Aesthetica Film Festival 2025 has officially begun! Our 15th anniversary programme is the most expansive yet. Discover new events, industry masterclasses, over 300 screenings and interactive media labs. We are kicking off the festival, which is the UK’s leading screen and media event, with a roundup of today’s top 10 events taking place across York. For more of what’s on offer, download this year’s Official Festival Programme.

Today’s Spotlight Genre: Comedy

Kick off your festival experience with laugh-out-loud comedy screenings, taking place in venues across York! Get ready to find the funny in the everyday. This year’s lineup features offbeat narratives, darkly humorous tales and films that revel in the absurdity of our daily lives. Comedy is just one of many genres represented by the 300 short films in this year’s Official Selection – you can catch Animation, Drama, Documentary, Thriller and more. To attend screenings, a valid festival pass is required. Seating is first-come, first-served. For full film listings, check out the programme »

Top Masterclasses For Today

Start your day by going behind-the-scenes with leading production companies PACT, Clerkenwell Films, World Productions & Channel 4, at Yorkshire Museum. Then, head to York Theatre Royal at midday for a masterclass with Ridley Scott Associates, which will give insights into some of the most iconic films to date! At 16:30, hear from VFX experts including Viridian, Blue Bolt and Dimension Studio, who give an inside look on how to make the impossible, possible. Also speaking today: Film4, BBC, ITV & more. Please pre-book for masterclasses. For full listings, and to book, click here »

Special Event: Opening Night Ceremony
City Screen | 18:00-21:00

We open our landmark 15th edition with a special screening of five bold, thought-provoking, and inspiring short films from the 2025 Official Selection. Curated by Festival Director Cherie Federico, this showcase reflects the range of genres picked for this year’s exciting programme. This celebration launches Aesthetica Film Festival 2025 and offers audiences a first look at the voices and visions shaping the future of filmmaking. Complimentary drink upon arrival at the event. *Please note, this event has now sold out and required a separate ticket. For full events listings, click here »

Games Lab
National Centre for Early Music  
5-8 November 10:00-21:30 | 9 November 10:00-18:30

Arcade games, puzzles, deck builders, point-and-click adventures, simulators, RPGs and much more. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or completely new to the world of interactive storytelling, this is your chance to pick up a controller and get involved with a truly genre-defying collection of titles by indie developers. One-hour slots run throughout each day. Free with pass; advance booking recommended. To book your place, click here »

Evening Performance: Sophie Duker and Friends
York Theatre Royal | 19:30-21:00

Finish your first day with an all-women comedy night featuring the UK’s boldest voices in stand-up. Headliner Sophie Duker (Live at the Apollo, Taskmaster Champion) is a comedy force of nature. Support comes from Eleanor Tiernan (BBC3’s Stand Up For Live Comedy) whose dry, acerbic humour and intelligent writing have earned her praise and Bella Hull (Comedy Central Live) brings charm, energy and a razor-sharp tongue. Three brilliant women. One electric night at York Theatre Royal. Separate ticket required. Use code ASFF25 to Save 25%. To book your place, click here »

Aesthetica Fringe Events 
5-9 November | Venues Across York 

The Aesthetica Fringe is a citywide celebration of emerging creativity across all art forms. From live music and comedy to exhibitions, installations and performance, it’s about making York a cultural playground. These are artist-led events, created, planned and performed by creatives in the city. York is a UNESCO City of Media Arts, and the Fringe embodies this by activating galleries, venues and building public spaces. Explore the programme here »

VR Lab
National Centre for Early Music  
5-8 November 10:00-21:30 | 9 November 10:00-18:30

Now in its seventh year, our standout 360° Cinema and Immersive Experiences Lab – supported by LCC – returns. These films transport you straight into the story, allowing you to explore both real-world and fantastical environments. The selection includes documentaries, animation and narratives where every decision matters. One-hour slots run each day of the festival. Free with pass; booking recommended. To book your place, click here »

Daily Networking Session:
The Art of Conversation: Refining Your Pitch
York Theatre Royal Upper Foyer | 12:00-13:30

A strong pitch is essential – it’s how you capture attention and communicate your film’s essence, whether you’re seeking funding, assembling your crew, or courting distributors. A compelling pitch distils your entire project to its heart. It’s also a valuable moment for feedback to help you refine your approach. Hosted by The Pitch Film Fund, this session welcomes all filmmakers to practice pitching, exchange ideas, and ignite discussions around works in progress. Please note, pre-booking for networking is essential due to capacity. To book your place, click here »

Podcasting Lounge
City Screen Basement 
5-8 November 10:00-21:30 | 9 November 10:00-18:30

The Podcasting Lounge is brand new for 2025. It’s a UK film festival first. Join us to sit down and listen to some good stories. Highlights include Lights Out: Dust (BBC Radio 4). Or dive into the human condition: a lone villager living on the border of Armenia and Turkey, a go-to repair man in Cape Town. Hear the world like never before. One-hour slots throughout each day. Free with pass; booking recommended. To book your place, click here »

Makers’ Forum
York Theatre Royal Colonnade | 10:30-17:00

Get an inside look at the creative minds behind this year’s Official Selection – from films and shorts to XR, games and podcasts. In fast-paced, 10-minute spotlights, each team shares the journey of their project, from first spark to final delivery. Whether you’re a fellow creator or simply curious, Makers’ Forum offers a dynamic window into filmmaking. Free with valid festival pass, drop-in during the day. Download the Festival Programme here »

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Be part of Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025, from Wednesday 5 November until Sunday 9 November.

Tickets and Passes On Sale! Get Yours Today: asff.co.uk | Browse the Programme

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