We’ve reached the #ASFF2025 midpoint – and there’s so much more to come! From inspiring industry masterclasses, VR workshops to film screenings from around the world, today is a celebration of screen and media. Here’s a roundup of today’s top 10 events to look forward to. Take a moment to discover more and flick through this year’s Programme!

Today’s Spotlight Genre: Thriller

Watch over 300 films from around the world as part of our Official Selection. Our Thrillers bring you tense stories that will have you on the edge of your seat. Some showcase unnerving horror and fantastical films, whilst others follow intense stories of guilt, deceit and consequences. Characters collide with frustration, resentment, and misfortunate in these tense shorts. To attend screenings, a valid festival pass is required. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Discover all screenings in our programme »

Top Masterclasses For Today

At 10:00, join the BBC Writers masterclass: Next Level Scriptwriting with Simon Nelson at the Yorkshire Museum, as he draws on more than 20 years’ experience as an editor, storyliner and producer. Then, it is a short walk to York Theatre Royal to learn about documentary storytelling from Matthew Clifton, the Head of Development at Ridley Scott Associates’ Unscripted Division. End your day back at the Yorkshire Museum for the Element Pictures Masterclass.

*Please note, pre-booking for masterclasses is essential due to capacity.

For full events listings, and to book, click here »

Workshops at Spark
Spark | 11:00-16:30 

Three different events held at Spark: join at 11:00-13:00 for a dynamic workshop, led by acclaimed director and RADA tutor Victor Villar-Hauser to explore the interplay between actor and director in screen. From 13:30-15:00 experiment with AI-driven storytelling and image-making in a hands-on workshop style. To end the day, join the VR Official Selection for a transformative conversation with those driving the next wave of immersive media, VR and more. 

Register to secure your place at our workshops »

UNESCO City of Media Arts Expo
Guildhall | 6-8 November 09:00-21:00

This is your opportunity to experience cutting-edge work, forge strategic partnerships and meet the future creators making waves. The UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO showcases the exceptional work being delivered by a range of leading media arts and creative businesses based in the region, with an international reach. There are 40 businesses to meet; they cover a range of disciplines, virtual production, VFX, film & TV, interactive design, gaming, XR and more.

The EXPO is free to attend. Find out more here »

Podcasting Lounge
City Screen Basement 
5-8 November 10:00-21:30 | 9 November 10:00-18:30

The Podcasting Lounge is brand new for 2025. It’s a UK film festival first: an innovative space where audio storytelling takes centre stage. This lounge offers the chance to pause and take time out to well and truly listen. It’s a new chapter in how stories are shared and heard. At Aesthetica, we embrace every way of telling stories, and podcasts across every genre are a powerful part of our daily lives. Free with your valid festival pass; advance booking is recommended.

To book your place, click here »

Daily Networking Event:
Powering Creativity: Pushing the Creative Industries Further  
Guildhall and then onto York Theatre Royal | 16:00-18:00

This event, held in partnership with York Business School at York St John University, bridges creativity and commerce, welcoming professionals from diverse sectors. Meet outside the Guildhall at 16.00 and experience the highlight of the year, the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO, where businesses from design, film, games and media across the region come together. Then, head to York Theatre Royal to explore new strategies for innovation and expansion.

Register to secure your place at our networking events »

Aesthetica Fringe
5-9 November | Venues Across York 

The Aesthetica Fringe is a citywide celebration of emerging creativity across all art forms. From live music and comedy to exhibitions, installations and performance, it’s about making York a cultural playground. These are artist-led events, created, planned and performed by creatives in the city. York is a UNESCO City of Media Arts, and the Aesthetica Fringe embodies this status by activating galleries, venues and building public spaces with diverse work and creativity. 

Explore the Fringe programme here »

Games Lab
National Centre for Early Music
5-8 November 10:00-21:30 | 9 November 10:00-18:30

Experience this year’s curated selection of groundbreaking, independent games at the the third edition of our fully interactive Games Lab at the National Centre for Early Music.  This year’s Official Selection includes everything from arcade games, puzzles and deck builders to point-and-click adventures, simulators, RPGs and much more. One-hour slots run throughout each day of the festival. Free with your festival pass; advance booking is recommended.

Book your one hour slot here »

Mark Kermode & Jenny Nelson in Conversation
York Theatre Royal | 19:00-20:30

Join Britain’s best-loved film critic Mark Kermode (Kermode & Mayo’s Take; BBC Radio 4’s Screenshot) and award-winning radio producer Jenny Nelson for an evening of cinematic insight, sharp wit and passionate debate, inspired by their new book Mark Kermode’s Surround Sound. This is a night of honest, hilarious, and deeply informed film talk you simply won’t hear anywhere else — from the definitive voice of British cinema. This is a separately ticketed event.

Separate Ticket Required. Book & Save 25% with Code ASFF25.

To book your place, click here »

Friday Night Party
Dusk | 20:00-23:00

Dusk hosts the annual Friday Night Party, helping to carry Aesthetica Film Festival into a weekend of social events, inspiring cinema screenings and more. The party provides the perfect location to join in with the festivities or re-group with brand new friends. Grab a drink, connect with industry and prepare for the weekend ahead. If you are winding down after a day of films or just getting started, this gathering sets the tone for an unforgettable festival weekend.

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Be part of Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025, from Wednesday 5 November until Sunday 9 November. Tickets and Passes On Sale! Get Yours Today: asff.co.uk | Browse the Programme

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