Comedy, Film, Music: Beyond the Frame at Aesthetica 2026
For 2026, Aesthetica is evolving beyond a traditional film festival model into a wider celebration of screen culture, live performance and storytelling. Beyond the Frame is a season of evening performances at York Theatre Royal, injecting comedy and live performance
Reignite XVII- Culture as Infrastructure, Stories as Power
As part of BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival, Reignite XVII brings the UK’s UNESCO Creative Cities Network in York for a landmark conversation about the role culture can play in shaping the future of places. The event will be opened by
Aardman at Aesthetica: 50 Years of British Animation, Storytelling and Stop-Motion Magic
For five decades, Aardman has made audiences laugh, empathise and fall in love with characters built from clay, wire, foam and imagination. In 2026, the legendary Bristol-based animation studio celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of stop-motion storytelling
Learn from the Best: Inside Aesthetica’s Masterclass Programme
At the heart of Aesthetica Film Festival is a belief that knowledge should be accessible to everyone. Our Masterclass Programme is designed to open opportunities to hear directly from some of the most exciting and influential voices working across the
UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO: The New Geography of British Creativity
Britain’s creative industries are a defining force in the UK economy, generating an estimated £145.8 billion in Gross Value Added in 2024 – equivalent to 5.5% of the national economy. The sector supported 2.4 million jobs, with employment 14.7% higher
In Conversation with Music Supervisor Jen Moss
Jen Moss is an award-winning music supervisor with more than 15 years’ experience in the industry. Her credits include acclaimed films I, Tonya and Saint Maud, amongst others, and she has four films due for release this year, including the
Ten Breakthrough Artists Announced for the New Music Stage at Aesthetica Film Festival
Ten of the UK and Ireland’s most significant emerging voices have been announced for the New Music Stage at the BAFTA-qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival. Taking over York Theatre Royal on Saturday 7 November, the line-up brings together Other People’s Leisure, WineMom,
Where the UK Screen Industry Meets Next: UK Production Summit at Aesthetica
The UK Film Production Summit returns to York on Thursday 5 November 2026, as part of the BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival, bringing together more than 150 production companies, commissioners, development executives and creative organisations. Now in its second year, the
Aesthetica Film Festival 2026: Where Film Meets Art, Sound and Technology
Today, Aesthetica Film Festival announces its most expansive programme to date, with York set to become a meeting point for the people shaping the future of film, television, art, sound, games and immersive media this November. The festival returns from
Workshops at Aesthetica Film Festival 2026
This year we are running a series of practical workshops designed to help you expand your skills and understanding of film, television and VR, in collaboration with world-leading organisations including BBC Writers, Film London, RADA, The Pitch Film Fund, Film