We’ve reached the #ASFF2026 midpoint – and there’s so much more to come! From inspiring industry masterclasses, VR and Games Labs, to film screenings from around the world, today is a celebration of screen and media. Here’s a roundup of today’s top events. Discover the 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 shorts showcase unnerving horror and fantastical films, whilst others follow intense stories of guilt, deceit and consequences. Characters collide with frustration, resentment, and misfortune in these tense shorts. To attend the screenings, a valid festival pass is required.

Top Masterclasses

At 10:00, join Derry Girls producer Brian J. Falconer at the York Theatre Royal Studio. Take the chance to discuss what it takes to bring local stories like these to life, in a way that resonates with audiences regionally and globally. Then, right next door at the York Theatre Royal Mainhouse, join Will Becher, Director and Creative at Aardman to celebrate their 50th anniversary. End at the Yorkshire Museum for the BBC Writers Masterclass at 17:30.

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

Workshops at Spark

Three different events held at Spark: join from 10:00-11:00 for a dynamic workshop, led by Film London to explore how to identify “adaptable IP” and assess whether a concept could become a film, TV series, game, or podcast. From 11:30-12:30 join the VR Official Selection Roundtable for an inspiring discussion with those driving the next wave of immersive media. To end, explore the interplay between actor and director in storytelling, gain insight into the nuances of performance and scene interpretation. Develop an understanding of the language that brings scripts to life.

UNESCO EXPO

Guildhall | 5 & 6 November | 09:00-21:00

This is your chance 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 leading media arts and creative businesses based in the region, with a global reach. There are 40 businesses to meet; they cover a range of disciplines, virtual production, VFX, film & TV, interactive design, gaming, XR and more.

Podcasting Lounge

City Screen Basement

4-7 November 10:00-21:30 | 8 November 10:00-18:30

The Podcasting Lounge is brand new for 2026. 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. No booking is required to attend.

Daily Networking Event: Bring Your Ideas: Meet The Pitch Commissioning Team

York Theatre Royal Upper Foyer | 13:00-14:30

The Pitch is commissioning five writers to develop original short film scripts responding to AI, human relationships and what it means to be human. Join The Pitch team after their commission briefing at York Theatre Royal Studio to ask questions, share ideas and uncover the paid writing and development process. Open to screenwriters, writer-directors, producers and filmmakers at every stage. A finished pitch is not required to attend.

The Radical Listening Immersive Light Exhibition

4-8 November | Venues Across York

This is Aesthetica’s love letter to York: three new international art pieces across the city where people live, work and visit. The trail runs from Exhibition Square, York Theatre Royal to King’s Square. Encounter an installation the height of York Theatre Royal, 20 three-metre towers in King’s Square and a new immersive work from one of the world’s leading light and sound collectives. Join Steve Messam, Being Now Here and Squidsoup as they take over York’s most prominent public spaces as part of Radical Listening, Aesthetica’s major new programme with Audible. No ticket, gallery admission or expertise is required to attend the showcase. The work is simply here in the city, available for everyone.

Games Lab

National Centre for Early Music

4-7 November 10:00-21:30 | 8 November 10:00-18:30

Experience a curated selection of groundbreaking, independent games at the third edition of our fully interactive Games Lab. 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 valid film festival pass; advance is booking recommended.

The Listening Pitch: Film Premiere

City Screen Cinema | 19:00-23:00

Now in its sixth year, Aesthetica x Audible’s The Listening Pitch is a cinematic exploration of what is unheard. For the 2026 edition, we consider listening as a radical act. Funding was awarded to four visionary filmmakers: Duncan Cowles, Hermione Spriggs and Tobi Kyeremateng & Sofia Cissé Akel. We will also screen one of the previous winning projects from last year, Voice Shift by Roberto Duque. A filmmaker Q&A will follow up after.

Social Event: Friday Night Party

Dusk & Drawing Board | 20:00-Late

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