Tickets & Passes .
Choose how you want to view.
Here at Aesthetica, we are delighted to be hosting the 15th edition of the festival both in-person and online: 5-9 November in York, UK, and a Month of Film online until 30 November. There are three ways to attend the festival: in-person, virtually, or through a hybrid mixture of both. Whether you’re joining us online or in-person, we look forward to seeing you and connecting through the best new cinema.
In Person Passes
Come and join us in York. 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. Single Screening tickets are available, valid for one film screening only. 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 2025. 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 5-9 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 5-9 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 5-9 November. It does not include digital access, only to in-person events in York.
Single Screening
Valid for one screening at any venue from 5-9 November. The ticket holder may attend one film screening in any venue on any day. Take your email to the festival hub, where you will be given a paper ticket. The ticket is valid for one use only and does not allow access to masterclasses. Please note that seating is first-come, first-served.
York Resident Pass
Save 25% on a One Day Festival Pass with a York Card or proof of York address. This is an opportunity for York residents to attend the festival and soak up the films. Proof of residency will be required upon collection. You must live in York to qualify for this pass. This is for film screenings only, and does not include Masterclasses.
Opening Night
Aesthetica launches its 15th edition with a screening of inspiring and thought-provoking works from the 2025 Official Selection. Curated by Festival Director Cherie Federico, our Opening Night Ceremony spans a broad range of themes, topics and genres, providing a taster of what’s to come over the week and showing the power of film.
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. This receipt will also contain instructions on how to access the virtual platform.
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 5-30 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 5-30 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 5-30 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’re not able 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 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 5-30 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 5-30 November. Online only. This ticket does not include in-person access to screenings or events happening in York.
Kids' Workshops
Please note, Kids’ Workshops are separate ticketed events running alongside the festival. They are not included with a festival pass and needs to be booked in advance. However, you do not need a festival pass for your child to attend the workshops.
Want to Be A Filmmaker?
(7-10yrs)
Discover the magic of filmmaking behind the scenes in our hands-on workshop for kids, led by PQA. Through engaging activities and practical experience, young filmmakers will begin developing a comprehensive understanding of how the filmmaking process works. Those taking part will learn the fundamentals of camera operation, sound design and direction. By the end of the workshop, each child will have the exciting opportunity to plan, direct and shoot a short film.
How to Make a Game?
(7-10yrs)
Join ComputerXplorers instructors who are passionate about gaming and nurturing young talent in a workshop that will introduce children to coding software. Participants will be guided through the whole process, given support and reassurance throughout the session. This is perfect place to start with coding, enabling children to create digital stories, games and animations, encouraging creativity and problem-solving. Those involved will boost skills and make friends.
How to Make Stop-Motion?
(7-10yrs)
Dive into the enchanting world of stop-motion animation in our engaging workshop for kids aged 7-10, led by Hijinks. Working in pairs or small groups, depending on whether they attend alone or with friends, children will learn the essentials of stop-motion animation production. Each group will work together to brainstorm ideas, create their own models, characters, and props using clay, before bringing their creations to life with the incredible magic of stop-motion.
Stories for Screen
(11-14yrs)
In this dynamic workshop from PQA, young storytellers will explore the art of story development and performance in front of the camera. From writing imaginative plots to crafting compelling characters, participants will work in groups to learn how to bring an idea to life on screen. By the end, each child will have the opportunity to showcase their skills. Whether your child dreams of becoming a filmmaker or loves to act, this workshop offers a fun and educational experience.
Want to Be a Game Dev?
(11-14yrs)
In this workshop, led by ComputerXplorers, you’ll begin your journey to become a game developer by learning the basics of game design. Discover the fundamentals of character development, level creation and storytelling. You will learn about programming and get hands-on experience creating your own games. Unleash your imagination as you bring your own designs to life. Get ready to dive into development tools and see how code transforms into something more.
Characters Come to Life
(11-14yrs)
Learn how to make your own characters – people or animals – come to life with the magic of claymation. Throughout, participants will gain hands-on experience in crafting and animating short films, and by the end they will have produced their very own animation around 10-15 seconds in length. This workshop, led by Hijinks, is perfect for fostering creativity, teamwork, and technical skills, whilst offering a fun and educational experience that will spark a love of animation.
Beyond the Frame
Aesthetica is going Beyond the Frame and expanding beyond a traditional film festival to present a vibrant new programme of live events at York Theatre Royal. Join us for four unforgettable evenings, featuring comedy from Sophie Duker (Taskmaster) and friends, film critic Mark Kermode in conversation, live music from rising stars, and a landmark silent film screening with live accompaniment by The Dodge Brothers.
Comedy Night:
Sophie Duker & Friends
19:30 Wednesday 5 November
An all-women comedy night featuring the UK’s sharpest, boldest voices in stand-up. Headliner Sophie Duker (Taskmaster Champion) is a comedy force of nature. Support comes from Eleanor Tiernan (BBC3’s Stand Up For Live Comedy) whose dry, acerbic humour and intelligent writing have earned her praise and MC Bella Hull (Comedy Central Live) brings energy, charm, and a razor-sharp tongue. Three brilliant women. One electric night.
Silent Cinema & Live Score
with The Dodge Brothers
19:30 Thursday 6 November
The Dodge Brothers bring their acclaimed live score to silent film Beggars of Life (1928) a landmark American silent film. With renowned film critic Mark Kermode on double bass and harmonica and joined by acclaimed accompanist Neil Brand. From performing at Glastonbury, Latitude, or on screen, The Dodge Brothers have built a cult following for their foot-stomping sound. This is silent film as you’ve never experienced it — urgent, loud and alive.
Mark Kermode:
with Jenny Nelson
19:00 Friday 7 November
Join Britain’s best-known film critic Mark Kermode (Kermode & Mayo’s Take; BBC Radio 4’s Screenshot) and award-winning radio producer Jenny Nelson for an evening of cinematic insight, sharp wit and passionate debate, inspired by their new book Mark Kermode’s Surround Sound. This is a night of honest, hilarious, and deeply informed film talk you simply won’t hear anywhere else — from the definitive voice of British cinema.
New Music Stage
14:00 – 22:30 Saturday 8 November
Aesthetica Film Festival is breaking new ground with the launch of the New Music Stage. For the first time, audiences will be able to experience the UK’s most exciting new acts within a film festival context. This is where tomorrow’s headliners begin. Ten breakthrough artists will take to the stage, spanning genres from indie and soul to hip-hop and experimental pop. Each has been handpicked for their originality, energy, and potential to shape the sound of the future. The line-up is: BLÁNID, Crazy James, Daisy Gill, Dilettante, Ewan Sim, Isabel Maria, Jemma Johnson, Kengo, Pleasure Centre and Tarian. These artists are in the running for industry recognition and mentorship with Universal Music. Delivered in partnership with Talentbanq, Imagesound, and Caffè Nero.