Documentaries have a unique power: they invite us to see the world through someone else’s eyes, to walk in another’s footsteps, and – crucially – to hear the stories that often go unnoticed. At Aesthetica Film Festival, storytelling has always been at the heart of what we do, but with the Listening Pitch, launched in partnership with Audible, we’ve turned our attention to the stories that demand an extra dimension of attention: sound. Over the past five years, The Listening Pitch has celebrated documentaries where listening is not secondary but central, transforming audio into a vessel for empathy, insight, and impact.

Since its inception, the Listening Pitch has funded and commissioned eight remarkable films, exploring narratives that might otherwise remain unheard. From the intimate personal histories captured in Meghan McDonough’s Old Lesbians, which traces the experiences of older lesbian communities across the United States, to the environmental audioscapes of Matthew Herbert’s Banana, the project has consistently pushed the boundaries of what a documentary can be. Each story selected has used sound not as accompaniment, but as a lens through which we can interpret the world.

These films have not only touched audiences at the Aesthetica Film Festival but have gone on to achieve wider acclaim. For instance, Ornella Mutoni’s The Things We Don’t Say, a poignant exploration of intergenerational trauma following the Rwandan genocide, has been acquired by Guardian Documentaries. Similarly, McDonough’s Old Lesbians continues to be celebrated as a vital historical and cultural record. Previous projects have premiered at renowned festivals such as SXSW and Sundance, demonstrating the universal appeal and relevance of stories that start with the question: “What happens when we listen?”

What sets The Listening Pitch apart is its commitment to experimentation and the cinematic potential of sound. From observational to experimental, from intimate conversations to immersive natural soundscapes, the films are united by a dedication to auditory storytelling. Films like Sparsh Ahuja and Omi Gupta’s Birdsong or Ross McClean’s Echo challenge audiences to reconsider how much of the world we experience is defined by what we hear. This focus on sound transforms viewing into a participatory act: audiences do more than watch; they listen, imagine, and engage.

As we mark the fifth anniversary of The Listening Pitch, this year’s programme asks a new question: “What can we hear if we listen right now?” The answer is found in the work of three visionary filmmakers: Carin Leong, Roberto Duque, and the audio innovator Jiajing Zhao. Each brings a distinct approach to sound and storytelling, promising documentaries that are as intellectually engaging as they are emotionally resonant.

Carin Leong’s Untitled Fetal Heartbeat explores how medical technologies translate invisible biological processes into sound, transforming the inaudible into a sensory experience that shapes cultural and collective understandings of pregnancy. Roberto Duque’s Voice Shift follows trans femme individuals as they seek a voice that reflects their gender identity, blending personal journeys with broader social commentary on the power and politics of voice. Jiajing Zhao’s Le Voyage dans la Lune reimagines the soundtrack of Georges Méliès’ iconic 1902 film, using field and studio recordings to interrogate themes of history, colonialism, and technology through sound alone. These new works premiere alongside Old Lesbians, allowing audiences to reflect on the continuum of projects that have shaped the Listening Pitch.

The premiere event is more than a screening. Following the films, a Q&A with the filmmakers offers audiences the chance to engage directly with the creative minds behind the projects. And from 21:00, the evening continues with DJ sets, drinks, and networking – a celebration of sound, cinema, and storytelling, where attendees can meet the filmmakers and discuss the craft behind their work. At its core, The Listening Pitch is a testament to the enduring power of documentaries to illuminate hidden realities, amplify unheard voices, and foster connection. In an age where we are constantly bombarded by images and information, these films remind us of the value of pausing, listening, and letting the unseen or unheard guide our understanding. They reveal how deeply sound can shape perception, empathy, and insight.

Five years on, the Listening Pitch stands as a unique platform: one that nurtures bold, original documentary filmmaking and demonstrates that sound is not merely an accompaniment to visuals but a crucial storytelling tool. As we look to the future, we continue to ask our audiences and creators alike to listen – not just with their ears, but with their attention, curiosity and imagination.

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Words: Simon Cartwright

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Don’t miss the 2025 premieres of Carin Leong, Roberto Duque, Jiajing Zhao, and the screening of Old Lesbians. Experience the films, meet the filmmakers, and celebrate the power of listening.

Saturday 8 November | City Screen, York | Arrival 18:45 | Screenings 19:00 | DJ, Drinks & Networking 21:00. Book your ticket here: asff.co.uk/tickets/

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Image Credits:

1. Film Still. Old Lesbians. Meghan McDonough (2023).
2. Trailer. Old Lesbians. Meghan McDonough (2023).
3. Film Still. Banana. Matthew Herbert (2023).
4. Film Still. The Things We Don’t Say (2024).
5. Film Still. Greensound. Liberty Smith (2024).