COMPULSORY is a multi-award-winning production company founded in 2013 as an idea in a bedroom. The company now boasts a roster of international directors and a portfolio of features, shorts, music videos and commercials with clients such as Madonna, Hugo Boss, Adidas and Selfridges. Founding Partner and Executive Producer Chris Toumazou explored the film and music industry from a commercial and artistic point of view, uncovering how to establish yourself as a brand.

BBC Writers Room works with both emerging and established writers, championing the next generation of creative talent. Development Executive Simon Nelson has over two decades worth of experience working across a multitude of genres in both theatre and TV. In this inspiring masterclass, Nelson offered advice on crafting compelling plots, engaging dialogue and bringing characters to life. Audiences discovered how to refine a unique voice, avoid cliche?s and maximise their writing potential.

Mary Burke is an Executive Producer for the BFI and previously for Warp Films. She boasts a wide-ranging portfolio that includes modern British classics such as Richard Ayoade’s Submarine, Wash Westmoreland’s Colette as well as Francis Lee’s BAFTA-winning debut God’s Own Country. Speaking in conversation with Jason Wood, Artistic Director at HOME, Burke offered a valuable insight into the production process, highlighting the importance of nurturing new talent within the film Industry.

Richard Billingham is a Turner Prize-nominated photographer whose work offers a striking and unflinching documentation of personal experiences. His seminal collection Ray’s A Laugh is an honest and uncensored portrait of his own family which served as the basis for his first feature film, the BAFTA-nominated Ray & Liz. Drawing on his practice as a photographer, Billingham explored how the documentation of real life has served as motivation for heartfelt and personal filmmaking.

AnalogFolk is a global creative agency that works with brands including Nike, PepsiCo, Unilever and Booking.com. As a collective, they create bold, unexpected campaigns, using the screen as a playground for ideas. Executive Creative Director Simon Richings spoke about the challenge of interpreting briefs whilst maintaining a strong sense of creative input throughout. The goal for AnalogFolk is to continue to generate films that work hard for a brand but are also valuable to the audience.

David Thompson is an Primetime Emmy and BAFTA-Winning producer who was the founding head of BBC Films. In 2007, he started his own production company, Origin Pictures. His various credits include Billy Elliot, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, The Other Boleyn Girl and Brideshead Revisited. Speaking in conversation, Thompson discussed the production process from idea and conception to realisation, including how to transform a vision into a successful, award-winning reality.

Academy and BAFTA member Tracy Granger began her career in the cutting rooms of MGM and Burbank Studios. Drawing on a portfolio that includes Kimberley Pierce’s Oscar-Winning Boys Don’t Cry and Richard Billingham’s BAFTA-Nominated Ray & Liz, Granger explored the role she has played in offering a female perspective both on and off screen. Granger discussed the expectations of the editor to realise the director’s vision and the ongoing challenges within a male-dominated industry.

Dazed, i-D , NOWNESS and COMPULSORY are some of the most pioneering names in the world of online content. This panel brought them together to discuss the importance of the internet as both a platform and muse, reaching millions of viewers and inspiring positive, pro-active interactions through the moving-image. Led by Luke Toyne (Maker Projects), panellists explained how the internet has transformed the ways in which we consume art, news and culture every day.

Documentary filmmaking comes with many moral and ethical dilemmas. When confronted with a deeply emotive scenario, do you continue to film or put down the camera? How do you condense 500 hours of footage into a 90-minute film? What decisions should be made to ensure that the production reaches its full potential? Emmy-winning and BAFTA-nominated Richard Melman from Spring Films (Night Will Fall, Into the Inferno) discussed ethical boundaries and how to recognise them.

How do you find your place within the festival circuit? Festival Formula’s Katie McCullough and Ian Bignell have over 15 years’ combined experience in festival submissions and strategy. Exploring today’s landscape, McCullough and Bignells provided essential advice for widening your audience. They offered tips on how to identify a voice whilst maximising budgets and promoting work through larger channels – helping filmmakers to take the next steps into international markets.

BFI NETWORK brings together UK film agencies to discover and fund emerging writers, directors and producers. With over £3m to support practitioners from all regions, the goal of the network is to establish a joined-up approach to find today’s most distinctive voices. With such outstanding opportunities available, what brand of the network might you approach? How can you streamline your application? Talent executives discussed how to get noticed within the film industry.

The rapidly evolving world of VFX opens up new possibilities, allowing audiences to enter expansive narratives and imaginative landscapes. Ruairidh MacNeill, Modeller at Academy Award-winning studio Framestore (Blade Runner 2049, Avengers: Infinity War, Gravity) spoke about the increasing role of VFX companies as they take on wider production positions in response to the growing demand for digital landscapes, invisible effects and artistically complex points of view.

Rankin is one of the UK’s key cultural icons. He has been instrumental to the launch of seminal magazines Dazed & Confused, Hunger and AnOther, and boasts a star-studded portfolio including David Bowie and Kate Moss. He has worked with the world’s most celebrated influencers and figures. In conversation with Fashion Film Consultant Niccolo Montanari, he explored how the brand has developed into a global movement, including the rise of video content through Rankin Film.

BBC, Sky and Creative England are leaders in the world of media, broadcast and entertainment. As the rise of digital technologies continues to transform the media landscape, how are these globally recognised organisations exploring the potential of Virtual Reality? How can immersive experiences be used to inform, educate and entertain? Alia Sheikh, Development Producer (BBC R&D), Richard Nockles (Sky VR) and Creative England explored the ever expanding world of VR technology.

Aardman is one of the world’s most renowned animation studios, instantly recognisable for its acclaimed claymation works including Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run and Early Man. Speaking about Aardman’s latest feature adventure, A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon, Director and Animator Will Becher delved behind the scenes to build on the creation of the worlds best-loved characters. The session examined the techniques that bring an entertaining story to life frame-by-frame.

Supermassive Games is a BAFTA-winning game developer recognised for innovation in both storytelling and VR. Successful titles include the acclaimed PS4 game Until Dawn, starring Rami Malek, which combines drama with immersive storytelling. Director Will Byles discussed the crossover between interactive media, exploring games as an extension of filmmaking. The session looked in-depth at the Butterfly Effect Mechanic – in which every single decision has an unforeseen consequence.

Development Executives play a key role in sourcing scripts and discovering new talent. They are at the head of the table in determining films that make it to the big screen. But what are the types of questions that get asked along the way? This panel discussion was chaired by Ben Luxford, Head of Audiences at BFI, and brought together individuals with a wealth of experience: Dionne Farrell (BBC Films), Max Park (Film4) and Meghan Cruz (Baby Cow) considered ideas that jump from the page.

Fashion film is innovative. It can tell almost any story and it transcends traditional forms of marketing and brand awareness. In a world increasingly driven by content, the fashion industry is responding to key trends as well as social-driven video with bespoke, cinematic content. Fashion Film Consultant Niccolo Montanari led a discussion with representatives from British Vogue, Jil Sander, The Blink Fish and designer Sadie Clayton to discuss identity on film, sharing a voice with millions.

Film is rich in narrative. It can cover both personal and universal stories in a matter of seconds and span far-ranging landscapes in minutes. In recent years, artists and filmmakers have started to use the medium to depict present-day social concerns. Phoebe Roberts (Artangel), Jacqueline Edenbrow (The Guardian) and Turner Prize nominees Jane & Louise Wilson discussed the role of storytelling and the importance of film as a mechanism to understanding our turbulent, ever-changing world.

Making award-winning films takes persistence, passion and courage to explore untold stories. It’s a process of collaboration and ideas. Speaking in conversation, two-time Oscar-Winning Producer Simon Chinn (Searching for Sugarman, Man on Wire and Whitney) and Oscar-Nominated Director Ed Perkins (Black Sheep, Garnet’s Gold) looked back on their eight-year collaboration, exploring the importance of partnerships whilst depicting real-life stories with authenticity and responsibility.

Dick Pope is one of the UK’s leading cinematographers, with a career spanning 40 years and multiple productions. He has received both Oscar and BAFTA nominations and has been critically acclaimed for collaborations with Mike Leigh. His credits include Peterloo, The Illusionist and Edward Norton’s much anticipated Motherless Brooklyn. At ASFF, Pope spoke about bringing the most basic elements to life, including colour sampling, resolution and the dynamics of light.

Industrial Light & Magic is Lucas film’s VFX and animation studio, with recent blockbuster projects including Solo: A Star Wars Story, Ready Player One and Spider-Man: Far From Home. VFX Supervisor, Julian Foddy, spoke about the creation and application of visual effects in film, from the initial ideas to implementation on the big-screen. This masterclass looked at the innovative techniques used by ILM to create visually striking 3D worlds, memorable characters and unforgettable visual experiences.

A panel of programmers from Locarno, Edinburgh IFF, London Short Film Festival, FilmFest Dresden and ASFF offered insights into the selection process. What makes a stand-out film? How do you navigate a competitive, subjective marketplace? Panellists answered the questions facing today’s filmmakers, providing a glimpse into how the UK’s top film festival programmes are created. This was a key opportunity to discover how to succeed on the circuit, getting your work into celebrated platforms.

Chris Wyatt is a BAFTA- and BIFA-Nominated Film Editor whose work includes God’s Own Country and This is England, as well as Francis Lee’s much anticipated Ammonite. In this session, Wyatt explored the multi-faceted role of the editor – a master craftsperson with an affinity for storytelling, an eye for visually compelling footage and a key partner in bringing a director’s vision to life. Drawing on experiences from the cutting room, Wyatt examined a range of integral techniques to the role.

With credits that include BBC, Nokia, Nickelodeon, Sony and Disney, Blue Zoo is one of the UK’s most successful animation studios. It has an international reputation for unique CG characters, playful content and creative commercials. Director Dane Winn discussed how the world of animation continues to evolve in the digital age. He also looked at how new techniques can be harnessed, using game engines and digital rendering to push animation further than ever before, offering new horizons.

How is the film industry taking progressive steps towards becoming more inclusive? What conversations are happening, and how is this influencing what audiences are expecting to see? Led by Mathieu Ajan (Film London), Manjinder Virk (The Arbour, Out of Darkness), Cornelius Walker (Black Sheep) and Berwyn Rowlands (Iris Prize) delved into diversity both on- and off-screen. The masterclass explored how equality in the industry is crucial and necessary to the creative industries.

Camera operators are not only physically in control of the camera, but are essential to the construction of shots and scenes, working with the Director, the DoP and all the many production departments. Members from the Association of Camera Operators have worked on some of the most iconic productions of all time, such as Game of Thrones, The Shining and Skyfall. ACO brought a hugely experienced panel of delegates to discuss the importance of camera technique and control.

Revolution Software is an independent game developer that’s been widely revered for adventure titles such as Beneath A Steel Sky and the acclaimed Broken Sword series. Co-Founder Charles Cecil considered the evolution of the adventure genre and how new technology is transforming the industry, allowing indie developers to create ambitious titles such as Revolution Software’s own Beyond a Steel Sky. The title is released in late 2019 as a lead title on Apple’s new Arcade platform.

Women make up just a small percentage of the film industry. This imbalance is not due to a lack of creative flair, ambition or talent, but more the lack of opportunity. Film Producer and Director of Birds Eye View Mia Bays invited Production Executive Marion Comengre, Poet and Filmmaker Be Manzini, Lucy Brown (Trailblazing Women in Film) and Director Alice Seabright (Sex Education, Pregnant Pause) to join a discussion on creating meaningful change across the film industry.

Fashion film has long been associated with capturing a certain type of lifestyle: elegant, aspirational, stylish. But it’s an unprecedented tool. Fashion campaigns are increasingly steered towards new horizons – combining practices and genres, pushing the boundaries of contemporary aesthetics. But what responsibilities does fashion have towards society? London College of Fashion highlighted the power of high-impact campaigns, feeding into today’s biggest issues.

Captivating cinema relies on a delicate balance of sound: realistic Foley, clear dialogue, a compelling score and innovative sound design. Editor Mick Audsley (Allied, The Zero Theorem) led a conversation with Oscar-nominated and BAFTA- winning Re-Recording Mixer Mike Prestwood Smith (Casino Royale, Nocturnal Animals, The Danish Girl), exploring the complexities of achieving a perfect sound mix. The discussion was integral for those interested in captivating audiences through sound.

ASFF launches with a special screening from the 2019 Official Selection. Our Opening Night Ceremony takes place at York’s riverside arthouse cinema and live venue, City Screen, showcasing a poignant and diverse taster of our most expansive festival to date. The screening is followed by a drinks reception – a great place to start your festival experience. Limited seating. Delegate and filmmaker priority.

Join staff, students and filmmakers from York St John for a relaxed drinks reception in the renowned De Grey Ball Room. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with industry professionals, educators and visionary creatives to discuss a variety of projects and practices through the lens of further education. This is the ideal follow-on to the York St John Showcase Screening and panel discussion.

A destination for those working in new technologies, the XR Stories VR Soirée invited industry guests to come together and contemplate the future of VR and immersive filmmaking. This was the perfect place to generate ideas, debate and collaborate with new industry connections about the potential for VR entertainment and beyond. The event included relaxed drinks, a buffet dinner and private access to the Screen School VR suites.

After a day of industry events, masterclasses and screenings, continue the festivities with one of the festival’s main social events. The Thursday night party is the ideal opportunity to grab a drink with other festival-goers, delegates and ASFF team. The party is integral to ASFF’s vibrant programme of networking opportunities. Festival pass-holders are free to come and go throughout the duration.

Here is your chance to view the films that launched ASFF 2019. Covering a range of themes, genres, concepts and filmic styles, this is the ideal introduction for first-time visitors as well as festival veterans. It provides a gateway to a programme of over 400 films from our Official Selection. This selection of titles is hand-picked by ASFF’s Festival Director and represents just a small taster of the outstanding talent on show across the rest of the five days.

In 2019, ASFF proudly launches the inaugural Industry Marketplace. The first of its kind in the UK, the one-day event is a hub of activity and idea generation. It offers a place to connect with industry professionals and organisations such as production services, screen agencies, funders, exhibitors, film festivals, film schools and universities. This is a must for filmmakers, industry guests and students looking to expand their industry contacts.

A unique melting pot bringing together UK-based producers and some of the North’s brightest film making talent. The Meet Market will allow producers, directors and writers to hold one-to-one meetings to discuss upcoming projects with fellow practitioners. With a focus on talent development, the Meet Market is an opportunity for northern creatives engaged with the BFI NETWORK to meet, collaborate and to develop a project to the next stage.

Join a roundtable discussion with practitioners from University of the Arts London: London College of Communication, who have worked on productions for BBC, Channel 4 and Sky to discuss your forthcoming project. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, director or producer, with a script, a treatment or just a bold idea, join the conversation at the Screen School New Talent Lab. Our team will help you elevate your talent and break into the industry. Pre-registeration required.

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. Alumni and university professors alike were in attendance for 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 Art Deco-inspired Everyman cinema.

After a fantastic day at the Industry Marketplace Grand Central were on hand with a glass of prosecco. Our attendees networked and engaged with the creatives at the heart of ASFF at the Grand Central Connections Lounge Drinks Reception. Festival-goers were able to visit exhibitors’ stands and chat with delegates about new ideas, collaborations and projects, engaging with key figures from the industry at this key event.

Helping to carry ASFF through into a weekend of social events, and inspiring cinema, 1331 hosts the renowned Friday Night Party. Located on York’s vibrant Grape Lane, the party provides the ideal location to join in with the festivities or re-group with new friends. Connect with other industry guests, fellow filmmakers and the ASFF team. Grab a drink, take in the atmosphere and prepare yourself for the busy two days ahead.

After their Showcase Screening, The Future of VFX in Storytelling, festival-goers joined Arts University Bournemouth for a free glass of wine and networking. Continuing the discussion, colleagues and filmmakers were in attendance at the Colonnade at York Theatre Royal, discussing trends in VFX, animation and new technology with key figures from the industry. Part of ASFF 2019’s rich and diverse social events.

Get your Saturday night at ASFF underway by starting out at the Creative England Networking Party. Serving specially designed ASFF cocktails, come meet the Creative England team and other industry delegates over a drink in the Official Festival Bar, 1331. Start your night with this essential event before heading over to Everyman Cinema for the Meet the Filmmakers Social to continue the conversation.

Everyman’s Art Deco cinema provides the backdrop for Saturday’s Meet the Filmmakers Social. A key event for those in the Official Selection and beyond, this event brings together the talented filmmakers at the heart of ASFF 2019. Expand your contacts list, liaise with talent and forge creative partnerships. This is the one of the best places to connect with practitioners. Free cocktail on arrival. First-come, first-served.

Whether you’re looking to connect with a specific industry representative, foster new creative partnerships or join in a conversation about filmmaking, our daily Networking Sessions offer the perfect opportunity to meet with other individuals and discuss your project. With specifically themed sessions and relevant industry professionals in attendance, these daily sessions provide a platform for you.

Looking for advice on your next film project? These pitching sessions are your chance to get your ideas seen and heard. Meet one-to-one with the Development Executives that make key decisions for the likes of Film4, BBC Film, Baby Cow and iFeatures. This is a key opportunity to receive invaluable feedback on your work and learn how to develop your voice. Applications to be made through the ASFF website.

Hear from a selection of filmmakers that make up 2019’s Official Selection. These daily panel discussions are the perfect place to learn more about inspirations, motivations and creative processes, covering topics such as documentary filmmaking, producing on a budget and establishing your own unique style. These informative sessions are short, inspiring jump-starts to the day. Free with a tea and coffee.

In 2019, we expand our Screen School VR Lab, presented in partnership with London College of Communication. The lab features a 360 cinema, VR and Immersive works, panel discussions as well AR projects. Join us as we explore new dimensions and the future of cinema with works from innovative creators. Tickets are available to book on a first-come, first-served basis from the Festival Hub and are released daily.

Running alongside the Screen School VR lab, we invite pioneers, industry professionals and filmmakers 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.

At Aesthetica, we 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, tailored for visitors with hearing impairments. Screenings run daily across the festival. Look out for the symbol in print or digital film timetables.

As part of a commitment to engage with younger audiences, ASFF presents a selection of Family Friendly screenings, showcasing exciting adventures that the whole family can enjoy on the big screen. This year, we proudly present works from CBeebies favourite Hey Duggee in partnership with Studio AKA and BBC Studios, as well as projects from some of the world’s most talented filmmakers from the 2019 Official Selection.

Hey Duggee, created by Grant Orchard, Senior Director at Studio AKA, is full of fun. Bold, colourful and energetic, it provides one of the happiest places on kids’ TV. Loved by both children and parents from across the world, Hey Duggee inspires little viewers to explore and and problem-solve in order to earn the much-desired badges. The series is a break-out hit on CBeebies. Bring your little ones and embark on an adventure.

We welcome filmmakers, industry professionals and educators to present a programme of specially curated Showcase Screenings. With guest institutions such as Goldsmiths University, Manchester School of Art, London College of Fashion and Arts University Bournemouth, these exciting screenings and panel discussions are a must for those seeking inspiration from the most promising cinematic talent.

Exploring alternative viewpoints, diverse representation and the most defining moments of the 20th century, ASFF welcomes guest organisations to present lovingly curated guest programmes. This year we welcome the Imperial War Museum to mark the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, a focus on Black Filmmakers from Bounce, the best of LGBTQ+ film from the Iris Prize Festival as well as a presentation from Guardian Documentaries.

Yorkshire Museum was the official venue for the festival’s closing ceremony, offering an inspiring finish to the five days. The Festival Winner, Hijack Visionary Filmmaker Award, Film Hub North Polaris Award, winners from each genre, People’s Choice and the Youth Award winner were all announced, alongside industry delegates. Each guest received a free drink, courtesy of Brew York and York Gin.