Festival News

Creativity thrives when knowledge is shared. At Aesthetica, the programme is built around the belief that access to ideas, experience and conversation can transform the way we see - and make - the world. Across film, television, photography, visual art,

There’s more than one way to tell a story. At Aesthetica Film Festival 2026, running 4-8 November in York, UK, we’re dedicated to celebrating storytelling in all its forms, from traditional big-screen cinema to audio podcasts, immersive virtual reality experiences

At the heart of the Aesthetica Film Festival is a simple belief: cinema is not only something we watch, but also something we question, discuss and continually reinvent. Since its beginnings in York, the festival has developed as a meeting

What does it really mean to listen radically? To consider listening as a way of understanding people, places, their respective histories and the world around us? Now in its sixth year, the Listening Pitch, a film grant by Aesthetica Film

Aesthetica’s Industry Programme brings together an inspiring line-up of masterclasses designed to give filmmakers practical insight, creative inspiration and valuable advice for developing their careers. Taking place throughout this year’s festival, the sessions offer an opportunity to hear directly from

For five days, York becomes a meeting point for filmmakers, audiences and ideas from around the world.