ASFF 2023: Our Venues
ASFF takes you on an adventure across York with a selection of venues that mix historic and contemporary architecture. From City Screen to Friargate Theatre, discover brilliant new films and games within a lively cinematic playground.
City Screen
Overlooking the spectacular River Ouse, City Screen is at the heart of independent film in York. It is also the venue for ASFF’s Opening Night Ceremony. This is the place to network and experience film as it should be.
York Theatre Royal
York Theatre Royal has a history dating back to the early 18th century. The theatre will host masterclasses and screenings in the Studio, as well as a wide range of networking events to help you connect with each other.
Yorkshire Museum
The Yorkshire Museum is the venue for screenings, masterclasses and the Closing Night Ceremony. The museum was founded by the Yorkshire Philosophical Society in 1830, inside the York Museum Gardens.
Friargate Theatre
Hidden near the iconic River Ouse and Clifford’s Tower, Friargate Theatre is home to Riding Lights Theatre Company. It has a 100-seat studio theatre and a café-style performance space. A fantastic venue on the river.
Explore York
Explore York is the first venue of its kind in the country. ASFF hosts a number of events at the library, including a selection of panel discussions. Explore York is just a few minutes’ walk from Yorkshire Museum and the Hub.
York St John
The York St John Creative Centre is a purpose-built, three-storey creative space where bold architecture meets innovative facilities. The centrepiece is a fantastic theatre complete with a state-of-the-art sound system.
Bedern Hall
Bedern Hall is situated on Bartle Garth in central York. The Grade II listed building can be approached from St Andrewgate or from Goodramgate. The site hosts three of York’s ancient Guilds, who continue to shape the city.
Guildhall
Located on the Ouse, York Guildhall is one of York’s most important historic buildings, dating from the 15th century. Now, the renovated space – complete with riverside dining – is home to our Toy Stories workshop.
Spark
Spark is located in the heart of York. It is a popular local landmark and a catalyst for change, both in its trendy appearance and its friendly atmosphere. This year, the venue is home to our inaugural Games Lab.
1331
Situated in York’s Latin Quarter, this gastro-bar is a true hive of activity. It’s the home of our networking events and also the renowned Friday Night Party: the perfect place to touch base with and meet fellow attendees.
National Centre for Early Music
An award-winning medieval church, this is the home of the acclaimed York Early Music Festival. National Centre for Early Music (NCEM) is close to the city centre and is only a 12-minute walk from the festival Hub.
Doubletree
The Doubletree at Hilton will host our Women in Film networking event this year. A welcoming and accessible venue located only one minute from the city walls, the space will become a hub for networking.
Street Life
Street Life explores new ways to revitalise and develop York’s Coney Street. The venue draws inspiration from the city’s rich history, heritage and creative sector, which is shaping the future of the high street.
Malmaison
Malmaison is only six minutes from the Festival Hub at City Screen. The 1-on-1 pitching sessions with industry reps, including BBC Film, Film4, and Guardian Documentaries, will be held in this venue.
Pitcher and Piano
Located on Coney Street, Pitcher & Piano is a great bar to relax with old friends and new – and is just a stone’s throw away from the Festival Hub at City Screen. It is accessible and has fantastic views across the Ouse.
Rose Within the Walls
Step in from the medieval streets to relax in Rose Within The Walls, a newly renovated bar where you can experience Masons of Yorkshire gin in style. This is the venue for Loop’s Meet the Filmmakers social.
We’re offering a range of passes – so you can choose how and when you experience the best new cinema. Whether you’re streaming virtually for one day, or attending the full six days of the festival in York, we’ve got you covered.
Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2023 runs in-person from 8-12 November and online until 30 November. Tickets start from £28. Book your Passes.