Submit Your Podcast .
Submit your podcast to one of the UK’s largest film festivals. Reach new audiences. Meet producers, editors, writers, sound designers, post-production specialists, filmmakers and other creatives working across media production. Exhibit your podcast at the BAFTA and BIFA-Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival. Be part of a UK film festival first.
The Podcasting Lounge
Podcasts now offer an immersive storytelling experience. We see the evolution of audio narratives as a crucial way to understand how storytelling is transforming and adapting to modern audiences. At the Aesthetica Podcast Lab, we will showcase up to 20 groundbreaking productions, providing the perfect space to explore new ideas and engage listeners. We are celebrating podcast culture, production and innovation through this Lab, enriched by a series of panels and discussions with leading voices in the industry. This is a place to sit down, tune in and discover the best new podcasts.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for bold stories told in fresh and innovative ways. The podcasting industry is evolving rapidly, both culturally and technologically, shaping how we engage with storytelling. We want to create an impactful and engaging programme that takes listeners on new journeys - whether through investigative journalism, immersive audio fiction, or thought-provoking discussions. Podcasting has the power to transport audiences through sound, creating deeply personal and engaging experiences. We are seeking podcasts that captivate, challenge and immerse listeners in new perspectives.
Why Submit?
The Aesthetica Film Festival is a hub for bold storytelling and fresh ideas, now expanding to celebrate the power of podcasts. As one of the UK’s leading festivals, we recognise the evolving landscape of audio storytelling and want podcasts to be part of this conversation. The Podcasting Lounge is a space for collaboration, idea generation and innovation. By submitting your podcast, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your work, gain valuable feedback, connect with industry professionals, and be part of a dynamic festival that champions creativity across all forms of storytelling.
Submission Information .
- 1 December 2024 | Entries Open
- 30 June 2025 | Submission Deadline
- September 2025 | Official Selection announced
- 5 – 9 November 2025 | Live Festival taking place in York, UK
- 9 November 2025 | Festival winners announced at the Awards Ceremony
- Regular Submissions | 1 December – 30 June 2025
Podcasts £27
- Podcasts should have a duration of up to 40 minutes.
- There is no premiere requirement. We will accept submissions of podcasts that have previously been exhibited elsewhere, including at other festivals or online.
- There is no required completion date, but podcasts completed in the past three years are preferred.
- Your entry form must include your name, address, telephone number and email so that we can contact you.
- Your podcast must not be in breach of any copyright, including music or sound used in your podcast.
- The link to your podcast included in your submission form must not expire.
- Aesthetica is unable to grant waiver requests.
- Submissions are final and subject to a no refund policy.
- All submissions are played and given the full attention of our team of programmers. The date of submission has no reflection on our selection decisions.
- View our FAQ page for more information.
- ASFF is one of the UK’s leading and most expansive film events, recognised by the BFI as a festival of national significance and being both BAFTA and BIFA-qualifying for short film. The festival celebrates the work of outstanding filmmakers through its coveted awards. All films which are selected for the Official Selection will screen in competition and will be eligible for our Best in Category awards which are decided by a jury of industry experts and practitioners. In addition to the Best in Category awards, we present a number of special awards which offer project support, services as well as a combined total of £5000 in cash prizes.
- The Award in this area of competition is for Best Podcast.
- Podcasts should be provided as an MP3 file format.
- If you have questions, please contact: [email protected]