Raising the curtain on ASFF’s fifth anniversary edition is the Opening Night at York’s own riverside arthouse cinema and live performance venue, City Screen. The event features a dynamic taster of top films from the festival’s Official Selection, followed by an after-party. Guests will receive a complimentary drink, as well as an ASFF VIP Bag filled with goodies.

Here is your chance to view the films that kicked off ASFF 2015. The Opening Night films present a range of genres and filmic styles from comedy, drama and animation to thriller, fashion and music video. The presentation is a great introduction to ASFF for first-time festival visitors – a chance to see in one screening the breadth of films on offer.

ASFF’s very first Videotheque provides an opportunity to experience the entire programme in one location. Held within the recently refurbished Explore York, this new festival resource invites ASFF pass holders to delve into our Official Selection catalogue plus special line-ups. Missed a film? See it at the Videotheque.

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 festival’s Friday Night Party, where you can connect with friends old and new in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

iShorts is Creative England’s entry level short film initiative. Supporting filmmakers whose work has not yet attracted financial support from within the industry, iShorts helps a diverse group of talent to take their first professional steps. ASFF are thrilled to welcome back the iShorts team along with a fresh party of filmmakers to discuss their work and screen a select collection of new film.

The perfect platform to interact with film aficionados and experts alike, this year’s networking sessions offer a professional, yet relaxed environment in which to discuss both current and future projects, and to establish new connections. Returning to the Dean Court Hotel, a stone’s throw from the beautiful York Minister, ASFF welcomes representatives from Film London, Creative Scotland, and more.

Get to know the creatives at the heart of ASFF 2015 at Yorkshire Museum on Saturday night. Sponsored by Creative England, this event invites filmmakers and guests to network with artists from the Official Selection. Meet the Filmmakers is your chance to expand your contacts list and liaise with industry professionals, fellow filmmakers and a vast array of creative practitioners.

Speak with the programmers behind leading UK and international festivals and tune in to what they are looking for at this unique networking event. This is a prime opportunity to expand your film industry contacts and chat to creatives from organisations including London Short Film Festival, ÉCU Film Festival, Glasgow Short Film Festival, Edinburgh International Film Festival, Raindance, and more.

ASFF turns its attention to independent filmmaking in China with this special screening curated by director Ting Liu. A mixture of observational drama and frank documentary-making, these films delve into the world of youth culture through the eyes of teenagers living in China today; as well as the older generations adapting to this rapidly transforming social environment. Free with a valid Festival Pass.

Cuban Festival Muestra Joven brings a collection of innovative and haunting works to ASFF this year, with five character studies of contemporary Cuba. An elderly English teacher and a retiree miner reflect on their modern livelihoods, while two young musicians meet as competitors. Looking at themes of isolation and connection, these shorts are portraits of individuals seeking meaning. Free with a valid Festival Pass.

Associação Cultural Kinoforum transports audiences to the vibrant city of Sao Paulo and beyond. A fusion of drama and documentary, these films juxtapose stories of adolescence and the ancient landscape of Brazil’s rivers with humour and vitality. Youthful political awakening sits alongside a careful contemplation of the capital’s Tietê River and a portrait of indigenous men with a passion for surfing. Free with a valid Festival Pass.

French cinema has had a major impact on filmmaking practices today. For the first time, ASFF curates a special foreign-language screening of exemplary works selected from the festival’s own Official Selection. This new French language programme will feature a dynamic array of hand-picked short films from a variety of genres, covering a wide range of contemporary themes. Free with a valid Festival Pass.

Celebrate ASFF’s fifth anniversary with this stimulating compendium of short film from previous years. Since its inception, the festival has championed independent filmmaking from around the world, and in 2015, ASFF proudly welcomes back a plethora of past winners from years one to four. Showing across two special screenings, this programme will include a panel discussion.

A specially curated programme of short films from the Official Selection, these screenings are designed to show the best of short film to young people aged 11-14. These young festivalgoers can nominate their favourite film for the York Youth Vote Award. This programme is a great introduction to short film and will inspire young people to develop a life-long relationship with cinema.

72 artists needed. Could you be one of them? If you’re working creatively in any art form, are aged between 16 and 24 and living or studying in the North of England, join the Random Acts session to find how you could be one of 72 artists making short films as part of Random Acts’ education, training and production programme. Drop in to meet the people behind this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The National Centre for Early Music plays host to the festival’s closing ceremony, offering an elevated and historic finish to ASFF’s four-day run. Best of Fest, category winners and the People’s Choice will all be announced and congratulated for their exemplary work in short film within the setting of NCEM’s renovated medieval hall. An ideal way to wrap up a memorable weekend. Book early.