Day Four of Aesthetica Film Festival
We are seeing in the festival weekend with the electric New Music Stage, showcasing 10 exciting, breakthrough artists. The winner will be decided by a jury stacked with industry experts, including Universal Music, and you – the audience! Plus, explore today’s roundup of top screenings, special events, masterclasses, immersive experiences and much more. Be part of the action with your festival pass and discover all of our weekend events in the Programme!
Today’s Spotlight Genre: Animation
Our collection of animated shorts offer reflections on a range of themes, including identity, culture, memory, societal pressures and what it means to belong. Through beautiful, vivid visuals and powerful storytelling, our Official Selection animated reels capture the tension between chaos and connection, reminding us that every journey – imagined or real –begins with a moment of change. For 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
At 10:30, join BBC Comedy as they reveal how great comedy gets made at the Yorkshire Museum. Head to York Theatre Royal at 12:00 to hear speakers from Royal Shakespeare Company and London College of Communication and more, as they explore What’s Next in XR? Alternatively, stay at the Yorkshire Museum for a masterclass from Piers Tempest, founder of Tempo Productions: an independent production company known for bringing famous faces to our screens.
*Please note, pre-booking for masterclasses is essential due to capacity.
Secure your space at our masterclasses here »
Networking Session:
How to Master Visual Effects on a Budget
York Theatre Royal | 12:00-13:00
Visual effects might seem out of reach for lower-budget productions, but they’re vital for bringing imaginative worlds to life. York-based Viridian FX is a team dedicated to delivering creative solutions that fit any budget. From supervising effects on indie shorts and features to contributing to major projects like HBO’s House of the Dragon. Join them for an informal discussion about integrating VFX into your filmmaking toolkit and explore the future of storytelling.
New Music Stage
York Theatre Royal | 14:00-23:00
Today we launch the New Music Stage: an all-day music festival bringing together 10 of the country’s most exciting breakthrough artists. This is the place to see the headliners of tomorrow, with artists who are already making waves on Radio 1, BBC Introducing, SXSW and Glastonbury. See them before they explode onto the world stage. You are the judge: the audience choose the winning artist, alongside a jury stacked with industry experts and Universal Music.
Separate ticket required. Book & Save 25% with Code ASFF25.
Book your New Music Pass here »
VR Lab
National Centre for Early Music
5-8 November 10:00 – 21:30 | 9 November 10:00 – 18:30
The potential of 360° cinema knows no bounds. These immersive formats transport audiences straight into the heart of the story. Now in its seventh year, our 360° Cinema and Immersive Experiences Lab, supported by UAL’s London College of Communication, returns to push the boundaries and possibilities of storytelling at the National Centre for Early Music. One-hour slots run throughout each day of the festival. Free with pass; booking recommended.
To book your place, click here »
Makers’ Forum
York Theatre Royal Colonnade
5-8 November | 10:00-17:00
The Makers’ Forum brings together Official Selection creators across film, games, XR and podcasts, each given 10 minutes to showcase their vision. This session is a fast-paced, dynamic insight into original storytelling, and a chance to hear directly from the innovative creators who are helping to shape the future of screen and media culture.
Free with valid festival pass.
UNESCO Expo
Guildhall | 09:00-17:00
This is your opportunity to experience cutting-edge work, forge strategic partnerships and meet the future creators making waves. The UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO showcases the exceptional work being delivered by a range of leading media arts and creative businesses based in the region, with an international reach. There are 40 businesses to meet; they cover a range of disciplines, virtual production, VFX, film & TV, interactive design, gaming, XR and more.
Kids’ Workshops
York St John Creative Centre | 10:00-16:00
Inspire your children at Aesthetica Film Festival 2025 with our fantastic family friendly programme. We believe in nurturing children’s creativity. Across the festival weekend, we offer 7-14 year- olds the opportunity to develop, direct and make their own stop-motion animations, games and live action films. Workshops are delivered in partnership with Grand Central Trains, and are led by experts at Hijinx, Pauline Quirke Academy and ComputerXplorers.
Each workshop £12 or book Kids’ Day + Workshop Pass £35 »
Networking Session:
Sync in Focus: For Musicians and Filmmakers
York Theatre Royal | 17:00-18:03
An introduction to the world of sync licensing & creative collaboration. Featuring three short talks from music industry professionals – including the MD of Universal Music and Production Park – you’ll gain insight into how music and film come together, and the opportunities available. After the talks, there will be time for musicians and filmmakers to meet, exchange ideas, and explore collaborations. This event will take place during the New Music Stage show at Aesthetica.
To book your place, click here »
Listening Pitch:
Film Premieres
City Screen | 19:00-23:00
Aesthetica x Audible’s The Listening Pitch is a cinematic exploration of the unheard. 2025 marks its fifth anniversary. This year, we asked the question: “what can we hear if we listen right now?” and awarded funding to two visionary filmmakers: Carin Leong and Roberto Duque. Their new documentaries will premiere alongside sound and audio commission Le Voyage dans la Lune. We will also show one of the previous winning projects and Megan McDonough’s Old Lesbians. Free with Festival Pass. Booking recommended to secure your seat. Book Your Place »
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
