ASFF launched with a special screening from the 2019 Official Selection, selected by our Festival Director. The renowned Opening Night Gala took place at York’s riverside arthouse cinema and live venue, City Screen, showcasing a poignant and diverse taster of the most expansive festival to date across a range of exciting genres. The screening was followed by a drinks reception and a performance by Falle Nioke.

Staff, students students and filmmakers from York St John were joined for a relaxed drinks reception in the renowned De Grey Ball Room. Attendees were able to connect with industry professionals, educators and visionary creatives to discuss a variety of projects and practices through the lens of further education. This was a follow-on social from the York St John University 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 long day of industry events, masterclasses and screenings, continue the festivities with one of ASFF’s main social events. The Thursday Night Party provided the ideal opportunity to grab a drink with other festival-goers, delegates and representatives from the ASFF team. The party was integral to ASFF’s vibrant programme of relaxed, informal networking opportunities within Brew York.

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 cinema, 1331 hosted the renowned Friday Night Party. Located on York’s vibrant Grape Lane, the party provided the ideal location to join in with the festivities or re-group with new friends. Attendees connected with industry guests, filmmakers and the ASFF team, taking in the atmosphere and preparing for the busy weekend 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-inspired cinema provided the backdrop for Saturday’s Meet the Filmmakers Social. A key event for those in the Official Selection and beyond, this event brought together the talented filmmakers at the heart of ASFF. It provided a key opportunity for attendees to expand their your contacts list and forge creative partnerships. One of the best places to connect with practitioners.

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.

Round off your festival experience with our ASFF Wrap Party, taking place directly after the renowned Awards Ceremony at Yorkshire Museum. Based at our Official Festival Bar, 1331 Bar & Restaurant, this is the perfect way to say goodbye to new friends and celebrate another great festival. It’s also your last chance to get those all-too-important industry contacts saved, setting you up for a productive year.

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

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