Today, we’re taking a trip down masterclass memory lane in preparation for the release of the 2024 Programme. Over the years, a remarkable list of industry experts have shared their insights in our masterclass series. Today, we’ve brought together some interesting and thought-provoking reflections from notable figures, such as Sally Potter OBE (Orlando, The Roads Not Taken), Asif Kapadia (Creature, Diego Maradona) and Dame Judi Dench (Skyfall, Chocolat).

Sally Potter OBE

“I don’t think you can really make an interesting film unless you love the history of cinema and what’s gone before. You also can’t become an interesting human being unless you are prepared to completely rebel against all oppression that imprisons intelligence and spirit.”

Francis Lee

“Across my films, I am exploring topics that have felt very personal to me and things that I know. Landscape, class and identity were topics that I was constantly trying to work out for myself.”

Dame Judi Dench

“You need theatre. You need film. Because it’s part of our lives … It’ll never die, because it’s part of us all.”

Asif Kapadia

“Every film I do is like doing a degree or a Masters on a subject. I go in there to learn and you study during the journey. By learning on the journey, you’re the first member of the audience.”

Alice Seabright

“By making shorts, you get to practice making those micro decisions that teach you to trust your instincts and know what you like and what you don’t like – your directorial voice is the sum of those instincts.”

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Watch more incredible family friendly movies at Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2024, which runs from Wednesday 6 November until Sunday 10 November. Tickets available from mid June 2024.

Tickets Coming Soon. Learn more: asff.co.uk

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Photography by Jim Poyner.