We’re welcoming the festival weekend with a roundup of amazing screenings, masterclasses, socials, immersive experiences and more. Be part of the action and select your faves from the Programme!

Today’s Film Strand:
The Power of Liberation

Humans are complex creatures. Questions about whether we can be shaped over time, or if our identity is fixed from birth, have been asked for generations. Are we defined more by genetics or by our environment, and does this distinction matter? These short films take us on a deep dive into memories, experiences and dreams.

Guest Programme: Cabriolet Film Festival

York Theatre Royal Studio | 19:00-20:30

Eye to Eye with “The Other” is a selection of Lebanese films curated by Cabriolet Film Festival. They explore Emmanuel Levinas’ philosophy of alterity, which emphasised our ethical responsibility to recognise and value individuals who might be different from ourselves. How can we cultivate empathy in a world rife with division?

Insight: Incredible Masterclasses

The possibilities of XR, the beauty of production design and line between documantary and journalism. These are just some of the exciting topics covered in today’s must-attend masterclasses. Interested in XR? Stop by York Explore to hear leaders in the field from 10:30. After lunch, head to York Theatre Royal Studio (12:00) to hear Ridley Scott Associate’s Head of Features discuss the process of making longer-form films in the UK. Finally, meet trailblazing women paving the way in film at the same venue from 15:00.

Guest Programme: Iris Loves Documentary

YSJU Creative Centre Auditorium | 17:00-18:30

Documentaries have always been an important part of the Iris Prize programme, as a way to celebrate real life LGBTQ+ stories. But the main awards at Iris have, to-date, been presented to fiction films. this selection comprises powerful documentaries that have either screened at Iris or been supported by the Documentary Fund.

Listening Pitch: Film Premiere & After Party

City Screen | 19:00-23:00

Aesthetica x Audible’s The Listening Pitch is a cinematic exploration of the unheard, funding new documentaries that answer the question: What can we hear if we listen right now? Watch the premiere of this year’s winners: Liberty Smith’s Greensound and Ornella Mutoni’s The Things We Don’t Say. Followed by a Q&A and After Party.

Networking: Prepping for your Festival Journey

York Theatre Royal Upper Foyer | 12:00-13:30

Festival Formula is Europe’s leading film festival strategy consultancy and submission service. They focus on helping filmmakers navigate the complex worldwide circuit, increasing their probabilities of getting accepted. This insightful session will be based on finding your place within the circuit and exploring today’s fast-paced landscape.

Kids’ Workshops

YSJU Creative Centre, Various Times

We believe creativity is for everyone. That’s why we are thrilled to share a lineup of incredible workshops designed specifically for young people aged 7-10 and 11-14. Is your child interested in live action filmmaking, stop motion animation or video game development? Then we have just the workshop for them!

Fringe: UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO

Guildhall | 10:00-17:00

We are delighted to unveil the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO. It’s a showcase of exceptional work being delivered by media arts and creative businesses based in the region. This is a space for filmmakers, developers and screen executives to connect with the businesses that deliver the services they need. The EXPO also serves as a catalyst to support the next generation of creative talent.

Immersive: The VR Lab

The Hospitium | 09:30-21:00

Experience the future of film. For the seventh year, we present our 360 Cinema and Immersive Experiences Lab, realised in partnership with London College of Communication. This is the place to try on a headset and be transported into a different story, time or place. Head to The Hospitium and discover the power of immersive storytelling.

Immersive: The Games Lab

The Hospitium | 09:45-20:45

Games are an important part of screen culture and, here at the Aesthetica Short Film Festival, we are championing developers and designers through our Games Lab. Play a vast range of outstanding independent titles and discover your next favourite adventure game, platformer or RPG. Free with pass and registration recommended.

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Be part of Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2024, from Wednesday 6 November until Sunday 10 November. Tickets and Passes On Sale! Get Yours Today: asff.co.uk | Browse the Programme

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