Festival 2025 .
Welcome to Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025
Aesthetica is the destination for independent cinema. We are delighted to be hosting the 15th anniversary edition of the festival both in-person in York and online. We’re offering a range of tickets, with a mixture of live and hybrid formats, so you can choose how and when you experience the best new film. Here’s what to expect for this year’s jam-packed edition.
Official Selection. Guest Programmes. New Wave.
Screening Programme
Discover the best new independent cinema from across the globe. This year, we're showcasing diverse selection of shorts and features: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Documentary, Thriller and many more. There's also the opportunity to immerse yourself in VR & 360. Plus, the Games Lab returns for 2025 with a range of indie titles, and there's a brand new Podcasting Lounge, celebrating audio storytelling.
Full Programme Coming Soon
Masterclasses & Panel Discussions
Industry Sessions
This year's selection of masterclasses is world-class. For 2025, we welcome award-winning directors, editors, screenwriters, cinematographers and producers, alongside representatives from Aardman, BAFTA, BBC, Film 4, Framestore, Industrial Light & Magic, ITV, Ridley Scott Associates and many more. They will deliver inspiring talks that cover every aspect of the industry.
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Networking Opportunties
Connections
Build relationships, seek out collaborations, make lasting memories. Our Networking Events, Pitching Sessions, Workshops and Parties are a key part of the festival programme and where connections are made. Meet and interact with representatives from some of the world’s leading organisations.
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