From the 4-8 November, York becomes not simply a national meeting point, but a crossroads for film and the broader creative industries as the BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival returns for its 16th edition. Aesthetica has established itself as an important platform for emerging and established talent, bringing filmmakers and audiences together from across the UK and internationally. With around 300 films screening across the city, the programme spans documentary, drama, animation, experimental film, comedy, thriller and much more – offering a snapshot of the ideas, voices and stories shaping contemporary cinema.

The festival is a clear reflection of the broader shift in how audiences consume and experience storytelling today. Alongside its extensive film programme, Aesthetica brings together extended reality, games, immersive art, podcasting and music, creating a broader celebration of screen and media culture. The Immersive Media Arts Trail, XR and Games Lab and Podcasting Lounge sit alongside talks, workshops and live events, while the New Music Stage introduces audiences to breakthrough artists working across genres. It is a programme that reflects the increasingly interconnected worlds of film, technology, music and digital creativity.

For audiences, the weekend is another opportunity available to meet the people behind the various bodies of work. From filmmakers and developers to musicians, podcasters and artists, Aesthetica creates an environment for creative exchange through networking events, the Makers’ Forum and industry sessions. Continually, there are opportunities for the next generation to get involved too, with workshops for young people exploring filmmaking, animation and games. 

Whether you’re looking for your next great film, to discover new talent or experience something new, here are 10 things not to miss at Aesthetica Film Festival.

1. Dive into 300 Films from Around the World

At the heart of Aesthetica is, of course, the cinema. With around 300 films across a diverse range of genres, the programme offers everything from documentaries and dramas to animation, experimental work, comedy, horror and more. With screenings taking place across York, it’s the perfect opportunity to be able to discover new filmmakers, encounter unexpected stories and find a new favourite film. Whether you’re looking for a thought-provoking documentary, an adventurous new drama or something completely unexpected, the breadth of the programme means there’s plenty to be explored and something for every kind of film lover.

2. Explore the Immersive Media Arts Trail

Go beyond the traditional cinema screen with the Immersive Media Arts Trail, bringing ambitious digital, interactive and large-scale work to venues and public spaces across York. This year’s trail features work by artists including Squidsoup, Steve Messam and Being Now Here, inviting audiences to experience storytelling in different ways. Look out for 20 three-metre towers transforming the city, beside artwork reaching a scale comparable to York Theatre Royal. From immersive installations to monumental works, the trail shows the breadth of contemporary media arts, inviting audiences to explore, interact and experience work instead of watch it.

3. Play 50 Indie Games at the Games & VR Lab

Game lovers should make an immediate beeline for the Games & VR Lab, where you can play 50 indie titles and discover everything from adventures and platformers to RPGs. It’s an opportunity to encounter inventive new worlds, try games you may not have discovered elsewhere and find your next favourite experience. There’s also the opportunity to step into the VR Lab, put on a headset and be transported into different narratives, places and experiences. Available every day throughout the festival, the Games & VR Lab offers a chance to explore how games and immersive technology are increasingly expanding the possibilities of contemporary storytelling.

4. Discover the Next Generation of Musicians at the New Music Stage

Aesthetica is not simply just about what’s happening on screen. The New Music Stage showcases 10 breakthrough acts making waves across indie, folk, jazz, pop and other genres, bringing fresh voices and sounds to this year’s festival. The performances are split across two sessions, with five acts in each, giving audiences the opportunity to discover emerging artists and experience new music live. Whether you’re already following the next generation of musicians or simply want to expose yourself to something new, the stage offers a chance to encounter exciting talent and support artists at an important point in their creative journeys.

5. Get Inside the Creative Process at the Makers’ Forum

Curious how some of the festival’s most inventive projects came together? Head to the Makers’ Forum, where creators from film, games, XR and podcasts have just 10 minutes each to showcase their work. It’s a fast-paced look into the creative process, giving audiences the chance to hear directly from the people behind this year’s Official Selection projects. Each team shares the journey from first idea through to final delivery, offering a glimpse into the challenges, discoveries and decisions involved in bringing an ambitious creative vision to life. It’s a chance to discover what’s shaping the future of screen and media culture.

6. Hear BBC Introducing’s Jess Iszatt on Nurturing New Talent

BBC Introducing has helped launch the careers of artists including Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, Raye, Sam Fender, Aitch, Olivia Dean and Tom Grennan. At Aesthetica, BBC Introducing presenter Jess Iszatt will discuss her career and the importance of nurturing emerging artists. The session offers an insight into how new musicians develop their careers, find audiences and access opportunities that can help take their work further. For anyone interested in the music industry, discovering new talent or understanding what it takes for artists to break through, this is an opportunity to hear directly from someone working at the forefront of supporting the next generation.

7. Get Inside the World of Music and Film at Sync in Focus

For those interested in the relationship between music and screen, Sync in Focus explores the world of sync licensing and creative collaboration. The session brings leading figures from Universal Music, Rough Trade Records and Domino Recording Company, to discuss how music is placed in film and television. Following the talks, attendees can connect informally, pass ideas and explore potential collaborations with fellow creatives and industry experts. Taking place as part of Music at Aesthetica, the session offers a chance to grasp the creative and commercial relationship between sound and screen, while opening up talks about where music can take a story.

8. Bring the Family to the Kids Workshops

Aesthetica is putting the next generation of filmmakers and games creators centre stage with workshops for 7–14-year-olds, giving young people the chance to discover the excitement of bringing their own ideas to life. Participants can direct films, create games, make animated shorts and act in their own stories, experiencing different sides of the creative process. It’s a chance to experiment, make something of their own and discover that their ideas can become stories, worlds and experiences. Above all, the workshops are designed to inspire the next generation of creative talent, building confidence and encouraging children to imagine what they might create next.

Pre-booking is essential.

9. Meet the Makers and Raise a Glass

Looking to make connections while soaking up the festival atmosphere? Meet the Makers brings together filmmakers, developers, podcasters, cinema lovers and other creatives for an informal evening of drinks and networking. It’s an opportunity to catch up with people you’ve already met during the festival, make new connections and share ideas with others working across film and the wider creative industries. Whether you’re an established creative, developing your first project or passionate about cinema, everyone is welcome. Guests receive a complimentary glass of wine on arrival, with the event sponsored by Sticks and Glass, a new post-production space.

10. End the Festival in Style at Awards Night & After Party

Bring the festival to a close at Aesthetica’s Awards Ceremony, celebrating the filmmakers and creatives behind this year’s programme. Prizes are awarded across the festival’s genre categories, alongside Best of Fest and Special Guest Awards, recognising the breadth of talent showcased throughout the event. Following the ceremony, join filmmakers, delegates and audiences for a drinks reception before heading to the After Party at Thor’s. It’s the final opportunity to celebrate the discoveries, conversations and connections made across the festival – bringing together the Aesthetica community for one last evening of film, creativity and celebration.

And Don’t Miss…

There’s more happening across the festival, including the Podcasting Lounge, where you can discover the world of audio storytelling and connect with podcasters and creatives. The Guardian Guest Screening also marks ten years of the award-winning Guardian Documentaries strand with four coming-of-age films from the UK, US and Australia. The films explore young people navigating issues including the climate emergency, social media exploitation, mental health and caring responsibilities. And as the festival draws to a close, Last Chance Encounters offers one last chance to meet creatives, reflect on the week and continue conversations started during Aesthetica.

From 300 films and emerging music to VR, games, podcasts, immersive art and industry conversations, Aesthetica Film Festival transforms York into a meeting point for contemporary screen and media culture. Whether you’re coming for one screening or planning to fill your entire weekend, there is plenty to discover.

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Aesthetica Film Festival 2026 runs 4-8 November in York, UK. Click here to book your festival pass.

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