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2026 Passes
Early Bird Tickets for Aesthetica Film Festival 2026 are on sale now! Book your pass or treat a loved one to the gift of independent cinema. Come and join us in York from 4-8 November. Visit our historic venues and experience film how it was intended – on the big screen, as part of a community. These tickets are valid in-venue only, with no access to On Demand streaming. You can attend as many film screenings as you’d like, plus masterclasses and events, although you should pre-register for these in advance. Passes are available for one day, two days or the full five days. After purchasing, you’ll receive an online receipt via email. This should be exchanged for a physical ticket or lanyard at the Hub Desk (City Screen Picturehouse, York, YO1 9QL) on arrival at the festival.
One Day In Person
Short on time but love independent film? Here is your opportunity to experience as much as you can in one day at Aesthetica 2026. You will have access to the venues from 9am until 11pm and you can see as much as you like within that timescale. You will also be able to attend events, Labs, masterclasses and workshops, but you must pre-register in advance. The ticket is valid for one day within 4-8 November. This ticket does not include any access to digital content.
Two Day In Person
You have the freedom to choose two days that suit you to attend the festival. On these two days you will be able to register for events, Labs, masterclasses and workshops. This is your chance to engage with the festival at your own pace and dive into the world of independent film for 48 hours. The ticket is valid in-venue only from 4-8 November for two days of your choice. It does not include digital access, only access to in-person events in York.
Unlimited In Person
Join us for the whole festival. Get ready for an independent film extravaganza! You will have access to all the film screenings across every venue and you can register for events, Labs, masterclasses and workshops. This is your chance to fully embrace the festival experience and spend as much time as you would like in front of the big screen. The ticket is valid in-venue only from 4-8 November. It does not include digital access, only to in-person events in York.
Hybrid Passes
We’re offering audiences the opportunity to attend the festival in historic York, as well as through our On Demand platform. This is the ultimate film festival experience, as it combines the freedom to watch films on the big screen and take part in our masterclasses, workshops and networking events in-person, whilst also being able to log-in and catch up with the film programme in your own time. After purchasing, you’ll receive an online receipt via email. This should be exchanged for a physical ticket or lanyard at the Hub Desk (City Screen Picturehouse, York, YO1 9QL) on arrival at the festival. You will receive instructions on how to access the virtual platform closer to November 2026.
One Day Hybrid Pass
Looking for a taste of ASFF in-person but would like to log-in from home for the rest of the month? Or perhaps you have a specific programme you’d like to watch back? Was there a film you missed? The One Day pass grants one full day in-venue with access to screenings as well as social events, Labs, masterclasses and workshops (don’t forget to pre-register!) You’ll also get unlimited access to our platform where you can watch Official Selection films. This ticket is valid for one day in-person, and from 4-30 November on the virtual platform.
Two Day Hybrid Pass
Spend two days soaking up everything that the festival has to offer in-person and then finish off the month by watching the rest of the films online. You will receive access to all screenings and can register for events, Labs, masterclasses and workshops on your selected two days. Then you’ll be able to catch up on films from home via our responsive platform. You can log in on any device – your phone, tablet, computer or TV. The in-person portion of these tickets is valid for two days of your choice, and from 4-30 November online.
Unlimited Hybrid Pass
Unlimited means unlimited! This is the ultimate Aesthetica Film Festival experience, giving you full access in-person and from home. You can attend across all five days of the festival in York with the opportunity to see as many films as possible. Your pass also gives you access to as many events, Labs, masterclasses and workshops as you’d like to attend (please pre-register to secure a place!). You will also have full access to the Virtual Platform, where you can catch up on all of the Official Selection films from 4-30 November.
Virtual Passes
We’re excited to be offering a virtual edition of the festival alongside our in-person event. With a digital pass, you’re able to view all of our film programmes from the comfort of home, on your device. This is a great option if you were unable to make it to York, but still want to discover new cinema as if you were with us. The platform works across all devices, from smartphones and TVs to tablets. To gain access to this year’s festival, simply purchase your pass. You’ll be emailed closer to November 2026 information on how to log-in and watch films On Demand.
One Day Virtual Pass
Log-in and access as many films as you can watch in one 24-hour time period between 4-30 November. The clock starts ticking when activate your pass. You can use your virtual ticket as an excuse to spend an evening discovering the best new independent cinema. Or maybe you’d like to pack as much film-watching into one day as you can. Valid for 24 hours from first log-in. Online only. This ticket does not include in-person access to York screenings.
One Week Virtual Pass
Looking for an authentic festival experience? The One Week virtual pass allows you access to film On Demand for a full seven days in November. Experience the Official Selection programme as if you were there in-person. Enjoy a week of discovering over 300 new films from home and watch your favourites on repeat. Valid for seven days from first log-in. Online only. This ticket does not include in-person access to any in-York screenings or events.
Unlimited Virtual Pass
Unlimited means unlimited. This all-inclusive pass grants the holder complete freedom within the Aesthetica platform from 5-30 November. You can tune in every day for a month and enjoy shorts and features from the comfort of home. You might even have time to watch all of the 300 films on offer! The platform works across all devices. Valid from 4-30 November. Online only. This ticket does not include in-person access to screenings or events happening in York.
Aesthetica Gift Card
Give the gift of independent cinema, creativity, and innovation with an Aesthetica Film Festival Gift Voucher. Recipients will enjoy access to an extraordinary programme of film screenings, masterclasses, networking opportunities, pitching sessions, and hands-on workshops, as well as our cutting-edge Games and VR Labs. As one of the UK’s most distinctive festivals and part of the UNESCO City of Media Arts, Aesthetica offers a truly unique experience.
In-Person passes for the Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2026 are available now, with Hybrid and Virtual Passes being released soon. In the meantime, the Aesthetica Gift Voucher can be redeemed against all festival tickets, passes, and merchandise, as well as Aesthetica Magazine, the Future Now Symposium, Aesthetica Anthologies, and more. Explore the full list of options here.
Merchandise
Printed Programme
We all love print. It’s a wonderful feeling to experience the tactile nature of a printed programme in your hands – to flip through and mark off all the films and sessions that you’d like to see. We all have such fond memories of doing that at festivals, and this is your way to continue that tradition. This is the ultimate souvenir of the Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025.
Notebook with Pen
Every great idea begins with a single word. The Aesthetica Notebook, Inspired by Ideas, invites you to capture thoughts, sketch projects, and chart the next chapter of your journey. Designed for elegance and practicality, it features a soft-touch cover and 96 sheets of cream, lined 70gsm paper provide an inviting surface for writing, drawing, planning or brainstorming.
Black Tote Bag
We all need to say goodbye to single-use plastic. At Aesthetica, we love a good tote bag – stylish, practical, and sustainable. This Tote Bag made its debut at the Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025 and has become a favorite among film lovers. Show your passion for independent cinema and creative culture by incorporating this tote into your daily life.