We look to the importance of both history and diversity, marking the centenary of WWI with Imperial War Museum, whilst looking back on 100 years of women’s suffrage with Underwire Festival. Iris Prize and British Urban Film Festival return to ASFF with BAME and LGBTQ+ shorts, alongside a programme from female Syrian filmmakers from the Scottish Documentary Institute.

The MOMENT is an interactive film which uses a Brain Computer Interface to collect attention data from the viewer and turn it into a real-time narrative. Each time the film is watched, the rhythms of the viewer’s brain creates a new narrative combination based on attention spans and interest. In total there are 18 billion possible stories. From Writer / Director Richard Ramchurn.

In this one-off, invitation only event, ASFF provides the opportunity for filmmakers shortlisted for the Film Hub North Filmmaker Award to meet and network with programmers over an informal lunch. Attendees will discuss the changing nature of cinema in today’s industry and be able to ask questions about what makes a film stand out from the crowd. Invitation only; funded by the BFI NETWORK.

UAL’s London College of Fashion is one of the UK’s leading institutions, using the subject of fashion to shape lives and drive economic and social transformation. Join alumni and university professors alike in this relaxed social to discuss the future of a changing art form and its wider relevance within today’s content-driven, media circulated landscape at the iconic Everyman.

This special evening invites attendees to consider the practicalities and challenges of VR filmmaking, as well as the potential of VR, its role in the future of cinema and its purpose beyond the realm of filmmaking. Debate and discuss one of today’s most pertinent topics: looking at how new technologies are affecting visual media. Private VR Sessions included for all attendees. Invitation only.

Join York St John for tea and cake in the Upper Foyer of York Theatre Royal. Meet and connect with both delegates and filmmakers from the university and discuss intriguing topics from their showcase including women in film: what does it take for a female practitioner to break into the industry? Share perspectives in a welcoming environment. Free for festival pass-holders.

This year, we invite film lovers to consider the increasing possibilities of filmmaking as we launch our Screen School VR Lab in partnership with London College of Communication. Join us as we explore new dimensions created by some of the world’s most innovative filmmakers. Tickets available to book on a first come, first served basis from the Festival Hub and are released daily.

Kicking off ASFF’s eighth edition is the Opening Night at York’s own riverside arthouse cinema and live venue, City Screen, with a dynamic and diverse taster of films from the festival’s Official Selection, selected by our Director. The screening is followed by a drinks reception, which is a great opportunity to meet delegates and filmmakers alike. All guests will receive a free Official ASFF VIP Bag.

A specially curated programme of short films from the Official Selection, these curated age-appropriate screenings are designed to show the best of short film to young people aged 11-14. These young festival goers can nominate their favourite film for the York Youth Award. This exciting programme will inspire young people to develop a lifelong relationship with cinema and moving image.

Relax in Micklegate Social and enjoy the nostalgic sounds of the 1960s. Take advantage of this great opportunity to mingle with filmmakers from the Official Selection, delegates, ASFF representatives and fellow attendees, and chat about all things film related. Or simply grab a drink and enjoy the electric atmosphere, and the sounds of a defining era amongst new friends.

Here is your chance to view the films that launched ASFF 2018; the Opening Night screening covers a range of genres and filmic styles, selected by our Director. This is a great introduction for ASFF first-timers as well as an opportunity for festival veterans to ease themselves into a full five days of screenings and networking – a brilliant chance to see the breadth of films on offer.

This year, ASFF invites attending festivals to join us for a Film Festivals Networking Lunch at Grape Lane’s 1331. This is a great opportunity for festival organisers to meet up and discuss strategies, programming and potential collaborations, encouraging partnerships and creating a platform for cultural exchange in an informal setting. Free for film festival representatives.

Speak with today’s programmers behind leading UK and international festivals and tune in to what they are looking for. This is an invaluable networking opportunity; chat to organisers from those shaping the industry and build your contacts with the likes of London Short Film Festival, British Urban Film Festival, Edinburgh International Film Festival and Dublin International Film Festival.

Located in York’s vibrant Latin Quarter, 1331 is the ideal place to start the weekend ahead. Alongside its role as a festival venue and ASFF’s official restaurant and bar, 1331 is a go-to place throughout the festival, playing host to the legendary Friday Night Party, where you can connect with friends old and new in a relaxed, as well as networking with creatives in a dynamic atmosphere.

The perfect platform to interact with film aficionados and experts alike, we offer a professional, yet relaxed environment in which to discuss both current and future projects and to establish connections. Held at York Theatre Royal, ASFF’s bustling hub, we welcome representatives from arts organisations across the UK to engage with attendees about their work and answer questions.

Get to know the creatives at the heart of ASFF 2018 at York Theatre Royal on Saturday night. This event invites filmmakers and guests to network with established and emerging practitioners from the Official Selection. This is your chance to expand your contacts and liaise with industry professionals, fellow filmmakers and delegates, learning more about this year’s screenings.

New for 2018, we are giving a selection of filmmakers the chance to pitch their projects to industry professionals from the UK’s biggest funding, production and distribution organisations. This is a key opportunity to receive invaluable feedback on your work and learn how to develop your voice. All individuals must enter via an online form and are then selected by the festival team.

This year, we invite film lovers to consider the ever increasing possibility’s of filmmaking as we launch our VR lab in partnership with London College of Communication. Join us as we explore new dimensions and immersive experiences created by some of the worlds most innovative filmmakers working with exciting new technologies.

Running alongside our new VR lab, we invite industry professionals to share their experiences of working with new technologies. In these relaxed discussions, our guests explore the practicalities and challenges of VR filmmaking, considering practical techniques as well as potential developments beyond the realm of filmmaking, and into the wider cultural sphere.

An imaginative series of curated guest screenings and discussions from the UK’s leading organisations. For 2018, we welcome guest institutions including Manchester School of Art, London College of Communication, London Film School, NAHEMI and York St John University. These are must-attend events for those seeking to be inspired by the next generation of talent in cinema.

Head down to the central City Screen basement to catch up with friends old and new. This is a laid-back hour where you can grab a tea or coffee and chat to filmmakers who are screening at ASFF as part of the 2018 Official Selection. Network, discuss potential collaborations, share ideas and plan the rest of your festival experience in a friendly, informative all-inclusive and relaxed environment.

Join us for an intimate Q&A session with filmmakers from the Official Selection as they discuss topics such as documentary production, finding a directorial style and working on low budgets. Taking place daily at City Screen’s Basement Bar, these panels are an ideal way to kick off a busy day of screenings and events by networking over a cup of coffee and learning something new.

Returning for a fourth year, ASFF creates specially tailored screenings for parents and carers of babies from 0 months to two years old. We have organised an exciting and diverse selection of films, to be experienced in a relaxed and welcoming environment where you can park your buggy and enjoy film. Selected for adult viewers, rated 15 max. Look out for the pushchair symbol in the timetable.

At Aesthetica, we firmly and wholeheartedly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience and enjoy cinema. As part of our wider efforts to make film as accessible and enjoyable as possible, every year we offer fully subtitled screenings across a range of genres to visitors with hearing impairments. Screenings run daily. Look out for the symbol in the timetable.

Yorkshire Museum plays host to the festival’s closing ceremony, offering an inspiring finish to the five-day run. The Festival Winner, Northern Film School Award for Best Screenplay, winners from each genre, People’s Choice and the Youth Award winner will all be announced and congratulated at this infamous event. Each guest will receive a free drink, courtesy of Marston’s Breweries.