Maryam Mohajer is an Iranian born animator and filmmaker who won the BAFTA for best animated short in 2020 for her film Grandad Was A Romantic. Mohajer’s unique and bold painted style of animation has drawn much praise, influenced by the beautiful sights, shapes and colours of her homeland. In this spotlight, Mohajer sheds light on her practice, reflecting on the concept of memory, reflection and heritage as a basis for contemporary filmmaking.

Robin Shaw is an award-winning animator and illustrator best known for distinct and beautiful hand-drawn work. As a director, he has worked with Lupus Films on animated feature adaptations of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, The Snowman and the Snowdog and The Tiger Who Came to Tea. In Fantastic Tales, Shaw examines traditional techniques, as well as the challenging process of adapting beloved illustrated works into films – carrying the narrative onto the screen.

BBC Writersroom works with both emerging and established writers, supporting the development of exciting projects. Development Executive Simon Nelson has over two decades’ experience across a multitude of genres in both theatre and TV. In this session, Nelson offers advice on crafting compelling plots and engaging dialogues, whilst bringing characters to life. He gives practical advice on how to avoid clichés and find your unique voice.

The way we move our bodies says so much about our emotions. We tell stories through gesture, without the spoken word. Dance is a boundless form of expression and its use on-screen allows choreographers and filmmakers to transform spaces and reinterpret traditional storytelling. Renowned choreographers and screendance practitioners Alexander Whitley, Omari Carter and Shobana Jeyasingh look at cinema as an extension of the stage.

Black Dog Films specialises in production in the field of music videos, live music visuals, documentary filmmaking, and branded content. As part of the Ridley Scott Creative Group, Black Dog Films has worked with acts such as Beyoncé, Sigur Rós and The Chemical Brothers, and international bands including Adidas, Nike and Calvin Klein. Global Head Martin Roker, looks at how to commission, produce, and market engaging content.

Channel 4’s factual division commissions and produces specialist documentaries that challenge perceptions, pushes boundaries and make audiences completely rethink the world around them. Productions include My Grandparents’ War, Jade and Outback Murders. Commissioning Editor, Will Rowson, highlights the building blocks of factual content-making, offering advice on how to pitch content to the discerning and remarkable eye of Channel 4.

Russell Tovey is one of the UK’s most recognisable and versatile actors, having graced some of the UK’s best TV and cinema productions such as The Good Liar, Years & Years, Flesh and Blood, Being Human and as the lead in the upcoming drama The Sister. In conversation, Tovey reflects on his career, from breaking into the industry to working on some of the best loved film and TV, sharing insights into complex characters as well as his acclaimed podcast Talk Art.

Augmented Reality is increasingly influencing the world around us. The impact is clear in branding and advertising. Alex Lambert is an award-winning VR and AR practitioner, having worked with brands such as Nike, Google, Samsung and Adidas. Considering the future of VR, AR and experiential technologies, Lambert discusses the how brands are seeking out new ways to reach audiences, exploring the low carbon footprint of both AR and experiential workflows.

BBC Films produces innovative feature films with acclaimed credits that include Billy Elliot, We Need to Talk About Kevin, Philomena and Stan and Ollie. Development Executive, Dionne Farrell, discusses the process of sourcing and securing projects whilst supporting visionary talent along the way. Farrell closely examines what really constitutes a stand-out idea, offering valuable and practical advice on developing and pitching a project to commissioning teams.

Maxine Peake is a BAFTA and BIFA-nominated actor. She is one of Britain’s most versatile and exciting on-screen talents, gracing both big and small screens. Peake’s diverse credits include Shameless, Peterloo, Black Mirror, Funny Cow and The Theory of Everything. In conversation with Birds Eye View’s Mia Bays (Scott Walker: 30 Century Man, Six Shooter), Peake will discuss who and what inspires her, exploring her own authorial voice.

BFI Doc Society uses National Lottery funds to support independent short and feature documentary projects that explore new perspectives and untold stories. In this session, Fund Executive Lisa Marie Russo, leads a conversation with British-Nigerian poet and activist Femi Nylander, protagonist and co-writer of African Apocalypse, a new BFI Doc Society funded feature doc which depicts the trauma and the harrowing legacy of colonialism in Niger.

The demand for virtual entertainment has risen exponentially in the past year, with audiences looking for more exciting ways to immerse themselves in the action, and producers seeking to film sustainably under increasing shooting restrictions. Steve Jelley is co-founder of the pioneering studio Dimension. His awe-inspiring projects include Sky’s Britannia VR and War of the Worlds. In this masterclass, learn about the power of VR, through Dimension’s projects.

Potboiler Productions is one of the UK’s leading production companies, with a slate of features and TV series that includes The Little Stranger, Trespass Against Us, The Constant Gardener and A Most Wanted Man. Bringing her wide-ranging experiences to the forefront, Producer Gail Egan shares insights into her varied role, from green-lighting projects to realising a vision on the big screen, transforming concepts into tangible, award-winning filmmaking.

Sarah Gavron is an BAFTA-winning filmmaker whose credits include This Little Life, Brick Lane, Suffragette and Rocks written by Theresa Ikoko and Claire Wilson and made in collaboratiion with the cast and crew. In this spotlight, hosted by Primetime, Gavron speaks about her motivations and inspirations and her progression from short film to TV and features. She also reviews the necessity for a more equally representative film industry, on-screen and behind the lens.

Tristan Oliver specialises in cinematography for stop-motion animations, with credits that include Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox and Isle of Dogs, Aardman’s groundbreaking Chicken Run and Laika’s ParaNorman. When working closely with a vast team of animators and technicians, how does the role of the cinematographer differ to live action productions? What are the challenges – and possibilities – of working with inanimate characters?

COMPULSORY has produced content for some of the biggest recording artists, such as Stormzy, Madonna and The 1975. The team has also worked on branded campaigns for Vogue, Burberry and Adidas, as well as producing narrative and documentary films. Founder Chris Toumazou sheds light on the company’s development and examines how COMPULSORY is adapting to current challenges – presenting new ways of working in a rapidly changing world.

It’s never been easier for independent creators to engage with audiences and to showcase their work online, thanks to the rise of cinema On Demand. MarBelle (Directors Notes), Rob Munday (Short of the Week), Lyndy Stout (1.4) and Shelley Jones (NOWNESS) discuss the internet as an integral platform for new voices looking to develop their craft. They also discuss the process of curating, exhibiting and supporting outstanding filmmakers and new talent.

The film industry has long been scrutinised for its obvious and blatant gaps in equal representation, both behind the camera and on-screen. Now, more than ever, we are asking crucial questions about who is creating cinema, what stories they tell and who they are creating them for? Activist and artist, Yasmin Begum, examines the necessity for an equal and inclusive industry, as well as the need to include diverse audiences through thought-provoking exhibition.

Anthony Farquhar-Smith is an animator whose impressive and various credits include working on Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs and Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, as well as engaging in commercial work for brands such as Tesco and Samsung. Farquhar-Smith investigates the bold and colourful world of animation, listing both traditional and digital techniques whilst examining the unlimited possibilities of imagined characters and scenarios.

Sam Feder is an award-winning filmmaker whose work investigates the intersections of race, class, equality and gender. Feder’s projects include Boy I Am, Kate Bornstein is a Queer & Pleasant Danger, and the Netflix Original film DISCLOSURE (Sundance 2020), which chronicles the troubling history of Hollywood’s distorted portrayals of trans people in film and TV. Feder reflects on their practice and the importance of informed representation.

BBC Storyville commissions and exhibits world-class factual features, with a library that includes Blackfish, Last Men in Aleppo and The Eagle Huntress. In a turbulent world, with increasing socio-political and geo-political divides, it has never been so important to share stories that make sense of the present moment. Commissioning Editor, Mandy Chang, highlights Storyville’s unique approach, telling us how she sources the best in documentary.

David Parfitt is the founder of Trademark Films, and a BAFTA and Oscar-Winning Producer whose credits include Much Ado about Nothing, The Madness of King George, Shakespeare In Love (winner of seven Academy Awards including Best Picture and four BAFTA Awards including Best Film) and My Week with Marilyn. His latest film The Father, starring Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman. This session draws on Parfitt’s career in theatre, film and TV.

The effects of Covid-19 have been felt, and are still being felt, on a global scale. Economies came to a standstill as the world anxiously looked on. The film industry is no exception to the crisis. Exhibitor Jason Wood (HOME), Journalist Simran Hans, Filmmaker Jeanie Finlay (Seahorse) and Curator Anthony Andrews (We Are Parable) discuss the effects of the pandemic on cinema, and ask what steps will need to be taken to see reboot and reassess the entire industry.

Richard Knight is Screen Yorkshire’s Production Liaison with over 15 years’ experience in location management, working on acclaimed productions such as Shane Meadow’s This is England and The Virtues, as well as James Kent’s Testament of Youth and Chris Morris’ Four Lions. Drawing on his extensive experience, Knight offers valuable advice on finding the perfect setting for your shoot, whilst dealing with the logistics of filming out of the studio and in the real world.

You’ve completed your film – now you need an audience. What’s the best way to showcase your work? How do you secure an audience? With over 15 years’ combined experience in festival strategy, Katie McCullough and Ian Bignell offer a practical blueprint for success, giving essential advice on submissions, maximising budgets and promoting work through larger channels. This session is essential for filmmakers looking to access new audiences and platforms.

Kristina Hetherington is a BAFTA-winning editor whose credits span both feature film and TV series. Drawing on a portfolio of acclaimed productions that includes Mo, Birdsong, Trespass Against Us and Red Joan, Hetherington expands on the integral role of the editor – a visual storyteller who brings the story to life. This masterclass also explores the importance of technique, providing advice on best practices for presenting a strong, visual narrative.

The world has finally woken up to the urgent need to tackle inequality. Film and TV practitioners are integral to supporting and creating an industry that is representative of society as a whole. Digital Orchard Foundation hosts a panel of leading Head of Departments to take a close look at their experience of unconscious bias. This session includes personal responses to industry shifts, and insights as to what should be done next in the industry.

Industrial Light & Magic is Lucas Film’s VFX and animation studio, with recent blockbusters including Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Captain Marvel and Spiderman: Far From Home. VFX Supervisor, Julian Foddy, speaks about the innovations at the forefront of the VFX industry, transforming cinema and re-imagining the very way that we tell stories on-screen. This masterclass breaks down the process of building imagined characters, landscapes and environments.

The time has come for a major shake-up in the film industry. We need to rethink and restructure roles both on-screen and behind the lens. Casting Directors Hannah Marie Williams (UK Casting Specialist, Backstage) and Heather Basten look at the modern process of casting, examining the need for a greater understanding of representation on screen, considering the process writing roles with inclusivity in mind and choosing the right actor for the part.

Film4 has developed and co-financed a slate of renowned and award-winning features, including Martin McDonagh’s Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and Lenny Abrahamson’s Room, working with both new and established international talent and bespoke storytelling. Development and Production Executive Max Park offers insights into the development process, revealing what ideas make it to the big screen and why.

DNEG is one of the world’s leading VFX and animation companies, working on renowned productions such as Captain Marvel and Tenet. DNEG is also leading the way in virtual production, delivering cutting-edge technology that allows creatives to completely rethink the way they make films. Creative Director and double Oscar-winning VFX Supervisor Paul Franklin (Interstellar, Inception) tells attendees about workflows that are changing the industry.

Chinonye Chukwu is one of the most exciting filmmakers of recent years. She wrote and directed her second film Clemency starring Alfre Woodard and Wendell Pierce and received the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2019, making her the first black woman to win the accolade. In conversation with Mia Bays, Director of Birds Eye View, Chukwu will reflect on her career, as well as the challenges faced along the way.

Jeremy Deller is a Turner Prize-winning conceptual, video and installation artist, whose practice encompasses political, social and cultural themes, covering topics such as the 1984 miners’ strike and 1980s rave culture. In conversation, Deller explores his multi-dimensional practice and processes and wider inspirations. He discusses the importance of film as an artistic medium as well as a format that is accessible beyond the gallery.

Andrea Arnold is one of the most celebrated filmmakers of the last decade. Her credits include the Oscar-winning short Wasp and the features Red Road, Fish Tank, Wuthering Heights and American Honey. Chaired by Producer Mia Bays, Founder of Birds Eye View, Arnold offers a retrospective of her career, looking at inspirations, shedding light on the recurring narratives and themes that can be found across her work whilst establishing the importance of style.

Sound is a key component within any production. The soundscape is a delicate balance of score, dialogue, foley and sound design – adding realism and emotion to every scene as they blend into each other. ASFF is joined by Oscar-Winning Sound Designer Glenn Freemantle, whose credits include Gravity, Annihilation and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, to educate audiences on the creation of sound that complements visuals and enhances narratives.

Visual effects are an integral part of production, providing awe-inspiring visuals and imagining new worlds, characters and creatures with increasing realism. Stuart Penn, VFX Supervisor at Academy Award-winning studio Framestore (Guardians of the Galaxy, Alien: Covenant, Avengers: Endgame, The Aeronauts) tells audiences about the increasing role of VFX companies as film becomes ever more ambitious. Make imagination a reality.

Sets create authenticity and captivate audiences. They are often the dealbreaker for whether a film is believable. Whether it’s a period drama or a sci-fi epic, the location is key to offering a truly believable narrative. Production Designers Sonja Klaus (Taboo, Mr Selfridge, Terminator Dark Fate) and Grant Montgomery (Peaky Blinders, The Secret Garden, Tolkien) elucidate the research required to convince audiences within the wider production scale.

Sara Putt, Deputy Chair of Women in Film & TV, leads an honest and compelling conversation with outstanding female practitioners who work behind the camera. These talented individuals share their experiences of working in the industry today – considering its challenges, hurdles and opportunities – and asking questions about how we might achieve a more balanced industry. What changes still have to be made to make this a reality?

Ruth Hogben is a leading fashion filmmaker, delivering visually striking concepts for leading fashion houses such as Fendi, Dior and Louis Vuitton. Hogben has also worked with renowned designers, such as Gareth Pugh, the late Alexander McQueen as well as nurturing a 10-year creative partnership with global superstar Lady Gaga. Reflecting on an exciting career at the forefront of a genre, Hogben presents a masterclass on the principles of fashion film.

Cinematography is much more than camera work – it’s the process of carefully establishing shots, framing characters and considering the intricacies of lighting and movement. Cinematographers Carlos Catalan (Killing Eve, Broadchurch)and Sam McCurdy BSC (Lost in Space, Britannia, A United Kingdom) explore the role in detail, sharing varied techniques and experiences of working on renowned features and TV productions that captivate audiences.

Tim Allen is a stop-motion animator who has worked on a broad range of acclaimed projects, including Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox, Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie and the Oscar-winning Peter & the Wolf. In this artful masterclass, Allen delves into the world of stop motion animation, looking behind the scenes of award-winning projects whilst uncovering the intricacies and minute details that make up the building blocks of this unique and much-loved craft.

Jeanie Finlay is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, whose work has been lauded for its close and personal style that cuts to the heart of the issue. Her credits include the BIFA-winning Orion: The Man Who Would Be King, the Emmy-nominated Game of Thrones: The Last Watch and the sensational and tender Seahorse. Speaking in conversation with Jason Wood, Artistic Director of HOME, Finlay shares her unique approach to telling intimate, close-up stories.

The score is integral to setting the tone of any film. Music enriches the action on screen, enhances the mood and conveys emotion. Alex Heffes is a composer whose credits include the BAFTA-winning Touching the Void and the Oscar-winning One Day in September, The Last King of Scotland and Inside Job. In this session, Heffes considers the purpose of music on-screen and shares unique techniques for creating an impactful score that marries sound with visuals.

The editor holds a unique position in film production, assembling a story from carefully selected footage, curating a narrative and presenting the director’s ultimate vision. Editors Mick Audsley (Everest, Allied), Eddie Hamilton (Kingsman: The Golden Circle, Top Gun: Maverick) and Úna Ní Dhonghaíle (Stan & Ollie, Death on the Nile) share their insights into the editing process and the collaborative nature of bringing a story to life. An essential masterclass for creators.

Sound is key to conveying emotion, realism and a sense of space. Bringing together music, dialogue, foley and sound design, the role of the re-recording mixer is to combine these elements as part of a delicate and balanced mix. Andrew Stirk has worked on acclaimed projects such as You Were Never Really Here, A Private War and The Secret Garden. In this masterclass, Stirk gives an overview to the process of mixing and the complexities of rich sound worlds.

Film sets are a crucial consideration for all filmmakers. If you’re adapting an existing location or constructing a new environment, it is key that the backdrop complements the narrative and carries viewers along with ease. Production Designers Stéphane Collonge (The Souvenir, God’s Own Country), Ian Bailie (John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum, Atonement) and Kristian Milsted (Killing Eve, Watchmen) expand on the intricacies of authentic and original sets.

Philippa Lowthorpe is a celebrated director whose film and TV credits include Misbehaviour starring Keira Knightley and Gugu Mbatha Raw, The Third Day starring Jude Law, Cider With Rosie, The Crown and Call the Midwife, for which she was the first female director to win a BAFTA for Best TV Drama. Director of Birds’ Eye View and Oscar-winning producer Mia Bays leads a conversation with Lowthorpe, expanding on an award-winning career.

Barry Adamson’s eclectic career spans music and film. As a musician, he played bass with Magazine and Birthday Party, as well as Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. As a composer, his work has featured on the soundtracks to Danny Boyle’s The Beach, David Lynch’s Lost Highway and Oliver Stone’s Natural Born Killers. In conversation with Jason Wood, Artistic Director of HOME, Adamson reflects on his career creating music for groundbreaking cinema.

Brands use bespoke video content to reach new audiences, and collaborate with innovative filmmakers. What is the secret to a successful partnership? How can filmmakers express individuality whilst reflecting brand values? Stephanie Walton, Head of Development at COMPULSORY leads a discussion with Justin Townsend (Regime) and Shelley Jones (Nowness), to uncover the fundamentals of partnerships

Aesthetica welcomes a national treasure to bring the 10th Anniversary Edition of the festival to a close. Dame Judi Dench is an icon: an Oscar and BAFTA award-winning actor whose credits include the blockbuster James Bond series, Shakespeare in Love, Notes on a Scandal and Philomena, to name just a few. Join us for this special retrospective as Judi draws upon a lifetime of unforgettable portrayals and productions.

The Director of Photography is one of the Director’s key collaborators. DoPs are integral decision makers and experts in perfectly framing the scene at hand. They are responsible for capturing the action and all the detail. ASFF invites renowned Directors of Photography Kate Reid BSC (Hanna), Tim Palmer BSC (Line of Duty) and James Friend ASC, BSC (Rillington Place) to recount their experiences on set with award-winning productions.

ASFF launches its 10th anniversary edition with a special screening of outstanding, inspiring and thought-provoking works from the 2020 Official Selection. Curated by Festival Director Cherie Federico, our Opening Night Ceremony introduces audiences to the breadth and diversity of the ASFF programme with a special screening of Director’s picks that capture just a small taster of our most expansive programme to date.

Following its success in 2019, ASFF proudly hosts its second Industry Marketplace, taking form in a newly accessible, virtual space for 2020.The Industry Marketplace is a unique platform in the UK, spanning the duration of the festival, providing a vital platform for filmmakers, new talent and delegates to connect with leading production services, agencies, film festivals and universities. The conversation starts here.

Whether you’re looking to connect with industry representatives, discover new opportunities or learn new approaches to filmmaking, our daily virtual Networking Sessions and Workshops offer the perfect opportunity to meet with professionals from across the film sector. Start a conversation, discuss your work and meet contacts who could transform your career – you never know where it could take you.

Developing a feature project? Pitching Sessions are your chance to get your ideas in front of key decision-makers from the UK’s leading production companies. Meet one-to-one with the Development Executives for the likes of Film4, BBC Films, Lionsgate and Doc Society. This is a key opportunity to receive invaluable feedback on your Narrative or Documentary feature proposals and learn how to develop your filmmaking voice.

Hear from a selection of filmmakers that make up 2020’s Official Selection. These daily panel discussions are the perfect place to learn more about inspirations, motivations and creative processes, covering topics such as documentary filmmaking, animation, producing on a budget and establishing your own unique style in a competitive industry. These informative discussions run live on ASFF’s Industry Channel 1.

ASFF and London College of Communication’s Screen School invite audiences to immerse themselves in the story, discover new worlds and experience 360 cinema at home. Explore the future of cinema with works from innovative creators. The 360 Cinema is complemented by live daily panel discussions. Want to truly feel part of the action? Purchase an ASFF cardboard headset along with your pass to experience at home.

Running alongside the Screen School VR lab, we invite pioneers, industry professionals and filmmakers to share their experiences of working with new technologies. In these live industry discussions, our guests explore the practicalities and challenges of VR filmmaking, considering real-life techniques and potential developments beyond entertainment as well as the ethics and morals of increasingly realistic imagined worlds.

At Aesthetica, we wholeheartedly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience and enjoy cinema. As part of our wider efforts to make film as accessible and enjoyable as possible, we are committed to offering subtitled screenings of as many films in our programme as possible. In addition, all live events will feature closed captions to ensure that all audiences can access our industry insights.

As part of our commitment to engage with younger audiences, ASFF presents a selection of Family Friendly screenings, showcasing exciting adventures that the whole family can enjoy from the comfort of home. This year’s Family Friendly screenings feature international and award-winning works, covering animation and live action narratives that capture the imagination and invite everyone to laugh, learn and engage with film.

Representing the forefront filmmaking talent, Showcase Screenings welcome creators, industry professionals and educators from renowned institutions such as Arts University Bournemouth, Ravensbourne and Falmouth University. These illuminating programmes provide spotlight the work of new cinematic talent and offer insights to topics such as working with micro budgets and the effects of Covid-19 on the film industry.

Celebrating alternative viewpoints, diverse representation and authenticity both on and off screen, enjoy these lovingly curated guest programmes from leading organisations. This year’s programmes include a spotlight on the work of trans filmmakers from Transgender Media Portal and an examination of the black experience from Directors Notes and Can We Talk DXB. Discover new perspectives.

To bring ASFF’s 10th anniversary edition to a close, we welcome filmmakers and audiences to tune in to our live prize giving ceremony. Prizes will be awarded for the best film in each of our 14 genres, as well as our Audience Choice, Best of Fest, Youth Awards and Special Guest Awards. Join in a celebration of outstanding achievements in filmmaking. The closing ceremony is followed by a screening.