The Aesthetica Short Film Festival is York’s largest cultural event of the year, with over 300 Official Selection film screenings, industry-led masterclasses, practical workshops and social events. There are plenty of opportunities to learn something new, develop new connections and feel inspired by filmmaking.
Since there’s just so much available to get involved in, we thought we’d give you 10 recommendations of what to check out at the festival:
1. Opening Night Ceremony
This event is the launch of the 12th edition of the film festival. There is a special screening of outstanding, inspiring and thought-provoking works from the 2021 Official Selection. The Opening Night Ceremony, curated by Festival Director, Cherie Federico, introduces audiences to the breadth of the programme with a screening that captures a taste of what to expect over the course of the festival.
2. Official Selection Screenings
Experience a vast range of film screenings with the Official Selection programme. This curated set of over 300 films provides something for everyone, with genres including comedy, drama, animation, documentary, family friendly, thriller and more, alongside feature-length documentaries and narratives. See the filmmakers of the future here!
3. Virtual Reality Labs
Held daily from 1-6 November at City Screen, the Virtual Reality Labs offer opportunities to experience immersive storytelling. Explore new worlds and discover 360 cinema, held alongside panel discussions on the latest technologies at York Explore. These sessions are in partnership with the Screen School at LCC.
4. Hey, Sunshine Party
The Hey, Sunshine Party is the first party of the festival, held Wednesday 2 November from 8pm. With a throwback to the 1970s and 1980s, this event is the perfect opportunity to grab a free gin and tonic and experience the classics like The Stranglers, Blondie, David Bowie, Kate Bush, ABBA and more. Grab a drink, make some new connections, and ease into the week ahead.
5. Pitching Sessions
If you’re developing a new short or feature project or looking for advice to develop your next big idea, you can apply for a 1-on-1 Pitching Session by Friday 14 October and be invited to receive invaluable feedback on your work. With representatives from BBC Film, Film4, StudioCanal and Guardian Documentaries, amongst others, the Pitching Sessions are an incredible opportunity to talk to top industry professionals and develop your ideas.
6. Listening Pitch Film Premieres & Live Hardware Performance
Aesthetica and Audible have teamed up to run The Listening Pitch, which aimed to discover original stories that demonstrate how listening lets us understand different points of view. Join on Saturday 5 November at 6:30pm for the premiere of three winning films and the 2021 winner, Blind as a Beat. Drinks will be provided on arrival, and the premieres are followed by a live hardware performance.
7. Fringe Exhibition
Head to the Street Life Hub on Coney Street in November and experience the transformative power of art. This free exhibition, Unite. Create. Transform., brings together 10 award-winning artists, whose work invites viewers to explore, discover and engage with the contemporary world. There are 10 contemporary artists on display alongside a new commission.
8. Friday Night Party
1331 hosts the renowned Friday Night Party, helping to carry Aesthetica Short Film Festival into a weekend of social events and inspiring cinema. The party takes place in York’s vibrant Grape Lane, an ideal location to join in with the festivities or re-group with new friends. Grab a drink, connect with industry members and prepare for a jam-packed weekend.
9. Sounds Installation
Discover sounds you’ve never heard before from one of the UK’s most exciting sound artists. Audible, Aesthetica and London College of Communication have teamed up to commission new work by Jin Chia Ching Ho. Using 5-channel Genelec speakers, this installation presents the audio of 5 natural materials: metal, wood, water, fire and earth. Jin has created a unique 1-hour experience based on how we understand sound in a changing world.
10. Awards Ceremony
Drawing the in-person festival to a close, the Awards Ceremony welcomes filmmakers, delegates and audiences to watch the live prize-giving ceremony. Prizes are awarded for the best film in each genre, as well as the Audience Choice, Best of Fest and Special Guest awards. Take part in the celebration, which will be followed by a drinks reception.
Aesthetica Film Festival takes place in-person 1-6 November and continues virtually until 30 November. A huge selection of screenings, events and masterclasses will be available On Demand. Join in, be part of the largest cultural event in York this year and enjoy the best of independent new cinema.
There are three ticket options: In-Person, Virtual or Hybrid. #YorkDays tickets start from £12.50. Visit: asff.co.uk
Download the 2022 Programme here: https://issuu.com/aesthetica_magazine/docs/aesthetica_short_film_festival_2022?fr=sMDgyODUyNTQxNzU