Ridley Scott Associates at Aesthetica Film Festival 2026
Alien. Blade Runner. Gladiator. Ridley Scott Associates (RSA) was founded by Ridley and Tony Scott in 1968, and is the creative force behind some of the most beloved and iconic films ever made. For over 50 years, through its associated
Watch the Official Festival Trailer 2026
Today, we’re delighted to launch the Official Trailer for Aesthetica Film Festival 2026, offering a first look at the titles screening across this year’s event, running 4-8 November in York, UK. More than 300 films will play across 15 genres,
Behind the Scenes of ‘Puffin Rock’
The animated children's series Puffin Rock was streamed on Netflix for over 26.7 million hours in 2024. It is now available on CBeebies, and follows a young puffin named Oona and her baby brother Baba. Narrated by Chris O'Dowd, and
Comedy, Film, Music: Beyond the Frame at Aesthetica 2026
For 2026, Aesthetica is evolving beyond a traditional film festival model into a wider celebration of screen culture, live performance and storytelling. Beyond the Frame is a season of evening performances at York Theatre Royal, injecting comedy and live performance
Reignite XVII- Culture as Infrastructure, Stories as Power
As part of BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival, Reignite XVII brings the UK’s UNESCO Creative Cities Network in York for a landmark conversation about the role culture can play in shaping the future of places. The event will be opened by
Aardman at Aesthetica: 50 Years of British Animation, Storytelling and Stop-Motion Magic
For five decades, Aardman has made audiences laugh, empathise and fall in love with characters built from clay, wire, foam and imagination. In 2026, the legendary Bristol-based animation studio celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of stop-motion storytelling
Learn from the Best: Inside Aesthetica’s Masterclass Programme
At the heart of Aesthetica Film Festival is a belief that knowledge should be accessible to everyone. Our Masterclass Programme is designed to open opportunities to hear directly from some of the most exciting and influential voices working across the
UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO: The New Geography of British Creativity
Britain’s creative industries are a defining force in the UK economy, generating an estimated £145.8 billion in Gross Value Added in 2024 – equivalent to 5.5% of the national economy. The sector supported 2.4 million jobs, with employment 14.7% higher
In Conversation with Music Supervisor Jen Moss
Jen Moss is an award-winning music supervisor with more than 15 years’ experience in the industry. Her credits include acclaimed films I, Tonya and Saint Maud, amongst others, and she has four films due for release this year, including the
Ten Breakthrough Artists Announced for the New Music Stage at Aesthetica Film Festival
Ten of the UK and Ireland’s most significant emerging voices have been announced for the New Music Stage at the BAFTA-qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival. Taking over York Theatre Royal on Saturday 7 November, the line-up brings together Other People’s Leisure, WineMom,