Aesthetica Film Festival 2026 has officially begun!

Our 16th 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 with a roundup of today’s top 10 events taking place across York. Discover more in this year’s 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 one of many genres represented by the 300 short films in this year’s Official Selection. A valid festival pass is required. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Top Masterclasses

Start your day by going behind-the-scenes with the Academy Award-winning visual effects house Framestore, at Yorkshire Museum. Then, make your way over to York Theatre Royal Mainhouse at midday for a masterclass with Ridley Scott Associates, for insights into making some of the most iconic films to date! At 16:30, hear from the Creative Director of Dog Ears and Producer of Puffin Rock, the animated child series. Learn about Puffin Rock’s lush visual style, gentle storytelling and roots in Kilkenny and Derry. Also speaking today: Film4, BBC, FilmHub North, ITV & more.

Please note, pre-booking for masterclasses is essential due to capacity.

Special Event: Opening Night Ceremony

City Screen | 18:00-Late

We launch our landmark 16th edition with a special screening of five spectacular, thought-provoking and inspiring works by filmmakers from the 2026 Official Selection. Curated by Festival Director, Cherie Federico, our Opening Night introduces audiences to the breadth of this year’s film programme with a special screening, offering a taste of what’s to come. Complimentary drink upon arrival at the event.

Please note, this event has now sold out and required a separate ticket.

Games Lab

National Centre for Early Music

4-7 November 10:00-21:30 | 8 November 10:00-18:30

From arcade games and brain teasers to open worlds, mystery adventures, simulators and RPGs, discover a diverse collection of experiences that push the boundaries of interactive storytelling. Whether you’re a passionate gamer or just starting to explore the medium, dive in, pick up a controller and discover imaginative worlds, fresh ideas and unexpected adventures from some of the most exciting emerging indie developers. One-hour slots run throughout each day. Free with a valid film festival pass; advance booking is recommended.

Film Poster Exhibition

City Screen | 09:30-22:30

We are thrilled to bring back the Film Poster Exhibition for the second year running. This year’s show-stopping display features 100 pieces from our Official Selection. All of the filmmakers participating in the festival were invited to submit their poster for selection. A panel from the Aesthetica Magazine team then made their selection of winners, which is now on display during the film festival to enjoy. Tag us with #ASFF2026FilmPosters to show us your selfies and let us know your favourites. Free with a valid Film Festival pass. There is no need to pre-book.

The Radical Listening Immersive Media Arts Trail

4-8 November | Venues Across York

This is Aesthetica’s love letter to York: three new international art pieces across the city where people live, work and visit. The trail runs from Exhibition Square, York Theatre Royal to King’s Square. Encounter an installation the height of York Theatre Royal, 20 three-metre towers in King’s Square and a new immersive work from one of the world’s leading light and sound collectives. Join Steve Messam, Being Now Here and Squidsoup as they take over York’s most prominent public spaces as part of Radical Listening, Aesthetica’s major new programme with Audible. No ticket, gallery admission or expertise is required. The work is simply here in the city, available for everyone to encounter.

VR Lab

National Centre for Early Music

4-7 November 10:00-21:30 | 8 November 10:00-18:30

Now in its eighth year, our 360° Cinema and Immersive Experiences Lab returns to push the boundaries of storytelling. This is an invitation to step into someone else’s shoes and see the world through their eyes – to experience how human innovation continues to influence the different ways we choose to tell stories. The Lab runs at National Centre of Early Music on 4-7 November 10.00-21.30, and on 8 November between 10.00-18.30. One-hour slots run throughout each day of the festival. Free with a valid film festival pass; advance booking is recommended.

Daily Networking Session: VFX Indie Filmmakers: Making the Impossible Work on Any Budget

York Theatre Royal Upper Foyer | 12:00-13:30

VFX aren’t just for big-budget productions. York-based Viridian FX brings artists and storytellers to develop creative workflows for productions of any scale. With experience from independent short and feature films to HBO’s House of the Dragon, they will share practical advice on planning and integrating digital effects to improve storytelling, whatever your budget or expertise. Join to explore how to make visual effects work for you.

Please note, pre-booking for networking is essential due to capacity.

Podcasting Lounge

City Screen Basement

4-7 November 10:00-21:30 | 8 November 10:00-18:30

The Lounge is a place to pause and take time out to well and truly listen. There are powerful documentaries: Kalli Anderson’s Siren Song reflects on the role of art in wartime Ukraine, whilst The Black Nite introduces a Milwaukee gay bar in the 1960s. In fiction, Sair Kaufman presents a Dungeons and Dragons-inspired fantasy musical, whilst offbeat titles like Journey Through a Cow (Bespoken Media) present biology from an alternative angle. One-hour slots run throughout each day of the festival. Free with a valid film festival pass; no is booking required to attend.

Makers’ Forum

York Theatre Royal Collonade | 10:00-18:00

Get an inside look into the 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 window into the art, craft, and passion behind today’s most exciting work in storytel. Free with a pass, drop-in during the day.