DISCOVER NEW CINEMA
XR GAMES MUSIC PODCASTS
YORK CITY CENTRE 4-8 NOVEMBER
discover new Film, Games & Podcasts Film. Games. Virtual Reality. Music. Podcasts. Industry Masterclasses. Workshops. World Premieres. From 4-8 November, York pulses with cinematic energy as the Aesthetica Film Festival celebrates its 16th edition, igniting the city with bold ideas and unforgettable stories. This year’s screening programme is rich with innovative storytelling, including films by the most exciting talent and featuring stars such as Aisling Bea, David Jonsson, Maxine Peake, Michael Sheen and Stephen Fry. Enjoy films spanning 12 genres, including Animation, Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Family Friendly, Thriller and more. Explore 360° cinema, interactive games and curated podcasts as we celebrate storytelling through sound, play and digital art. Meet groundbreaking creatives at the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO and see the city light up at the Radical Listening Immersive Art Trail.
BOOK YOUR FESTIVAL PASS One / Two Day / Unlimited Pass £39 / £65 / £120 York Resident Adult / Child Day Pass* £29.25 / £22.50 Family Day Pass** £99 / Residents* £74.95 Music at Aesthetica Pass £39 Single Screening Tickets from £7.00 Festival passes and event tickets are available www.asff.co.uk/tickets and between 4-8 November from the Festival Hub at City Screen, St Martins Courtyard, 13-17 Coney St, York YO1 9QL (opening hours 09:30-18:00) *Please note for York Resident Pass, proof of residency will be required upon collection. **Family Pass is valid for two adults & up to two children.
hear from industry leaders We invite the most renowned names in film and TV to speak at the festival. Here is your opportunity to hear from and go behind the scenes with leading organisations such as Film4, BBC, Ubisoft and Ridley Scott Associates as well as a special Guest Programme from Aardman. There are also talks from BAFTA, Emmy and Oscarwinning producers, directors, writers, editors, sound designers and cinematographers. This year’s programme features: Nina Hartstone & Louise Burton (Saltburn, Wuthering Heights), Mick Audsley (Harry Potter), Neil Forsyth (The Gold) and Brian J. Falconer (Derry Girls).
What It Takes to Make a Ridley Scott Film Ridley Scott, creator of some of the most iconic films, founded production company Ridley Scott Associates (RSA). Now, they offer a behind-the-scenes look at how these legendary films were made. Hear what it was like to work on some of the biggest features in film history.
Meet Commissioners from BBC, Channel 5, ITV and Sky Get insights from the UK’s leading broadcasters, who create and fund TV shows, films, documentaries and entertainment. They will explore what it takes to get a “green light”, from delivering a standout pitch to understanding the trends driving the industry forward.
Celebrating 50 Years: Behind the Scenes at Aardman Aardman is responsible for hugely popular titles such as Chicken Run, and the Academy Award-winning Wallace & Gromit franchise. Director and Creative, Will Becher celebrates five decades of beloved narratives, examining the processes that bring a story to life.
Special Events In addition to 300 film screenings and masterclasses, festival-goers can join daily parties and networking sessions, as well as specialist workshops for those wanting to learn new skills. We’re inviting you to have a go at screenwriting with BBC Writers, learn about adaptation and get advice on acting and directing from RADA. Be part of the world premiere of three new Audible documentaries. Try out 360° and immersive films at the VR & Games Labs. The Podcasting Lounge showcases the most exciting audio narratives. Explore the full programme of events on our website: asff.co.uk
Podcasting lounge | 4-8 november The Aesthetica Podcasting Lounge runs throughout the festival at City Screen. It is the place to discover groundbreaking audio productions. Sit down, tune in and discover the best in podcasts across a range of genres – from comedy and fiction, to true crime and documentary.
radical listening: art trail | 4-8 november Three new art installations light up York. See work from Squidsoup, the acclaimed light, sound and technology pioneers; Steve Messam, whose works are characterised by their colour and scale; and Being Now Here, who specialises in immersive and interactive installations.
listening pitch PREMIERE | 6 NOVEMBER Aesthetica and Audible have teamed up to showcase stories that show how listening helps us to understand the world. Join us for the premiere of three documentaries from Duncan Cowles, Sofia Cissé Akel, Tobi Kyeremateng and Hermione Spriggs. Followed by Q&A and networking.
FAMILIES AT AESTHETICA Aesthetica is a festival for everyone – and families are at its heart. Film screenings and our VR & Games Labs introduce children to inspiring stories, whilst hands-on workshops support young minds to explore filmmaking, acting, coding for games and stop-motion animation. Adult, Child & Family Day Passes available online: asff.co.uk Family Friendly Screenings | 4-8 November Animations, engaging dramas and laugh-out-loud comedies. Our screening programme features a vibrant mix of U and PG films, highlighting captivating tales from filmmakers across the globe and sparking imagination, empathy and conversation for audiences of all ages.
Games & VR Lab | 4-8 November Enter new and immersive worlds at our Games and VR Labs at the National Centre for Early Music. Play new independent games and experience cinema in 360 degrees. These interactive labs will transport you into the heart of the story, immersing audiences of all ages.
UNESCO CITY OF MEDIA ARTS EXPO | 5-6 November This is the destination to experience cutting-edge work and connect with the creators making waves in the UK’s creative industries. The EXPO showcases businesses working across VFX, gaming, graphic design, film, interactive design, publishing and more.
kids’ WORKSHOPS | 7-8 November Create your own mini movie. Learn how to code games. Develop your skills in stop-motion animation. Discover how to act for the camera. We believe in nurturing creativity from a young age. Inspire your children this November with workshops for 7-14 year-olds.
new music stage On Saturday 7 November, experience the New Music Stage*: an all-day music festival, bringing together live performances from 10 breakthrough artists, creating music across an array of genres. Taking place at York Theatre Royal, this is the place to see the headliners of tomorrow. The day features panels, masterclasses and networking with BBC Introducing on Radio 1, Beggars Group, Universal Music, Futuresound Group, A&R reps and more. Set in the cinematic context of one of the UK’s leading film festivals, this is an invitation to hear what’s next in music. In partnership with Leeds Conservatoire, Innovate UK, TALENTBANQ, imagesound, Caffè Nero and Beggars Group.
*Access to the New Music Stage requires a valid Saturday, Unlimited or Music at Aesthetica Pass.