Aesthetica Film Festival Returns to York: Here’s What To Expect

I’ll admit: when HARD went to Aesthetica last year, I had major fomo. So this year, when I got the chance for those golden press tickets, I pounced on them with everything I had. With tickets in my inbox, time scribbled out of my messy calendar, I'm now counting down the days until I can gloat on my Instagram story that I got tickets to the UK’s biggest (and best) event in the screen industry. As Aesthetica celebrates its 15th Anniversary, it's time to unpack: what actually is AFF (yes, I'm cool enough to use the acronym now), and what can it promise us this year?

From Wednesday the 5th to Sunday the 9th of November, the historic city of York is set to be transformed into a cultural hub, enticing filmmakers and eager audiences from across the globe. The star of Aesthetica is without a doubt, short film, with the festival promising over 300 ​​screenings across the city. Key locations include the City Screen Picturehouse, York Art Gallery, and York Theatre Royal. Taking over these familiar hotspots, AFF will bring the creative energy of cinema, music, and everything in between to our well-loved York. 

Films screened will range from documentary and animation, to thriller and even fashion. Across a huge array of genres, the festival claims to champion bold storytelling from a global scene of voices and backgrounds - as well as including some BAFTA and Oscar nominated titles.

Despite the title, Aesthetica isn’t just about film. This year it will showcase a ‘VR and Games Lab’, exploring virtual, augmented, and mixed reality. Other highlights include a brand new ‘Podcast Lounge’ (which I can’t wait to check out!) and the debut of the ‘New Music Stage’, boasting a whole music festival within a festival - there really is something for everyone.

Big names this year include stand-up comedian Sophie Ducker and film critic/media star Mark Kermode in the festival’s ‘Beyond The Frame’ series. I'm especially excited for the Silent Cinema and Live Score from the Dodge Brothers. But perhaps most importantly, the festival brings the ‘Aesthetica Fringe’: a city-wide celebration of art, culture and music. Applauding the creative energy of York and beyond, this year's AFF entices everyone into the power of storytelling. 

As someone who hasn’t yet been immersed into the wide world of short films, I can’t wait to see what Aesthetica has to offer. Hopefully by the end of the weekend, I'll earn my pass to become a certified film nerd.

Stay tuned to see myself and the HARD team take Aesthetica Film Festival, or maybe take a trip yourself! Tickets can be purchased via this link: https://www.asff.co.uk/tickets/ (with student discounts available).