Aesthetica Film Festival 2026 opens on 4-8 November and there’s still time to book your festival passes and join us for the 16th edition of one of the UK’s largest celebrations of screen and media! This year’s jam-packed programme features 300 screenings, masterclasses, Games & VR Labs, a Podcasting Lounge, New Music Stage, networking, socials, workshops 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. Explore what’s to come & book your festival passes.

300 Screenings | 4-8 November

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

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 that highlights 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 of storytelling. Curated to spotlight 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.

Immersive Media Arts Trail | 4-8 November

Created in partnership with Audible, the Radical Listening Immersive Media Trail will bring three new installation-based artworks to York from 4-8 November. Works by Squidsoup, Steve Messam and Being Now Here will use light, sound and interactive technology to transform public spaces, with the free art trail running from Exhibition Square and York Theatre Royal and towards King’s Square.

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 is a final opportunity to connect with creatives. Networking Free with Pass. 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

This year 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 and we are proud to bring a broad range of big titles and indie developments to new audiences. Immerse yourself in the world of Games. Games Lab is Free with Pass. Advance booking recommended.

Listening Pitch Premiere | 6 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 our 16th edition 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 Thors. Ceremony Free with Pass. Advance booking recommended.

From 300 films and emerging music to VR, games, podcasts, immersive art and industry conversations, Aesthetica Film Festival transforms York into a meeting point for contemporary screen and media culture. Whether you’re coming for one screening or planning to fill your entire week there is plenty to discover.

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Aesthetica Film Festival 2026 runs 4-8 November in York, UK. Click here to book your festival pass.

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