who film will fromhelp each you genre, realise your next big project. Free drink upon arrival. No pre-booking is required for this event. as well as our Audience Choice, Best of Fest and Special Guest Awards. Be a part of the celebration.

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Film Poster Exhibition the artwork behind the 2024 official selection We are thrilled to bring back the Film Poster Exhibition for the second year running. This year’s show-stopping display features 50 pieces from our Official Selection. Visit and tag your snaps with #ASFF2024FilmPosters. Free exhibition at City Screen. No need to pre-book.

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Catch up on Demand all films are available to view on our platform until 30 November.

For the fifth year running, we’re offering audiences the opportunity to stream films from the festival online, as well as attending in York. This is the ultimate film festival experience, and is available as part of a Hybrid or Virtual Pass. Log in and catch up from the comfort of home.

Watch at: www.asff.co.uk 200

INDUSTRY Whether you are an actor, cinematographer, director, developer, producer, screenwriter or a film aficionado, we've got you covered. This year's selection of masterclasses is world-class. It brings together some of the biggest names, organisations and agencies to share their knowledge.

For 2024, we welcome BAFTA, Oscar and BIFA-winning directors, actors and producers, who each represent prestigious organisations such as Aardman, BBC, BFI, Channel 4, Film4, Framestore, Guardian Documentaries, Industrial Light

Magic, Ridley Scott Associates, Ubisoft and more.

This year's line-up of industry speakers will include Video Game Design Director Ben Furneaux (Call of Duty), screenwriter Matt Greenhalgh (Back to Black), Production Designer Sonja Klaus (Terminator: Dark Fate, Great Expectations), Composer Simon Franglen (Titanic, Avatar, Skyfall) as well as Actor and Video Game Developer Abubakar Salim (Raised by Wolves, Napoleon), BAFTA winning and Emmy nominated Director and Writer Susanna White (Woman Walks Ahead) and Artist Filmmaker Jasmina Cibic.

Masterclasses and workshops are included with Hybrid and In Person Passes. Due to high demand, pre-booking is essential. asff.co.uk/events

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MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS HEAR FROM WORLD-CLASS SPEAKERS. This year's festival has a range of fascinating and engaging panel discussions and masterclasses on offer. All sessions will be run in person from 6-9 November. masterclasses are included with Day or Unlimited Festival Passes, although online advanced booking is essential for all events. You cannot attend any masterclasses with a single screening or digital-only ticket. All masterclasses should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment, due to high demand and limited capacity.

Education group tickets are valid for selected, pre-booked itineraries only.

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INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

WEDNESDAY TUESDAY

Make Your Mark: Establishing a Signature Style Greta Gerwig. Spike Lee. Yorgos Lanthimos. Kathryn Bigelow. Wes Anderson. The best-known directors of our times have one thing in common: a distinctive look and feel. Join host Steve Rawle alongside Elham Eshraghian-Haakansson, Ken Sackheim, Kumyl Saied, Madeline Down and Rosanagh Griffiths. They’ll speak about signature aesthetics, which can come from a variety of places: watching other films, trying techniques and learning new skills. This panel gives tips on how to hone your vision and make your mark.

Date & Time: 6 November 10:30

Venue: York Explore

official selection filmmakers

Developing Your Idea: From Paper to Greenlight Pact (Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television) is the UK screen sector’s trade body. Members range from one-person start-ups right through to international super-indies. Take your idea from paper to investment-ready with Chris Curley, Head of Nations Regions; Gina Lyons, founder of Gobby Girl and producer of the pilot of Dreaming Whilst Black; Nathan Eastwood, founder East Media (Riddiculous); Heenan Bhatti, founder Clockwork Films (God's Waiting Room); and Vicky Wharton, Rope Ladder Fiction (Waterloo Road).

Date & Time: 6 November 10:30

Venue: Yorkshire Museum

chris curley / Gina lyons / Heenan Bhatti nathan eastwood / Vicky Wharton

203

INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

WEDNESDAY

Simon Franglen: How to Craft an Iconic Score Simon Franglen’s credits include four of the highest grossing films of all time. He is currently composing Avatar: Fire and Ash. Golden Globe nominated for the theme song for Avatar, Franglen also produced the iconic My Heart Will Go On theme for James Cameron’s blockbuster Titanic. Other credits include Skyfall, Spectre, The Amazing Spider-Man and records with Celine Dion, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston.

You will learn from the multi-award-winning composer and producer, who will tell you how to create music that takes viewers on a journey.

Date & Time: 6 November 12:00

Venue: York Explore

Simon Franglen Composer

Ridley Scott Associates: What Makes a Great Short?

There are several components that go into making a successful film: location, budgets and condensing your story into a small window of time. RSA is a global production company founded by directors Tony and Ridley Scott, best-known for the iconic Alien, Gladiator, The Martian and Napoleon. RSA’s short film division has developed and produced Academy Award-winning projects across genres. Hear from Jim Campbell, Global Head of PR Comms; Harry Morgan, Producer; and Elizabeth Kwenortey, Script Editor, who share their expertise.

Date & Time: 6 November 12:00

204

Venue: Yorkshire Museum

Elizabeth Kwenortey Harry Morgan / jIM CAMPBELL

INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

WEDNESDAY

Gaming for Good: The Future of Interactive Media How are games a driving force for social justice and inclusivity?

How will the future of gaming affect our mental health, education and relationships? This masterclass brings together industry experts to explore the ways game developers can be a force for real good. Matt Coward-Gibbs (York St. John University) is joined

by Luke Hebblethwaite (BAFTA Head of Games), Gianna Osborne (Ravensbourne University), Eloise Singer (Singer Studios) and Em Aspinall (Safe In Our World) to discuss play and the real world.

Date & Time: 6 November 13:30

Venue: York Explore

Eloise Singer / Em Aspinall / Gianna Osborne luke hebblethwaite / Matt Coward-Gibbs

Film4: Shorts to Features Film4 is renowned for its ground-breaking projects, collaborating with international and UK talents. The world-famous broadcaster is behind a list of critically acclaimed movies, including Yorgos Lanthimos’ Golden Globe winner Poor Things and Jonathan Glazer’s Oscar-sweeping The Zone of Interest. Join Development Executive Amy O’Hara (The Barber) with director Luis Hindman (Magid/Zafar), writer Sufiyaan Salam (Wimmy Road Boyz) and producer Aidan Brooks (Hugo Boss) as they discuss the process of taking a film from short to feature-length.

Date & Time: 6 November 13:30

Venue: Yorkshire Museum

aidan brooks / Amy O'Hara Luis Hindman / Suifyaan Salam

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INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

WEDNESDAY

Factual Fiction: the art of creating docudrama Ever wondered how a film about a real historical figure is made? Where is the line drawn between the real and the invented? Emily Dalton, of Factual Fiction, shares a vast wealth of experience in this masterclass.

Emily worked on hits like BAFTA-winning Richard III: The King in the Car Park and Torvill and Dean. The studio is also known for the successful Agatha series, which uses the life of Agatha Christie as the core of its storytelling. She explore the process of creating docudrama and the importance of representing real people's lives on the screen.

Date & Time: 6 November 15:00

Venue: York Explore

Emily Dalton

Animating Ideas: 2D, 3D, Stop Motion & Beyond Animation covers everything from 1920s “rubber hose” cartoons to stop motion wonders like Coraline all the way to 3D titles, like the BAFTA and Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse. Hear speakers from the studios behind iconic movies – such as Nimona (Dimension), Chicken Run (Aardman), The Smeds and the Smoos (Blue Zoo) How to Train Your Dragon (Jellyfish Pictures) and The Sparks Brothers (Joseph Wallace Productions) – as they discuss the expanding world of animation. Chaired by Lisa Power.

Date & Time: 6 November 15:00

206

Venue: Yorkshire Museum

Joseph Wallace / LISA POWER / Lucy ward Negar Bagheri / Rob McLellan / Suzy Fagan Parr

INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

WEDNESDAY

BBC Film: The Changing Face of Shorts What is more important: the journey or the destination? Shorts are often seen as a path towards features, but they are also a distinct art form in their own right. In today’s digital landscape, short form media is everywhere – from TikTok videos to Instagram reels. So, are shorts they just a stepping stone, or should you dedicate your career to them? BBC Film Development Executive Anu Henriques, in conversation with Matty Crawford (Stomach Bug) and Jesse Romain (SHÉ (SNAKE)), sheds light on the future impact of short form content.

Date & Time: 6 November 16:30

Venue: Yorkshire Museum

Anu Henriques JESSE ROMAIN / MATTY CRAWFORD

Viridian: Imagination to Reality Designing Award-Winning VFX Viridian is one of the UK's leading VFX houses, creating high-end visual effects for film, TV and screen-based media. The studio has helped to build many captivating worlds, on shows such as HBO's Golden Globe winning House of the Dragon and the recent Netflix hit Kaos. Their clients include Apple, Skydance, ITV and Amazon. Head of Studio and VFX Supervisor Ben Louden and Art Director and Concept Artist Oswin Wan will offer a glimpse into visual effects and discuss how new technology is changing the way we think about film.

Date & Time: 6 November 16:30

Venue: York Explore

Ben louden / Oswin Wan VFX Supervisor / Creative Art Director

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INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

THURSDAY

Ideas on the Big Screen: Bringing a Concept to Life Every story, large or small, starts with an idea. Aymeric Nicolet, Ben Konotey-Ahulu, Ilanna Barkusky, Jesse Romain and Molly Murphy will share how they approach the challenge of bringing a film to life.

Get tips on every stage: scriptwriting, budgeting, production, editing and colour grading. Go behind-the-scenes of the shorts in competition this year. Join Max Park (Film4) as he and the panel outline a film's journey from beginning to end. This session is essential for anyone looking to turn a concept into a fully-fledged production.

Date & Time: 7 November 10:00

Venue: York Explore

Official Selection FIlmmakers

Ridley Scott Associates: Indie Shorts to Theatrical Release Ridley Scott Associates offers a comprehensive masterclass that looks at the art of storytelling across all formats. Led by Anna Murphy (Creative Director), Jim Campbell (Head of Communications) and Natalie Fiennes (Development Executive), this session covers every aspect of filmmaking – from crafting narratives to executing stunning visuals. Whether you're working on documentary features, short films, music videos or full-length narratives, here are the tools to bring your vision to life. This is the place to learn industry secrets.

Date & Time: 7 November 10:00

208

Venue: Yorkshire Museum

ANNA MURPHY / JIM CAMPBELL Natalie Fiennes

INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

THURSDAY

XR Storytellers: Writing & Thinking in 360° VR allows us to experience a film in 360°. How do you start writing for audiences that can directly interact with your characters, plot and settings? It's a different viewing experience to cinema – which positions the audience as static observers – with its own vocabulary and textual landscape. When we put on a headset, we step into the narrative and explore the space from our point of view. We become a part of the world. In this session, Ana-Despina Tudor and Klaus Fried will talk you through the art of writing stories for immersive media.

Date & Time: 7 November 11:30

Venue: York Explore

Ana-Despina Tudor / Klaus Fried

Hear from RADA: The Actor-Director Relationship Some actors and directors work on projects that can last for years.

Partnerships like Jordan Peele and Daniel Kaluuya or Gina Prince Bythewood and Viola Davis create on-screen results that are invariably iconic. So, how does this dynamic work? Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) is a world leader in actor training. Join RADA’s Head of Film, TV Audio, Pamela Jikiemi, as she offers a unique insight into building successful professional relationships and how the digital future is reframing the craft of acting and directorial vision.

Date & Time: 7 November 11:30

Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio

Pamela Jikiemi Head of Film, TV

Audio

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INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

THURSDAY

The Art of Screenwriting: In Conversation with Matt Greenhalgh Matt Greenhalgh is a five-time BAFTA-nominated and award winning screenwriter, best known for Control, about Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis; Nowhere Boy, on the early years of John Lennon’s life; and The Look of Love, exploring the life of controversial nightclub owner Paul Raymond. Most recently, he worked with director Sam Taylor-Johnson on the screenplay, Back to Black, a biopic of singer Amy Winehouse. Hear from Matt in conversation with Jessica Loveland (Head of New Writing, BBC) as they discuss his writing career.

Date & Time: 7 November 11:30

Venue: Yorkshire Museum

Matt Greenhalgh / jessica loveland Screenwriter / Head of New Writing at BBC

Framestore: The World of Visual Effects What happens before a director calls for lights, camera, action?

Michelle Blok, Visualisation Supervisor at Framestore, will give you an insight into visualisation, and how the techniques of pre-vis, techvis and post-vis help solve creative and technical problems, give a film's director proof of concept and help avoid costly errors and re-shoots. She’ll share her expertise and talk through how these different techniques were used on The Last of Us, Loki and Foundation contributing to the stunning and lasting impact of the final scenes.

Date & Time: 7 November 13:00

210

Venue: Yorkshire Museum

michelle blok Visualisation Supervisor

INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

THURSDAY

Secrets from Programmers: How to Get Your Film into Festivals Do you have a burning question you want to ask about film festivals? This is your chance to find out what festival programmers look for when selecting films and to gain a valuable insight into how the selection process works. This panel will include programmers from Aesthetica Short Film Festival, London Short Film Festival, Muslim International Film Festival, Sheffield DocFest and Tribeca Festival.

Discover the key qualities that will catch a programmer’s eye and make your work stand out in the competitive world of filmmaking.

Date & Time: 7 November 13:00

Venue: York Explore

Christina Papasotiriou / Dale Donley Madison Egan / Philip Ilson / Sophie Duncan

Values and Vision: The Secret to Making Great Video Games Ben Furneaux is Design Director at Sledgehammer Games. Here, he talks about the importance of harnessing values and vision to create memorable games. Throughout his 17 year career across Activision, PlayStation and start-ups, Ben has worked alongside Emmy, Golden Globe and BAFTA-winning writers, producers and developers to create compelling interactive experiences. Sledgehammer Games has been developing Call of Duty – one of the most internationally popular video game franchises ever created – for more than a decade.

Date & Time: 7 November 14:30

Venue: Yorkshire Museum

Ben Furneaux Design Director

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INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

THURSDAY

Between art and cinema: Identity, memory and history Jasmina Cibic combines film, sculpture and installation to explore ‘soft power’. Her work often explores the construction of national cultures, their underlying ideologies, political goals and uses, as well as the soft power of the arts, particularly architecture. Cibic is a Jarman Award-winner whose films have been shown at Museum of Modern Art, New York; Whitechapel Gallery, London; and London Film Festival. Join host Kit Monkman (Viridian FX) to find out more about how artists think about blurring lines between ‘art’ and ‘film.'

Date & Time: 7 November 14:30

Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio

jasmina cibic / KIT MONKMAN

Building Awe-Inspiring Scenes: Shooting within a Virtual Environment DNEG is a leading name in the world of animation, VFX and virtual production. Dimension is a virtual production studio working with DNEG and visionary storytellers to deliver a remarkable list of hit shows and cinematic blockbusters: Masters of the Air, Those About to Die, Time Bandits and Here. Join Yevgeniya Filchenkova, Central Production Manager at Dimension, as she discusses the process of “shooting” within a virtual environment, the technologies involved, and how to build some the most awe-inspiring scenes in cinema.

Date & Time: 7 November 16:00

212

Venue: Yorkshire Museum

Yevgeniya Filchenkova Central Production Manager

INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

THURSDAY

The Documentary Portrait: How To Tell Someone’s Story?

Paul Sng’s films focus on people who challenge the status quo. The British-Chinese filmmaker grew up on a South London council estate, coming to filmmaking later in life with Sleaford Mods: Invisible Britain.

He went on to create more socially conscious projects, like Dispossession: The Great Social Housing Swindle. Recent work includes Tish, an account of trailblazer Tish Murtha, who photographed working-class communities in north east England. Here, Sng will share his story and how it has influenced his approach to documenting the lives of others.

Date & Time: 7 November 16:00

Venue: York Explore

Paul Sng Director

Making People Laugh: Scripted TV Comedy Production BBC’s BAFTA-winning series Motherland is a classic example of British comedy: dry, relatable, cynical and touching, all at once. Caroline Norris produced the show’s third series, and she also co-created and ran Horrible Histories – a stalwart of CBBC programming that is beloved by a generation. She has worked with acclaimed comedians Johnny Vegas, Katherine Ryan and Romesh Ranganathan. So, what’s the secret to making comedy that lands? In conversation with Jo Schofield (Screen Yorkshire), Norris shares what she has learned.

Date & Time: 7 November 16:00

Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio

Caroline Norris / Jo Schofield Producer / Senior Talent Executive

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INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

THURSDAY

Abubakar Salim: Developing On Screen Characters Meet actor and creative visionary, Abubakar Salim, who is one of the most dynamic talents in screen right now. Salim is renowned for his authentic and captivating performances of complex characters in Raised by Wolves, Napoleon, Informer and Assassin’s Creed: Origins.

He's also founder of Surgent Studios. In this one-of-a-kind session he shares insights into character development, voice acting and the details of the industry. Surgent's debut game, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU was released in April and is about the transformative power of grief.

Date & Time: 7 November 16:30

Venue: York St John University, Creative Centre Auditorium

Abubakar Salim Actor and Video Game Developer

Capturing the Perfect Shot: A Masterclass in Cinematography Ben Smithard’s first full length feature film as cinematographer was The Damned United. Its success was soon followed by My Week With Marilyn, Goodbye Christopher Robin and Blinded by the Light. Most recently, he was DoP on the BAFTA and Academy Award-winning The Father, starring Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Coleman. He’s a regular collaborator of Simon Curtis, and has also brought products to life with commercials for Ford, Hyundai, Nike and Visa. Here, Smithard talks about his journey and the many different aspects of his role.

Date & Time: 7 November 17:15

214

Venue: Yorkshire Museum

Ben Smithard Cinematographer

INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

FRIDAY

BBC Writers: Crafting a Polished Script Ready to take your scriptwriting to the next level? BBC Writers champions talented writers across the UK through its development programmes, industry partnerships and access groups. A part of BBC’s Television Drama Commissioning department, alumni have gone on to create successful shows like Lost Boys and Fairies, The Responder and Blue Lights. Meet Development Executive Simon Nelson, who will provide insights into what makes a script stand out – drawing on over 20 years of experience – and hone your craft.

Date & Time: 8 November 10:00

Venue: Yorkshire Museum

Simon Nelson Development Executive

Impactful Documentaries: The Power of truth in Film Duncan Cowles is a BAFTA Scotland-winning director known for his ability to balance humour and frankness when approaching sensitive topics, ranging from grief to mental health. Alongside a filmography of remarkable short films – Taking Stock, Isabella and Outlets – Cowles had his feature debut at DocFest with Silent Men, which looks at the societal stigmas surrounding male mental health in the UK. He has been commissioned by the likes of Channel 4, BBC Radio 4 and TED. Hear Cowles discuss his filmmaking journey and the catharsis of personal projects.

Date & Time: 8 November 10:00

Venue: York Explore

Duncan Cowles Director

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INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

FRIDAY

The Time is Now: Meet Trailblazing Women in XR BCS, the chartered institute for IT, estimates it will take 283 years for the gender gap to close in tech. In recent years, we’ve seen rapid advances but progress towards equality is still moving at a snail’s pace.

In this conversation, you will meet and learn from three trailblazing women working in this space: Ana-Despina Tudor, LCC; Alia Sheikh, Producer and Immersive Experience Creator and Muki Kulhan, UK Ambassador for Women in Immersive Technologies. Be inspired by women pushing boundaries and writing the future of the industry.

Date & Time: 8 November 10:00

Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio

Ana-Despina Tudor Alia Sheikh / Muki Kulhan

Innovative Storytelling: Industrial Light & Magic 16 Oscars, 17 BAFTAs and 36 Visual Effects Society wins. Industrial Light Magic (ILM) is a titan in the world of VFX. Eminent filmmaker George Lucas founded the studio in 1975, where ILM received early attention for Star Wars. Today, it is known for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Killers of the Flower Moon, with a line-up of anticipated titles like Wicked and Deadpool & Wolverine. ILM VFX Supervisor, Scott Pritchard, (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Avengers: Endgame Star Wars: Andor) speaks about what it takes to bring worlds to life.

Date & Time: 8 November 11:30

216

Venue: Yorkshire Museum

Scott Pritchard VFX Supervisor

INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

FRIDAY

Advocating for Change: Equality & Diversity in Screen According to the Calling the Shots report, 90% of all the British film productions from 2003 to 2015 didn’t employ a single woman of colour. In 2024, the GEP Project’s Re-Framing the Picture study revealed that 78% of all key creative roles in the UK film industry are held by men. It’s clear that the film industry needs urgent change.

Warner Brothers Discovery’s Director of Skills and Training Rico Johnson-Sinclair discusses the need for equality, diversity and equity and the role of advocacy in making way for the next generation.

Date & Time: 8 November 11:30

Venue: York Explore

Rico Johnson-Sinclair Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Specialist

The soundscape: Creating Audio for film Cinema may have started with silent films but those days are long behind us. Today, audio is an essential component of stories on screen. Production Sound Mixers are integral: they are responsible for recording the on set sound. Martin Beresford has extensive experience in using sound to help bring beloved films such as The Duke, Swallows and Amazons and The Damned United to vivid life.

This informative masterclass is all about the process of the audio recordist and the vital role that sound plays in the narrative.

Date & Time: 8 November 13:00

Venue: York Explore

martin beresford

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INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

FRIDAY

Ridley scott associates: the future of storytelling Ridley Scott Associates (RSA) is a global production company founded by directors Tony and Ridley Scott, best-known for films such as Blade Runner, Gladiator, Alien and Napoleon. RSA spans short and feature films, creating outstanding content that continues to capture our attention. Managing Director Kai-Lu Hsiung, Head of Advertising Josie Juneau and Head of Communications Jim Campbell will discuss trends and how RSA makes projects when attention spans are shortening and media is always available.

Date & Time: 8 November 13:00

Venue: Yorkshire Museum

Jim Campbell Josie Juneau / kai-lu hsiung

Editors in Conversation: Tales from the Cutting Room Mick Audsley is a renowned editor who has worked across film and TV for over 40 years. Standout projects include Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Murder on the Orient Express and Disney’s Pinocchio.

Director Yasmin Afifi and editor Max Reynolds are the creative forces behind BAFTA-winning short ellyfish o ster, which screened at Aesthetica last year. This exclusive masterclass brings industry professionals together with presenter and Senior Executive Producer at Jampot Productions Holly Newson, to discuss the role of the editor.

Date & Time: 8 November 14:30

218

Venue: Yorkshire Museum

Holly Newson / Max Reynolds Mick Audsley / Yasmin Afifi

INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

FRIDAY

The Business of Business: Commercial TV Production Pact discusses how to keep up to date with the demands of TV production and stay ahead of the curve. This session, moderated by Jane Atkinson, Co-Founder of MediaMDs, will introduce IP exploitation, brand placement, co-producing, rights and regulations, filming overseas, international distribution and more. Learn from Chris Curley (Pact); Global COO of Argonon Laura Bessell (The Masked Singer); Threewise Entertainment's Michael Ford (CBBC's Snaps) and Nav Raman, Founder of Chatterbox and Natterbox (Meet the Khans).

Date & Time: 8 November 14:30

Venue: York Explore

Chris Curley / Jane Atkinson Nav Raman / Laura bessell / michael ford

Adapting a Short Film: Directors in Conversation Many major feature films began as shorts – Oscar-winner Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash originated as a short film, as did the recent smash-hit Marcel the Shell with Shoes On. Filmmakers Ng Choon Ping and Sam H. Freeman recently completed this same journey.

Their short film Femme debuted to much acclaim at SXSW in 2021, before being adapted into a feature length film starring 1917’s George Mackay. How did they approach collaborating as co-writers and co-directors, and Femme's translation from short to long-form?

Date & Time: 8 November 15:30

Venue: York St John University, Creative Centre Auditorium

Ng Choon Ping / Sam Freeman Directors

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INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

FRIDAY

Ubisoft: Narrative Design in Assassin’s Creed: Nexus Ubisoft – the leading video game company behind Far Cry, Prince of Persia, and Immortals Fenyx Rising – brought its most famous characters to VR for the first time with Assassin's Creed: Nexus VR. How did they do it? The writing team were required to rethink their usual approach to telling stories; making the switch to virtual reality was a whole new ball game. In this masterclass, Ubisoft's Tom Knights and Jack Denham discuss the storytelling mechanisms used to make a game that was recognised as being Meta's Game of the Year in 2023.

Date & Time: 8 November 15:30

Venue: York St John University, Creative Centre Listening Room

Tom Knights / Jack Denham Senior Narrative Designer / Associate Professor

Working to a Brief: The Line Between Fashion and Film Fashion Film is on the rise. In this session, we explore the intersections of fashion and cinema, looking at how branded content speaks to modern ideas of identity, gender, class, sexuality and body image. Learn how to craft campaigns that push beyond traditional advertising. You can leverage fashion as a way to tell stories that are rich in political and cultural meaning. Learn more about the power of fashion from Bex Cassie (LCF), Katie Metcalfe (Nowness), Raquel Couceiro (ShowStudio) and Tom Dream (Ridley Scott Associates).

Date & Time: 8 November 16:00

220

Venue: Yorkshire Museum

Tom Dream / Bex cassie Katie Metcalfe / Raquel Couceiro

INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

FRIDAY

Road to the BAFTAs and oscars: Meet Our Acclaimed Alumni As a BAFTA-Qualifying festival, we are delighted that so many of our films have been recognised at industry awards, including the BAFTAs and Oscars. This panel celebrates amazing past nominees and award-winners: Maryam Mohajer (Grandad Was a Romantic), Elham Ehsas (Yellow) and Chris Overton (The Silent Child), in conversation with acclaimed director Debbie Howard (Safe, Still Loved). Gain behind-the-scenes insights into their previous projects, as well as a sneak peek at what they’re working on at the moment.

Date & Time: 8 November 16:00

Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio

Chris Overton / Debbie Howard Elham Ehsas / Maryam Mohajer

The Future of Entertainment: Anatomy of a Podcast Over the past decade, podcasts have seen a meteoric rise to popularity, with people tuning in to learn something new, stay up to date with current affairs or enjoy some comedy. But how do you create a podcast that cuts through the noise? Chalk + Blade has produced some of today’s most popular podcasts, like BBC’s Obsessed with… and Audible’s In Search of Black History. Join Emily Whalley and Sarah Stolarz (Chalk + Blade) in a session chaired by Holly Newson (JamPot Productions) as they discuss the future of podcasts.

Date & Time: 8 November 16:00

Venue: York Explore

Emily Whalley Holly Newson / Sarah Stolarz

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INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

FRIDAY

Scriptwriting in Focus: How to Engage Your Audience What is the key to a great story? We can all remember times when a film or TV series has caught us off-guard, whether with a twist, outstanding character development or a clever use of foreshadowing.

Hear Alessandro Riconda, Carissa Thorne, Meg Igarashi, Panayiota Panteli and Tajpal Rathore in conversation with Madison Egan (Tribeca) to break down the “do’s” and “don’ts” of writing a compelling script. Panelists will identify the building blocks essential to the writing process, whilst offering advice on pushing beyond clichés.

Date & Time: 8 November 17:00

Venue: York St John University, Creative Centre Auditorium

Official Selection Filmmakers

BBC Comedy Short: Size Does Matter BBC Comedy is behind some of the greatest comedies of all time, dedicated to making people laugh for generations. Today, the team continues to produce cutting-edge comedy, support, encourage and showcase new talent. Join Head of Development, Roya Eslami alongside Leah Draws (Producer of Siobhán McSweeney's Spud ) and Nasfim Haque (Head of Content at BBC Three) as they discuss how comedy can reflect the state of the nation and offer an insight into BBC's commitment to nurturing the emerging voices in television.

Date & Time: 8 November 17:30

222

Venue: Yorkshire Museum

Leah Draws Nasfim Haque / Roya Eslami

INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

SATURDAY

XR for Change: Harnessing New Technologies XR can take audiences away from the everyday and transports them elsewhere. This can be fun, lighthearted, thrilling – immersing us in fantasy and adventure. But what about what’s happening in the real world, right now? How can we leverage interactive media to hold up a mirror to problems facing society – climate crisis, gender inequality, discrimination – and shed light on sensitive issues? Our panel from Dreaming Methods, Electric Skies, LCC, Pilot Theatre and the University of York, discuss changemaking in the age of the metaverse.

Date & Time: 9 November 10:30

Venue: York Explore

Eric Fanghanel / Jenna Ng Judi Alston / Lucy Hammond

Ridley Scott Associates: From Micro-Budget to Blockbuster From script to screen, Kate Myers has more than 20 years’ experience as both a creative executive and an independent producer in UK feature films. She has worked on a wide variety of projects, including everything from low budget British debuts to American remakes. Her remarkable list of feature credits A Man Called Otto, The Emigrants and The Salvation. Now Head of Features at Ridley Scott Associates London, Kate will discuss the role of a producer, and the opportunities and challenges of making feature films in the UK.

Date & Time: 9 November 12:00

Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio

Kate Myers Head of Features

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SATURDAY

Building New Worlds: Meet the Production Designers From the historical to the fantastical, it is Production Designers who are responsible for bringing imagined settings to life on the screen. Sonja Klaus has worked on a variety of films throughout her 20-year career, from Terminator: Dark Fate to Sonic the Hedgehog to the BBC mini-series Great Expectations. Sarah Finlay is also firmly established with credits that include Disobedience, Ammonite and the recent award-sweeping All of Us Strangers with Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal. They discuss how you can achieve success in the role.

Date & Time: 9 November 12:00

Venue: York Explore

SONJA klAUS / Sarah finlay Production Designers

New York Times, Guardian, BBC and Film4: The Line Between Documentary and Journalism What do we mean when we say that documentaries should tell the truth? How do we avoid the narrative being shaped by those who are behind the camera? Where, and how, can we define the divide between documentary filmmaking and journalism? Join presenter and producer Holly Newson alongside Alexandra Garcia (New York Times Op-Docs), Lindsay Poulton (Guardian Documentaries) and Anna Dickeson (BBC Film) as they discuss why filmmakers should make sure the stories of their subjects are always authentically told.

Date & Time: 9 November 13:30

224

Venue: Yorkshire Museum

Alexandra Garcia / Anna dickeson holly newson / Lindsay Poulton

INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

SATURDAY

PR and Promotion: You’ve Made Your Film, Now What?

For more than 50 years, DDA has been a leader in creative communications, crafting unforgettable campaigns. It brings incredible talent to a global stage, partnering with renowned brands and narrators, including Netflix, Amazon, Universal and Disney, to tell stories that resonate across borders. With every campaign, the team starts with a shared passion for storytelling. Julie La’Bassiere, Chief Strategy Officer at DDA and Deputy Chair of BAFTA, offers a wealth of experience to answer the question: you’ve made a film, now what?

Date & Time: 9 November 13:30

Venue: York Explore

Juilie La'bassiere Chief Strategy Officer

Meet the Trailblazers: Paving the Way for Women in Film In 2022, women made up only 26% of filmmakers working on the top 250 grossing titles. Primetime is boosting this statistic by providing an inclusive network for women building careers in the screen industries. Founder Victoria Emslie speaks with directors who share their stories. Meet Susanna White – a BAFTA and multi-Emmy-nominated director now adapting Prima Facie – and activist Waad Al-Kateb – whose BAFTA-winning project about her life in war-torn Syria, For Sama, is the most nominated documentary in the award's history.

Date & Time: 9 November 15:00

Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio

susanna white Victoria emslie / waad Al-Kateab

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SATURDAY

Filmmaking on a Budget: Hear from our Official Selection It’s no secret: making a film costs money, and, as an indie filmmaker, it can be a challenge to get a project off the ground. When it comes to money, there are many questions: How do you get funding? Are there alternatives to costly equipment and production processes?

This panel, hosted by Steve Rawle, offers tips on how to make great films – and get them seen – without the blockbuster price tag. Bec Evans, Jake Ringsell, JB Ghuman, Jr, Maeva Demurger and Mica Komagata demystify the business of creating a successful short.

Date & Time: 9 November 15:00

Venue: York Explore

official selection filmmakers

On The Rise: The Directors You Need to Know Since 2022, The BFI and Chanel Filmmaker Awards have celebrated up-and-coming UK directors fuelled by a single motivator: creative audacity. It recognises those filmmakers who have shown unbridled originality. Winners include Emmy-nominated Kathryn Ferguson (Nothing Compares), 2022 Aesthetica Art Prize winner Baff Akoto (Queen of Glory) and BAFTA-acclaimed Savanah Leaf (Earth Mama).

In this session, you'll meet the makers of 2024’s winning projects – Luna Carmoon and Pinny Grylls – plus Producer Nadira Murray.

Date & Time: 9 November 15:00

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Venue: Yorkshire Museum

LUNA CARMOON / Mia Bays Nadira Murray / PINNY GRYLLS

UNESCO CITY OF MEDIA ARTS EXPO Explore the Exceptional Work being created in York, A UnESCO City of media Arts.

7-8 NOVEMBER 09:00-21:00 9 NOVEMBER 10:00-17:00 | GUILDHALL, YO1 9QN Visit the UNESCO Expo, which will showcase the work being delivered by media arts and creative businesses who are based in York North Yorkshire. They range from virtual production, visual effects, film television, interactive design, gaming, graphic design, publishing, XR and more.

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WORKSHOPS TEST OUT YOUR IDEAS. LEARN SOMETHING NEW. This year we are running a series of practical workshops to help you expand your skills and understanding of film, television and VR, with a host of key organisations from the London College of Communication, BFI and The Pitch Film Fund to Film Hub North.

These sessions are focused on the future of the creative industries, making them essential for those who want to to try out new technologies and learn from experts.

Travel to the past and learn how to adapt historical books and events in The Pitch Film Fund: Adaptation. Or look to exciting futures in AI Generators and Storyboarding in 360.

Sessions last between 90-120 minutes.

Free with Festival Pass. Pre-booking is essential.

WEDNESDAY

Behind the Lens: Official Selection Filmmakers in Focus Join us for a roundtable discussion where our Official Selection filmmakers come together to share the challenges and inspirations behind their creative work. This session, hosted by Martin Hall (YSJU), offers a chance to explore the evolving landscape of the film industry, and exchange ideas with fellow creators. From concept development to post-production, hear how artists bring their ideas to life. Whether you're an emerging talent or a seasoned professional, this roundtable fosters collaboration, insight and inspiration for all.

Date & Time: 6 November 14:00-15:30

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Venue: Pitcher & Piano Capacity: 60

Official Selection

INDUSTRY: WORKSHOPS

THURSDAY

Roundtable: Film Hub North: Got a burning question about filmmaking, short film production or career development? Come along to the Film Hub North roundtable to put your thoughts and queries to the BFI Talent Executives and a special filmmaker guest. FHN Roundtables are an informal place to discuss any questions you might have, exchange ideas and get guidance from industry experts and fellow filmmakers. This opportunity requires prior registration via the Film Hub North website but there may be an opportunity for sign ups on the day, depending on the session capacity.

Separate booking required.

Date & Time: 7 November 12:30-13:30

Venue: Pitcher & Piano Capacity: 60

film hub north team

Developing YOUR CAreer in Gaming Are you a gaming fan and eager to turn your passion into a career?

Be part of an inclusive workshop with industry leaders Ubisoft, Midoki and Lucid Games where you'll gain insights into careers in gaming. This session offers a unique opportunity to ask questions directly to games designers and professionals. Discover what skills are in demand, how to build a standout portfolio and tips for breaking into the industry. Whether you’re an emerging developer or more established, this workshop will provide essential knowledge.

Date & Time: 7 November 14:00-15:00

Venue: Pitcher & Piano Capacity: 60

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THURSDAY

Learn how to: Storyboard in 360 Step into the future of storytelling with our workshop on storyboarding in 360°. This session will teach you the unique techniques and considerations required for creating compelling narratives in a 360-degree environment. We will explore spatial design and XR specific elements that will ensure your stories captivate audiences from every possible angle. By the end of the workshop, you'll have a good understanding of how to effectively storyboard immersive experiences, enhancing your ability to create content in this exciting and developing medium.

Date & Time: 7 November 15:30-17:00

Venue: Pitcher & Piano Capacity: 60

ana despina-tudor

Short Film Pitch: film hubs UK Are you searching for a producer? We’ve brought Film Hub North and Film Hub Midlands 2024 Creative Producer Lab cohort – the region’s most promising new short film producers – in one space to hear your ideas. The Short Film Pitch offers an opportunity for new writers to pitch their short films to the industry experts, receiving vital feedback and guidance to take that next step in bringing their vision to life. A chance for emerging talent to meet and connect.

Separate registration is required via the Film Hub North website.

Separate booking required.

Date & Time: 7 November 17:30-18:30

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Venue: Pitcher & Piano Capacity: 60

film hub north team

INDUSTRY: WORKSHOPS

FRIDAY

The Pitch FIlm Fund: learn about Adaptation Join us for an enlightening workshop about adaptation in filmmaking, designed for writers, directors, and film lovers interested in the art of transforming source material into screen stories. This session will delve into the intricate process of adapting books, plays, real-life events and other mediums into films. Through case studies, interactive discussions and practical exercises, you will gain insights into the balance between fidelity and innovation. By the end of the workshop, you'll have all the knowledge needed to navigate the complex world of film adaptation.

Date & Time: 8 November 10:00-12:00

Venue: Pitcher & Piano Capacity: 60

peter sinclair

understanding: AI Generators Explore the fascinating cutting-edge world of artificial intelligence in our hands-on workshop focused on testbeds for AI generators.

This session is ideal for developers, researchers and AI enthusiasts eager to understand the practical applications of new AI generation technologies. Gain beneficial experience in how to set up effective test environments and simulate many real-world scenarios. Through a variety of interactive demonstrations and practical exercises, you'll gain insights into optimising AI models and ensuring their reliability.

Date & Time: 8 November 14:30-16:30

Venue: Pitcher & Piano Capacity: 60

Eric Fanghanel

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KIDS' FILMMAKING WORKSHOPS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION We believe in the power of film, for this generation and the next. We also believe that children and young people should be encouraged to make, create and participate. We are offering 7-14 year olds the chance to learn how to develop, direct and make their own films. In these sessions, there's the opportunity to be both in front of and behind the camera, learning the fundamentals behind their favourite films. These two-hour workshops are led by the expert team at Pauline Quirke Academy, York, offering brilliant tuition that is both confidence-boosting and fun.

Pre-booking is essential for all sessions due to capacity at our venues.

Book your place at: asff.co.uk/tickets. Sessions 12.

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INDUSTRY: KIDS' WORKSHOPS

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

how to make a film Discover the magic of filmmaking behind the scenes in our hands-on workshop for kids. Through engaging activities and practical experience, young filmmakers will begin developing a comprehensive understanding of how the filmmaking process works. Those taking part will learn the fundamentals of camera operation, sound design and direction. By the end of the workshop, each child will have the exciting opportunity to plan, direct and shoot a short film, gaining practical experience of what it’s really like to be behind the camera.

Date & Time: 9 November 10:00 - 12:00 (7-10yrs) 10 November 10:00 - 12:00 (7-10yrs)

Venue: York St John Creative Centre, YO31 7EX Capacity: 20

stories for screen In this dynamic workshop, young storytellers will explore the art of story development and performance in front of the camera. From brainstorming imaginative plots to crafting compelling characters, participants will work in groups to learn how to bring an idea to life on the screen. By the end of the workshop, each child will have the opportunity to showcase their newly developed skills. Whether your child dreams of becoming a filmmaker or simply loves to act, this workshop offers a fun and educational experience for all involved.

Date & Time: 9 November 14:00 - 16:00 (11-14yrs) 10 November 14:00 - 16:00 (11-14yrs)

Venue: York St John Creative Centre, YO31 7EX Capacity: 20

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KIDS' GAMING WORKSHOPS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION Calling all gamers and aspiring game developers. Get ready for a fun and action packed adventure with our engaging Kids' Gaming Workshops delivered by Impact Gamers. Dive into the exciting realm of interactive storytelling, learn the hidden secrets behind game design and unleash your creativity in immersive worlds. Our workshops are designed to cater for two age groups: 7-10 and 11-14. There's something new for everyone, whether you're joining as a beginner or already have some gaming knowledge under your belt.

Pre-booking is essential for all sessions due to capacity at our venues.

Book your place at: asff.co.uk/tickets. Sessions 12.

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INDUSTRY: KIDS' WORKSHOPS

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

How to Make a Game?

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Join Impact Gamers instructors who are passionate about gaming and nurturing young talent in a workshop that will introduce children to Click-team Fusion 2.5. Participants will be guided through the whole process, given support and reassurance throughout the session. Click-team is perfect place to start with coding, enabling children to create digital stories, games and animations, whilst encouraging creativity and problem-solving. Together, those involved will boost skills and make friends – unlocking endless possibilities.

Date & Time: 9 November 14:00 - 16:00 (7-10yrs) 10 November 14:00 - 16:00 (7-10yrs)

Venue: York St John Creative Centre, YO31 7EX Capacity: 20

Do you want to be a Game Developer?

In this workshop, lead by Impact Gamers, you will begin your journey to become a game developer by learning the basics of game design. Discover the fundamentals of character development, level creation and storytelling. You will also learn about coding and programming and get hands-on experience learning to create your own games. Unleash your imagination as you bring your own designs to life. Get ready to dive into the world of game development tools and software and see how code transforms into interactive experiences.

Date & Time: 9 November 10:00 - 12:00 (11-14yrs) 10 November 10:00 - 12:00 (11-14yrs)

Venue: York St John Creative Centre, YO31 7EX Capacity: 20

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KIDS' STOP-MOTION ANIMATION WORKSHOPS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION Have you ever wondered how some of your favourite characters from film and television are brought to life? From Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, to Coraline, countless beloved films have been created with stop motion techniques. In these workshops, kids can get stuck in and try their hand at making their own animated movies. Led by experts at Animation Nation, who have over two decades of experience in making claymation, the immersive sessions will produce a treasured keepsake and unforgettable memories.

Pre-booking is essential for all sessions due to capacity at our venues.

Still: Tennis, Oranges, dir Sean Pecknold.

Book your place at: www.asff.co.uk/tickets. Sessions 12

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INDUSTRY: KIDS' WORKSHOPS

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

How to make stop-motion animation Dive into the enchanting world of stop-motion animation in our engaging workshop for kids aged 7-10. Working in pairs or small groups, depending on whether they attend alone or with friends, children will learn the essentials of stop-motion animation production. Each group will work together to brainstorm ideas, create their own models, characters, and props using modelling clay, before bringing their creations to life with the incredible magic of stop-motion in a short video that will capture their creativity and inspiration.

Date & Time: 9 November 13:30 - 16:00 (7-10yrs) 10 November 13:30 - 16:00 (7-10yrs)

Venue: York St John Creative Centre, YO31 7EX Capacity: 20

making characters come to life Learn how to make your own characters, whether that be people or animals, come to life with the magic of claymation. Throughout the workshop, participants will gain hands-on experience in crafting and animating short films, and by the end of the session they will have produced their very own captivating animation around 10-15 seconds in length. This workshop is perfect for fostering creativity, teamwork, and technical skills in children, whilst offering a fun and educational experience that will spark a lifelong love of animation.

Date & Time: 9 November 10:00 - 12:30 (11-14yrs) 10 November 10:00 - 12:30 (11-14yrs)

Venue: York St John Creative Centre, YO31 7EX Capacity: 20

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NETWORKING Build relationships, seek out collaborations and make lasting memories.

Our Networking and Pitching Sessions make up a key part of the festival, and are places where connections are made and opportunities discovered.

The 2024 Networking events are attended by leading organisations who will advise you on how to navigate the film festival circuit and pitch to distributors. These sessions focus on immersive and innovative storytelling.

Here, we offer in-person attendees the opportunity to meet and interact with representatives from some of the world’s leading organisations, from BBC and Ridley Scott Associates to The New York Times and Film4.

Read more about these events in the following pages, and be sure to book where necessary. *Guests are subject to change at any time.

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NETWORKING SESSION 1

The Art of Conversation: Refining your pitch 6 November | 12:00-13:30 | Pitcher & Piano

Pitching is key. How you describe your film is important, whether you’re seeking funding, looking to build your team or searching for a distributor. A pitch that sells is one that summarises an entire film into its core subject matter so that listeners are immediately placed into the narrative. Beyond the story, it’s about identifying its potential within the market and film festival circuit. Pitches are also an opportunity to receive feedback that can help you grow. Hosted by The Pitch Film Fund, this networking session is open to all filmmakers and is the perfect place to test your skills and spark a conversation about your works in progress.

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NETWORKING SESSION 2

how to Master Visual Effects on a Budget 7 November | 12:00-13:30 | York Theatre Royal Upper Foyer

Visual effects can often be seen as too expensive or complicated for lower-budget filmmaking. But they’re key to bringing the imagined and fantastical universes we most cherish to life. Viridian FX, based in the heart of York, is a team of VFX artists and filmmakers committed to finding visually inventive ways to support powerful stories, whatever the budget. Their recent projects range from on-set supervision for low-budget shorts and features to visual effects work on HBO’s House of the Dragon. Whatever your experience, join them for an informal conversation about VFX and the future of storytelling.

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NETWORKING SESSION 3

Powering Creativity: Pushing the Creative Industries Further 8 November | 16:00-18:00 | St Sampson’s Square, Guildhall then on to Impossible York

Join us to attend the event of the year – the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO – where you will meet businesses in the region working across design, film, games and media. This event is designed to bridge the gap between creativity and commerce. We are inviting cross sector professionals, including guests from The New York Times and Tribeca, to explore strategies for innovation, expanding market reach and sustaining growth. This is an opportunity to leverage business acumen to navigate funding opportunities and foster collaborations that push boundaries.

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NETWORKING SESSION 4

FESTIVAL FORMULA: PREPPING FOR YOUR FESTIVAL JOURNEY 9 November | 12:00-13:30 | York Theatre Royal Upper Foyer

Festival Formula is Europe’s leading film festival strategy consultancy and submission service. They focus on helping filmmakers navigate the complex worldwide circuit, increasing their probabilities of receiving acceptances and helping them to save time. Festival Formula draws on extensive experience in the industry, producing bespoke strategies tailored to the budget, assets and circumstances of each individual film. This session, hosted by experts from the team, will be based around finding your place within the circuit and exploring today’s fast-paced landscape alongside industry professionals.

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NETWORKING SESSION 5

last chance encounters 10 November | 12:00-13:30 | Dusk

On 10 November, the festival will draw to a close after five days of jam-packed events and screenings, but there is still an opportunity to make some important connections. This session is the perfect final chance for filmmakers to meet other creatives working in the film, television and XR fields. Here, you can discuss projects and ideas, exchange details and plan to continue these all important conversations. Our festival is a place to build communities, establish working relationships and connections that will continue to flourish for years to come, potentially creating exciting and innovative new films, television shows or games.

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PITCHING SESSIONS SHARE YOUR NEXT BIG IDEA. Pitching Sessions are a chance to invaluable feedback from Development Executives at leading production companies. Successful applicants are invited to a 20-minute, one-to-one session with a representative from one of our guest organisations. You must be registered for an Unlimited Access Pass to be eligible to apply.

Ridley Scott Associates (Narrative Shorts) RSA Films is a global production company that was founded by eminent directors Ridley and Tony Scott. Renowned for creative excellence and production expertise, RSA Films has produced innovative, award-winning campaigns for agencies and brands for more than half a century. Its has produced acclaimed short films such as Academy-award winner The Phone Book, which stars Sally Hawkins and Jim Broadbent.

Date 6, 7, 8 9 November Malmaison Time 6 Nov: 15:00-17:00 7 Nov: 14:00-16:00 8 Nov: 10:00-12:00 9 Nov: 14:00-16:00

Film4 (Narrative Features) Film4 is Channel 4 television’s feature film division, which develops and co-finances projects from the most distinctive talents in the UK and the rest of the world. Some of their Academy Award-winners include Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things, Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest and Martin McDonagh’s The Banshees of Inisherin, and notable recent releases are Last Night in Soho, Rocks, Enys Men and Living.

Date 6 November Malmaison Time 11:00-13:00

BBC Film (Narrative Shorts) BBC Film is at the forefront of UK independent filmmaking, developing and co-producing feature-length productions.

Committed to developing and supporting emerging talent, it collaborates with some of the foremost writers and directors, with new releases including Sacha Polak’s Silver Haze and Joanna Hogg’s The Eternal Daughter. BBC Films was awarded the BAFTA for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema.

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Date 6 November Malmaison Time 13:00-15:00

CONNECTIONS: PITCHING SESSIONS

Goldfinch First FLights (Narrative shorts) First Flights is an incubator for first-time feature film directors and producers, supporting each individual to create financially successful features and launch their international profiles. The First Flights team is adept at spotting emerging creative talent, working with individuals to produce their first feature. Goldfinch has worked with Gary Oldman, Anjelica Houston, Bill Nighy and Sam Riley.

Date 6 November Malmaison Time 13:00-15:00

BBC comedy (writing for comedy) BBC Comedy is the broadcast home of British humour. Each year, they commission new shows across BBC platforms for audiences all over the world to enjoy. The team is dedicated to nurturing and developing brand new creative voices as well as working with the most established household names.

Its recent releases include Mandy – starring Diane Morgan – as well as Man like Mobeen and Dreaming Whilst Black.

Date 7 November Malmaison Time 7 Nov: 11:00-13:00

THE PITCH FILM FUND (narrative shorts) The Pitch Film Fund is a company which specialises in the reimagining and reinterpreting of classical narratives. The Pitch exists for emerging talent, providing unique training and development opportunities and offering a 65,000 production award each year. The team brings new groundbreaking short films to audiences around the world – with commissions like White Gold being longlisted for an Oscar.

Date 7 November Malmaison Time 10:00-12:00

BBC (Scripted television drama) Simon Nelson is a Development Executive at BBC WritersRoom. He looks after writer development across TV, radio and digital platforms, producing UK-wide new writing talent initiatives, development programmes, opportunities and events for writers. He specialises in identifying, developing and nurturing new screenwriting talent across the BBC, with experience in scripted development across multiple genres.

Date 7 November Malmaison Time 14:00-16:00

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CONNECTIONS: PITCHING SESSIONS Doc Society (Documentary shorts) The BFI Doc Society Fund works to support and develop storytellers from all parts of the UK, backing feature and short creative documentaries with bold cultural and social ambitions. Founded in 2005, it is committed to supporting fact-based films and connecting them to audiences across the globe. Projects include Ross McClean’s Beyond the Fold and the BIFA-winning documentary, A Story of Bones.

Date 8 November Malmaison Time 14:00-16:00

Guardian Docs (Documentary shorts) The Guardian is renowned for its agenda-setting journalism and Guardian Documentaries is an expression of their core editorial purpose and ethos. The team curate and commission independent filmmakers from around the world and are committed to telling stories with a unique vision. They have won critical acclaim, including a 2022 BAFTA Film Award for The Black Cop and an Oscar in 2021 for Colette.

Date 8 November Malmaison Time 14:00-16:00

New York Times (Documentary Shorts) The New York Times has been keeping readers updated for over 170 years. Op-Docs is its award-winning series of short documentaries created by independent filmmakers and distributed by the New York Times to audiences around the world. Highlights inlude Carol Dysinger’s Oscar-Winning short Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You’re a Girl) and Werner Herzog’s feature film, Meeting Gorbachev.

Date 8 9 November Malmaison Time 8 Nov: 15:00-17:00 9 Nov: 15:30-17:30

Neal Street Productions (Narrative Feature) Neal Street Productions is one of the UK’s most respected production companies, producing film (1917, Empire of Light), television (Informer, Britannia) and theatre. Set up in 2003 by Sam Mendes, Pippa Harris and Caro Newling, the company celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023. Neal Street has become known for making distinctive, popular and award-winning projects on both sides of the Atlantic.

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Date 9 November Malmaison Time 10:30-12:30

WOMEN IN SCREEN HAPPY HOUR GET TO KNOW THE WOMEN WORKING ACROSS THE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES WEDNESDAY 6 NOVEMBER, YORKSHIRE MUSEUM | 17:00-18:00 Join the The Women in Screen Happy Hour. a celebration that recognises and promotes the achievements of women across the Film, TV, Games and XR industries. It brings together cinematographers, directors, producers, developers and writers to network. No booking required.

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FRINGE EVENT: UNESCO CITY OF MEDIA ARTS EXPO

UNESCO CITY OF MEDIA ARTS EXPO York is 1 of 26 cities worldwide that was selected by UNESCO because of its extensive outputs in Media Arts. It is the only UNESCO City of Media Arts city in the UK. Other global destinations that share this status are powerhouse cities, including Austin, Texas; Sapporo, Japan; and Toronto, Canada.

Our outputs in York are on a par with these global destinations. Aesthetica has been working with a range of city-wide partners to drive progression routes and pathways into the Creative Industries.

The UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO is an opportunity to experience cutting-edge work, forge strategic partnerships and meet the future creators making waves in the UK’s Creative Industries. Set within the programme of this year’s Aesthetica Film Festival, the EXPO showcases the exceptional work being delivered by media arts and creative businesses based in region, with an international reach.

There are 25 businesses to meet. Together, they cover a range of disciplines, including virtual production, VFX, film TV, interactive design, gaming, graphic design, publishing, XR and more. The companies in attendance are: Aesthetica, Art is My Career, Art of Protest Gallery, Ay-Pe, Bright White, Button Down Productions, Creative Business Skills Academy , Last Maps Illustrations, Orillo Productions, Peel X, Pollen Studios, Pilot Theatre, The Distance, Revolution Software, Viridian FX and XR Stories.

Free to All. No need to pre-book.

7-8 NOVEMBER 09:00-21:00 9 NOVEMBER 10:00-17:00

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EDUCATION GROUPS: 09:00-12:00 GUILDHALL, YO1 9QL

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FRINGE EVENT: WHERE ARE YOU REALLY FROM?

FRINGE EVENT: SOUND INSTALLATION Vendela Haakonsen premieres Where Are You Really From?

City Screen Basement, YO1 9QL The unnerving question, “Where are you really from?” does not have a simple answer. Sound artist and musician, Vendela Haakonsen, conducted eight interviews with individuals from diverse backgrounds to uncover what the question truly seeks to understand. Their personal experiences are connected through themes of belonging, racism and the emotional impact of being “othered.”

Vendela connects these narratives with bespoke piano compositions. In this way, she presents herself as the ninth voice, reflecting on her experiences growing up in Norway as a Korean adoptee. The artist invites audiences to fully immerse themsevles into the eight-channel sound installation and listen carefully to the complexities of these stories, finding solace in familiarity or introspective reflection.

The public is invited to a daily performance from 14:00-15:00 as she plays a live piano set.

A panel discussion about the installation takes place on 7 November between 16:00 and 17:00.

Free with Festival pass. No need to pre-book.

DAILY PERFORMANCE, 14:00-15:00 DISCUSSION, 7 NOVEMBER, 16:00-17:00 6-9 NOVEMBER, 10:00-21:00 10 NOVEMBER, 10:00-18:00

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WHERE ARE YOU REALLY FROM?

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FRINGE EVENT: FILM POSTER EXHIBITION

FILM POSTER EXHIBITION The art behind any film is often incredible, and posters can take a film from popular to part of cinema history. The first promotional movie poster was for the French short L’Arroseur Arrosé , and was made in 1895. In the 20th century, early cinemas only had one screen to show a single film. Displaying posters outside the building was integral to generating audiences and interest in the day’s chosen film.

We are thrilled to bring back the Film Poster Exhibition for the second year running. This year’s show-stopping display features 50 pieces from our Official Selection. All of the filmmakers involved in the festival were invited to submit their poster for selection. A panel from the Aesthetica Magazine team then made their selection of winners, which is now on display for visitors to the film festival to enjoy.

Tag us with #ASFF2024FilmPosters to show us your selfies and let us know which are your favourites.

Free with Festival pass. No need to pre-book.

6-10 NOVEMBER | 09:30-23:00 CITY SCREEN, YO1 9QL

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FRINGE EVENT: OUTDOOR INSTALLATION

FRINGE EVENT: OUTDOOR INSTALLATION Artist Steve Messam premieres a new site-specific piece, Lantern I Guildhall Courtyard, 7-9 November, YO1 9QN Steve Messam’s latest commissioned work, Lantern I, is set to premiere at the Aesthetica Film Festival this year at the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO. Known for his large-scale temporary installations that merge architecture and the natural environment, Messam has designed Lantern I as an exploration of space and interaction. The piece promises to captivate audiences through its intricate play with light, which transforms the historic Guildhall setting into an immersive and ethereal environment.

Messam is an internationally recognised artist, specialising in temporary projects that challenge perceptions of space and place. His works often highlight the relationship between the built environment and the natural world, using materials like inflatable fabric, light and sound to create transformative experiences. From the dramatic landscapes of the Lake District to urban settings across the world, Messam invites viewers to see familiar surroundings in a new light, sparking curiosity and wonder.

He was shortlisted for the Aesthetica Art Prize in 2022 and his recent large-scale exhibitions include Gateway, St John’s Gate in Clerkenwell, London, and Facade, Old Billingsgate Market, London.

Free with Festival pass. No need to pre-book. stevemessam.co.uk | mediacityexpo.com

Image: Steve Messam, Apollo (2019).

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Submit Your Art Win £10,000 & Exhibition WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF IDEAS Photography. Film. Painting.

Drawing. Sculpture. Digital.

Installation. Performance.

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FILMMAKER INDEX

Advertising A healing heart

ANIMATIoN 80

Alexandra Tahereh Kaucher, James Jenkins Burt’s Bees - “Flawless Is Forgettable”

79

79

79

79

80

79

80

Dying for Beginners

78

Falling For Greta

78

Gardening

78

GOODBYE FOREVER MAYBE?

78

In Loving Memories

80

Mee and Burd

80

Noggin

78

On the 8 th Day

78

Passenger

Bamba Kimball TWISTED PARADISE

Tim Hahne, Samir Zorlak Welcome To The 70s

Gretta Sammalniemi What’s your truth?

Laís Sambugaro

86

85

Niyadre Taylor Tinder - Move On

Darwin Story

Dragonfly

Cameron Thuman TABOO

86

79

Madeline Down Suspended in Space

Bright White Light

84

Daniel Liakh Seahawks Throwback

83

Dodo

Alice Bloomfield, Ed Morris SORRY, I DIDN’T QUITE CATCH THAT

A WIND AND THE SHADOW

80

Benn Northover Pub Stories: A Good Night Out

82

Natasha Tonkin

Taytum Blake How to Draw a Mountain

A Time Before

Henna Välkky, Eesu Lehtola

Tomas Kamphuis Grey Goose: Don’t Forget the Goose

82

Kris Kelly

Dimitri Yuri EXILES

I Would Like to Live on the Moon

Leo Metcalf

Fariba Buchheim Desert Diamonds | A Girl’s Best Friend

84

Emily Burke

Bamba Kimball Dear Pancreas

And Granny Would Dance

Maryam Mohajer

Ivetta Urozhaeva Calvin Klein - Eternity

86

Paul Shammasian

Andy Mihov Boubacar

An Angel On Oxford Street

Yi Luo

Julia Morizawa 87

Emily Downe 85

Gustavo Arteaga 83

Sarah Beeby 83

Karoline Björk, Sammy Paul 85

John Eaton 84

Greg McLeod 84

Case Jernigan 87

Sénéchal, Massez, Debruyne, Carin, Duhautois 85

Nia Alavezos

279

FILMMAKER INDEX Plunge

86

Ellie Land

ARTISTS’ FILM

82

Beacons

86

8

87

Benchwarmers

82

BITTER FRUITS

84

Comfort

85

Don’t Tell Peanut

83

DUCK

87

Ever Present

85

High Street Repeat

82

Just Kids

82

Nico

83

Tell Me What You Want

86

Tender Cords

83

Tender Loving Care

Threaded

84

The Flesh of Language

Three Hares

87

The Invisible Shift, 2024

Porous

Cecilia Reeve She and Her Good Vibrations

Olivia Griselda, Sarah Cheok [S]

Mario Radev Spectre of the Bear

Josh Hicks Spring

Pernille Kjaer Sweet Like Lemons

Jenny Jokela Tennis, Oranges

Sean Pecknold The Brown Dog

Nadia Hallgren, Jamie-James Medina The Garden of Heart

Olivér Hegyi The Last Sketch

Edgar Huebert The Man Who Loved Flowers

Sonu Thomas The Nectar Instead

Yoo Lee The Wolf

Theodroe Ushev Think something nice

Claudius Gentinetta

Naaman Azhari

Paloma Baeza Wander to Wonder

Nina Gantz

89

Anaïs-Tohé Commaret 88

Isaac Rhodri Bokoko 90

Paula Buchta 90

Daisy Smith 89

Marc Horowitz 89

Rachel Maclean 88

Antony Barkworth-Knight 90

Osbert Parker, Laurie Hill 89

Jackie Bao 88

Max Olson 90

Lea Thurner 88

Rosana Cuellar 88

Kalina Pulit 89

Amanda Rice 90

Caroline Emma Mackenzie 87

Turner

88

Joanna Mamede Upriver

Felipe Castelblanco

280

90

Jasmina Cibic

89

CONTACT DETAILS IN PRINT VERSION ONLY

Comedy A.A.

Just Be Awesome

95

Auden Bui A Rose for Katrina

95

94

96

92

91

93

91

95

94

91

92

94

94

95

92

Julia Aks, Steve Pinder

93

The Farm

95

The Nobody

96

The Real Thing

95

Tippy Toes

93

TRESPASSERS

91

Unprecedented crimes

96

Verrucaway

92

Victory To The Mimers

93

James Green 94

Marie Luise Lehner Jane Austen’s Period Drama

The Ballad

Magnus McCullagh, Charlie Brafman

Victoria Warmerdam In their dreams all jellyfish are wet

93

Samuel Hurlock, Joseph Beverley

Lyndon Henley Hanrahan, Nora Dahle Borchgrevink I’m not a robot

Terms and Conditions

Isla Elizabeth Jackson-Ritchie

Klara Kaliger I Hope He Doesn’t Kill Me

93

Louis Paxton

Jesper Sichlau Hopes and Beans

Sidney

Charlie Fink

Matt Green Helikopter

92

Razan Madhoon

Andrew Jonathan Smith Happy Meat

RoButler

Leo Villares

Julian Lucas Grave Error

91

Christofer Nilsson

Carissa Thorne Good Neighbour

Roast Dinner

Cameron Turnbull

Hannah Levin Good Luck Nelle

92

Iris Breward

Max Clendaniel Golden Child

Quiet Life

James Button

Sam Seccombe Fluff

94

Hipatia Argüero Mendoza

Rosanagh Griffiths Essentially Painless

Offline

Ruth Pickett

Grace Campbell DOPE FIEND

96

Daniel Fure Schwarz, Mauritz Brekke Solberg

James Newman, Harrison Newman Don’t Hate Me

Office Royale

Sam Baron

Harry Quinlan Amigo

96

Cringo Williamson, Ed Kear

91

DANCE Chrysalis

99

Alex Simpson

281

FILMMAKER INDEX Impossible Image

99

An Act of Service

98

AQUÍ Y ALLÁ

98

Baulera 12

99

Big Moves

Karen Pearlman Mothertongue

Darcy Wallace Door of no return

Suzanne Smith, Sylvia Solf Megadeath of Meaning

Corina Andrian N25

99

Valentina Khodnevich Sentence

Oya, Dance!

Shadowash

Spellbound

Statsis

97

Does that make me a woman?

99

Eternal Father

98

Harvest

97

I’m Doing My Best

Amaka Lin The Weight

Vanessa Rose to bend & not break

99

Dan Canham To Hold my love

Where do ants sleep at night

Yugo Manchester

102

Limen

103

Owen Smith

Midnight Rising

98

My Exploding House

97

Our Grandmother The Inlet

104

Kieran Mpetyana Satour 100

Aileen Ye 105

Liberty Nam-Do Smith

Documentary

104

103

Andrés Lira 104

Skater Uktis

104

Sperm Donors Wanted!

Thida Nathalie

282

105

Rosie Baldwin

Primero, Sueño

Elahe Esmaili

101

Sophia Seymour

Jaime Leigh (Demetra) Gianopoulos, Kayah George

A Move

105

Ömer Sami

Daniel Rodrigues Correia

A Flow of Consciousness: Evanescence

101

Bec Evans

97

Dean Wei

100

Sky Neal

MAHIKA KAI

Myriam Verreault, Brigitte Poupart

100

Olivia Smart

97

Elettra Giunta, Adam Othman UWD

La Roche

Nolan Büchi, Basil Schneeberger

Cara Mamma

Nicola Hepp

100

Sarah Grant

97

Eve McConnachie

103

Mila Araoz, Amaru Villanueva

BLACK STROKE

Naomi Soneye-Thomas

102

Isabella Breton

98

Rosemary Lee, Hugo Glendinning

103

Brandon Kapelow

100

Mehek Azmathulla

Logan Rea

101

CONTACT DETAILS IN PRINT VERSION ONLY System Errors

102

Clementine Bess Lloyd Take Me To The Ocean

101

Ilanna Barkusky The Ban

The Granny Grommets

105

After the Fact

102

A Good Start

103

Alarms

104

All Along Sonder Hill

102

Alone with You

100

A Mother Goes to the Beach

101

Baba

104

Best Before

Leah Rustomjee This Is Endometriosis

Matt Houghton, Georgie Wileman Travelling Home

Juliet Klottrup Turn Up The Bass

Ted Evans Unless We Dance

Fernanda Pineda Palencia, Hanz Rippe Gabriel When There Are No Words

Gabriella Canal Where My Memory Began

7 Fois

108

Tara Shehata 119

Pedro Hasrouny 119

Patricio Mosse

74

Bloom

74

Century Egg

73

Chère Louise

72

Chevalier

72

Clodagh

73

Crossbar Challenge

Lamees Almakkawy

Joe Magowan

Marianna Mørkøre, Beinta á Torkilsheyggi

Hélène Rastegar Silent Men

113

Ben Konotey-Ahulu

114

112

Alyssa Aldaz

Maja Novaković

Shâd Bâsh

107

Nicolas Panay

DOC. FEATURES

Heartist

114

Sarah Blok

Beverly Heights

My Bad Sister

107

Josh Silverlock

Lisa Service

Dancing Palestine

108

Ella Knorz

Priscillia Kounkou Hoveyda

At the door of the house who will come knocking

116

Christine Wiederkehr 9 DAYS IN AUGUST

Frøydis Fossli Moe

116

Greg Francis

102

Roisin Agnew The Final Chapter

1 UP

106

Kasey Lum 109

Charles Jacob Barratt 106

Rémi Brachet 112

Frederic Zeimet 120

Portia A. Buckley

Duncan Cowles

James Oliver

DRAMA

DAMMI

117

108

Yann Mounir Demange

283

FILMMAKER INDEX Death Code X

107

Alexander Löwen Do Not Resuscitate

116

117

114

111

119

116

111

112

113

113

120

119

108

112

118

115

Nicholas Seaton

284

110

Missing Her

109

Motherland

118

Naked Eye

110

One

109

One Last Dance

111

One More

115

One Punch

116

Only When You Bury Me In This Earth

115

Nima Shahmalekpur 117

Josefa Celestin Lapel

Mercenaire

Huse Monfaradi

Alessandro Riconda Kings Of The Court

119

J Taylor Brookes

Aella Jordan-Edge Just Kids

MATERNAL

Lukas Galle

Jenny Ward Just A Weekend

114

Adam Freise, Nathan Freise

Tomisin Adepeju Jules

Masterpiece Mommy

Helena Oborska

Omar Elemawi Journey Mercies

106

Lijie Xie

Paul Barrie Is anyone alive?

Machines

Karl Shefelman

Kanya Iwana In The Room

107

Pier-Philippe Chevigny

Amelia Moses HOME

Lullaby

Olivia Owyeung

Jo Lane Her Body

118

Dorothy Sing Zhang

Andrew McGee Gobstopper

Lovin’ Her

Sigurd Bleken

Ellie Hodgetts, Aymeric Nicolet First Sight

114

Chi Thai

Rodrigue Hammal Fairview Park

Loose Strands

Day

Matthew Sterling Exception

110

Panayiota Panteli

Kalani Gacon Essence

Let it all go wrong

Dimitri Baronheid, Olivier Lambrechts

Edoardo Brighenti Dreamlink

108

Djiby Kebe

Kumyl Saied Dream Car Wash

L’avance

Opening Up

113

Oz Arshad 120

Push

Elly Condron

106

CONTACT DETAILS IN PRINT VERSION ONLY Rage

115

Andrés Felipe Ángel Re-Entry

113

120

109

110

118

115

117

109

117

115

108

Jake Ringsell

117

111

112

125

Always, Already

124

ASMR deconstruction

125

Karolina Gliniewicz 119

Empty Shell

124

Nonoka Matsuo, Tomi Katz 111

Made in Thamesmead

122

Mary Martins 109

Patient

125

Lori Felker 118

Hermione Corfield The Rally

110

Ken Sackheim

Alexander Emborg The Megagulper3000

114

Dalibor Martinis

Eric Kole The Food Taster

Wuss

20th Cinematic Nail Factory

Celine Buckens The First Time I Never Met You

Wish You Were Here

Experimental

Julian Albrecht-Lazo The Debt

Why the Sun & Moon Live in the Sky

112

Emma Miranda Moore The Building of Europe

What We Wished We Could Be

111

Willy Fermelin That Night

Week 12

Nadine Wilson

Duncan Loudon Sweet Tooth

107

Ramzey Sabbagh, Fhuad Braimoh

Luke ‘Frsh’ Fannin SWEAT

Weave

Aisha Bolaji

Logan Findlay Space(s)

107

Luke Shelley

Joel Vargas Sometime, Somewhere

TWAIN

Isabel Delclaux

Rhys Chapman Shadow

120

Martyn Lee

Coral Knights Ryan Can’t Read

TUSKY

Pip

Franz Böhm Roses

113

Steven Boyle

Edward Whelan Rock Paper Scissors

Travel Socks

Tess Annan, Joseph Madden

Joseph Simmons Rider

106

Jean-Baptiste Leonetti

Ariel Mahler Remember to Breathe

Tondex 2000

REBIRTH

122

Joel Claudio 118

Fallen

122

Kirk Percival

285

FILMMAKER INDEX Garden State

125

Julie Langsam Isaac

124

122

FAMILY FRIENDLY

124

Alone

121

121

123

123

123

122

125

123

121

121

124

123

Heather E Andrews

286

Hoofs on skates

127

KOLAJA

129

Love Photosynthesis

128

Musical Socks

127

Octopus Banana Hotchpotch

128

Ovo

128

Remote Strutting

129

Lorna Fitzsimons 121

Kristina Norman This Werewolf Complex

129

Stiv Spasojevic

Marlies Pöschl THIRST

Freak of Nature

Milanka Fabjancic

Lucinda Ohlson The white field

128

Ana Horvat

Tajpal Rathore THE PEOPLE OF THE SUN

For You

Alisa Zolonz

Inès Sieulle The Ode to Partition

129

Kaylen Francis, Judah Meade

Nadia Cavelle The Oasis I Deserve

Finding Jia

Ignas Meilūnas

Roger Horn Roxane

129

Alexandra Lermer

Daniel Liakh, Daniel James Boulton Questioning the Existence of Alec

Dragfox

Luca Paulli

Marie-Anne Hafner MIDDLE NAME BLANK

127

Alice Yang

Alexander Einemo Zwart Half-witted Gnus Are A Myth

As the sun goes down

Lisa Ott

Francesca Pazniokas Granite

127

Bocquet, Caucal, Fechner, Laurent, Robert, et al.

Timothy Graham Marvell Dummy!

123

Alex Weight

Tony Kaye Depart to ArrivE

You can’t get what you want but you can get me

125

Ann Upton THEN, & NOW. A meditation on the process of acting

122

Samira Elagoz, Z Walsh

Hanna Hovitie The Looking Game

Yara

James Doherty

Penn Bálint Square the Circle

121

Duncan Lethbridge

Caroline Corbasson Soviet Fantasia

Two Birds One Stone

Shellfish

127

Aubert, Bouton, Callies, Chesneau, Danton, et al.

124

TAMAGOYAKI

Meg Igarashi

129

CONTACT DETAILS IN PRINT VERSION ONLY The Unreachable Star

128

Sharon S. Park Wild tale

128

Aline Quertain Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge

127

130

132

130

130

131

130

131

132

131

131

132

133

133

130

Atlas Ferrera

Jordan James Bridge

Versace Jeans Couture

133

FEATUREs CIURÈ

76

All The Songs We Never Sang

75

A Wasted Night

77

Hamlet Within

76

High Estate

77

Satu - Year of the Rabbit

75

Joshua Trigg

Alina Rancier

PARASITE

132

Rebecca Gallon, Yassine Aïssaoui

Julia Schönstädt

Night Hawkes

Two of Hearts

Ken McMullen

Jules de Niverville

Joiri Minaya’s Pattern Making

133

Suming Zhang

Giulio Rosati

I Am Light

The Shape of Life

Chris Rudz

Clementine Decremps

HUBRIS

133

Gianpiero Pumo

Francesco Calabrese

Flurry

The Princess and the Peacock

Enrico Bellenghi

Pablo Soto

Dear Diary

131

Mashie Alam

Mădălina Zaharia

CAVALLI PARADISE

Teenage love Forever

Nicola Martini

Charles Dillon Ward

CAMPANADAS 2024

131

Daniel Baker-Wells

Gerfried Guggi

Bye Bye Confidence

133

Imogen Harrison

Zehua Wu

Burn-in

132

Ronita Awoonor-Gordon

Timur Celikdag

Aspera Astra

Soulful

Stand Up, Stand Out

Miluum

Artificial Flower

Something Outta Nothing

Callum Lloyd-James

FASHION A Muse Me for Arena Homme Plus

130

Michelangelo Carliez

Hattie Archibald

Aitai

Pythons

Perry Curties

Music Video AETERNA

135

Cayetano González 132

ADONXS - ‘OVERTHINKER’

135

Jiří Horenský

287

FILMMAKER INDEX All the best

136

Pablo Rafael Roldán BLYTH

136

135

thriller

134

FTER DARK

136

136

134

134

137

137

137

137

136

136

137

137

Valentin Guiod

288

Demons

140

Factory Drop

141

GIRLS

141

Lagoon

140

MUSH

140

Nay Day

141

Outside Noise

139

Ethan Evans 135

Max Davies SABALI

141

Derek Ugochukwu

Pearl Seemann Overthinker

DEMONBOY

Olivier Richomme

Alexandre Richard Opto Optics

140

Conall O’Brien

Garrick Lauterbach NonNonNon - Mada Mada feat. Orlanda (Director’s Cut)

Boy Band

Julien Hosmalin

Trevor Von Klueg, Vivian Raine Nonexister - Kater

138

Petja Pulkrabek

Monika Jungwirth Maybe Man

Black Dog

Adesh Prasad

Griffin Stoddard Lucy Dreams - LOVE

138

Aaron Lovett

Rupert Höller LSDXOXO - Bloodlust

Reflections

Benedict Chiu

Nono Ayuso, Rodrigo Inada Klangkarussell x GIVVEN - Afterglow

139

Ed Kirk

Adilet Abish Judeline “Mangata”

BENJI

Zak Harney

Stewart Baxter In the Darkness

141

Oscar Garth

Lauren Luxenberg Idles - POP POP POP

134

Iain Forbes

Maya Marzuki Peters HENDRIX HARRIS - IT’S NOT YOU

Shake Stew - Lila

135

Ella Michaeli FROGS

135

Rupert Höller

Daria Geller Best DJ ever (I’M THE!!!)

Sex, Power and Art

Manu Gavassi, Gabriel Dietrich

Oleg Trofim Everybody knows

134

AINS

Tom Dream Dobriy Zloy - Sirotkin

Scottish Ensemble - Tull

RAT!

139

Neal Suresh Mulani 134

SHÉ (SNAKE)

Renee Zhan

140

CONTACT DETAILS IN PRINT VERSION ONLY S/N:05

139

Hans Jakob Harms Soulmate

139

Richard Fenwick Spoor

140

141

138

138

138

Mammary Mountain

Missing 10 Hours

Once Upon... My Story

Oto’s planet

138

passive Power

139

REMEMBER THIS PLACE: 31°20’46’’N 34°46’46’’E

Patricia Echeverria Liras

VIRTUAL REALITY

Return to Impression

145

144

149

146

143

143

143

145

Alejandro Lendinez Hunter-Gatherers

Davor Rostuhar

144

Stall

145

Streets of Change

145

The Death of Toby

146

The First Dawn

144

The Longest Walk

143

Alexander Tarevt

Mikkel Haynes Education eye of the storm

South Africa World War I

Joseph Purdam

Dee Harvey Before We Eat

145

Xiaoyan Dong

Marcio Sal Heartbeat

144

Andy Campbell, Judi Alston

Omid Zarei, Anne Jeppesen Finally Me

146

Ah Young Shin, Aarti Bhalekar, Ruby Bell, Zoe Shum

Margarida Lira Gomes De Almeida Belo A Vocal Landscape

146

Paul Long

Elham Eshraghian-Haakansson astro odyssey

146

Dora Filipovic

Benjamin Nuel a love letter to the Nightingale

145

JB Singh Ghuman, Jr.

Will Jewell

Age of The Monster

143

Gwenael François

Beth Park WIRED

143

Francis Gélinas

Aimie Willemse Wild Animal

Lou

Fanni Fazakas

Joseph Ollman Unravelling

146

Camille Baker

Al Campbell The Trail

Joseph Rouleau : Final Encore

Martine Asselin, Annick Daigneault

Linus von Stumberg The Awakening

149

Émilie Rosas, Colas Wohlfahrt

Sunita Soliar, Statten Roeg SYNCOPE

ink reminisce

Shihui He

Games Lab Alula

153

Miracle Tea 144

A Number from a ghost

151

Peter Adams

289

FILMMAKER INDEX

Beyond Galaxyland

155

Sam Enright CLeM

154

156

154

156

154

151

155

155

153

151

153

153

154

151

153

Studio 4.8

290

Symmetry-craft

Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter

The Crush House

The Echo Chamber

Trash Goblin

Wallace & Gromit in The Grand Getaway

Why Are u here?

you’re just imagining it

npckc 156

RED SOUL GAMES Project ZipZap

151

152

155

154

152

156

152

156

An Zhou

Thomas Waterzooi Post Trauma

Stellar Watch

Aardman

One to One Development Trust Please, Touch The Artwork 2

155

Spilt Milk Studios

Hyper Luminal Games Play Your Way Into Production

Star Trucker

Vertical Slice

Glowfrog Games Pine Hearts

156

Nerial

Calligram Studio Pieced Together

Sorry We’re Closed

Odd Bug Studio

One to One Development Trust Phoenix Springs

152

Junyi Jiang

PolyPirates Our Earth Your Choice

Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley

White Leaf

Cowboy Toad Games Once Upon a Rogue’s Tale

151

Monster and Monster

Studio Morgan Nocturnals

Sneaky Beings

à la mode games

Mitch Anzuoni, Peter Christian Morgan: Metal Detective

154

Hyper Games

Ubik Studios Mezzanine

SCHiM

Tiancheng Wang

Geoffrey Golden Leila

155

Ewoud van der Werf, Nils Slijkerman

Brent Arnold Fix Your Mother’s Printer

Robo Soul

Hongtao Jiang / Dianqian Li / Fei Peng

Samuel Corderoy Final Profit: A Shop RPG

152

Jiming Zhang, Xin Gao, Jiayue Han, Yiwen Chen

Mango Protocol Cosmic Penguin Pursuit

Revenge of the Crab

153

152

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291

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