Tickets and passes for Aesthetica Film Festival 2026 are available. Join us in York from 4-8 November. This year’s jam-packed programme features 300 screenings, industry masterclasses, Games & VR Labs, a Podcasting Lounge, New Music Stage, networking sessions, socials and much more. Connect with leading industry professionals, discover new ideas, develop your creative practice and experience the very best in film, games, VR and beyond. Book your festival passes with us today.

300 Screenings | 4-8 November

Animation. Comedy. Drama. Documentary. Thriller. Experimental. Aesthetica Film Festival is the home of short film. Whether the genre of film you enjoy is laugh-out-loud humour, edge-of-your-seat tension or gritty realism, at this year’s festival you’ll uncover a new favourite amongst our programme of over 300 bold stories, which have been carefully curated by Topic and theme. Screenings take place across York. Seating is first come first served. Join and immerse yourself in the world of film.

Masterclasses | 4-8 November

Our masterclasses offer you insights into key aspects of the industry, the opportunity to connect with other talented creatives, and to create long lasting memories. Our 2026 speakers include representatives from leading companies, such as BBC Film, Ridley Scott Associates, Channel 5 and ITV as well as writers, directors, producers, designers and VFX specialists who have worked on award-winning titles. Masterclasses Free with Pass. Advance booking recommended.

Opening Night Ceremony | 4 November

We launch our 16th edition with a special screening of outstanding, thought-provoking and inspiring works by filmmakers from the 2026 Official Selection. Curated by Festival Director, Cherie Federico, our Opening Night introduces you to the breadth of this year’s film programme with a special screening of what’s to come.

Please Note: Separate Ticket Required

Podcasting Lounge | 4-8 November

Aesthetica is the first UK film festival to offer a dedicated Podcasting Lounge – a space where audio is at the centre stage of storytelling. Curated to spotlight the dynamic voices in independent podcasting, the lounge offers the opportunity to pause and take a moment to truly listen. Join us to sit down, discover new voices and listen to bold new stories. The Podcasting Lounge is Free with a Festival Pass. Advance booking for the lounge is highly recommended.

VR & Games Happy Hour | 5 November

A destination for those working in new technologies, the VR & Games Happy Hour event brings industry leaders and creatives together to contemplate the future of games development, Virtual Realities and immersive filmmaking in a relaxed setting that encourages meaning conversation. Thor’s Museaum Gardens is the ideal place to exchange ideas about what’s next for interactive entertainment and beyond. A complimentary welcome drink is available upon your arrival.

Networking Sessions | 4-8 November

Our networking events run everyday of the festival. Wednesday focuses on VFX on any budget with Viridian FX. Thursday, FilmHub North open space for conversation around storytelling, scripts, and early-stage concepts. Friday’s explores how to create a strong pitch with The Pitch Film Fund. Saturday introduces sync licensing and creative collaboration between sound and screen. Sunday’s Last Chance Encounters, a final opportunity to connect with creatives. Advance booking recommended.

Friday Night Party | 6 November

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 new friends. Grab a drink, connect and prepare for the weekend.

Games Lab | 4-8 November

Aesthetica hosts its fourth edition of the Games Lab, with over 40 games exhibiting. We are the first UK Film Festival to create a dedicated space for games in our Official Selection, we are proud to bring a broad range of big titles and indie developments to new audiences. Immerse yourself in Games – Free with a Festival Pass.

Listening Pitch Premiere | 7 November

Join us for the 6th edition of the Listening Pitch, where Aesthetica and Audible have teamed up to commission and showcase three documentaries that explore the power of listening. Join us for the premiere of new work from Duncan Cowles, Sofia Cissé Akel, Tobi Kyeremateng and Hermione Spriggs. Drinks served upon arrival with a Q&A, DJ and networking taking place after the film screening. Premiere Free with Pass. Advance booking recommended.

Awards Ceremony | 8 November

Bringing the 16th edition of the Aesthetic Film Festival to a close, we invite filmmakers, delegates and audiences to our Awards Ceremony. Prizes are awarded for 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 Thor’s Museum Gardens. Ceremony Free with a Festival Pass. Advance booking is highly recommended.

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Aesthetica Film Festival runs 4-8 November in York, UK. To purchase your pass, click here.

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