Discover New Cinema
xr | Games | Music | Podcasts 4-8 November 2026 ASFF.CO.UK 1
SPONSORS, PARTNERS & DELEGATES
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WELCOME Welcome to the 16th edition of the Aesthetica Film Festival. It is with great excitement that I introduce you to this year’s event, which has so much on offer. The 2026 programme brings together world-class independent film, with immersive VR experiences, innovative games and the return of our Podcast Lounge and New Music Stage, creating multiple ways to engage with culture and storytelling. At its heart, Aesthetica champions exceptional creative work whilst sparking conversations about the power of screen and media. They have a unique ability to illuminate untold stories, foster empathy and inspire change. Alongside it, XR and emerging technologies continue to expand the possibilities of narrative, inviting audiences into new worlds and perspectives. Together, these art forms encourage curiosity, imagination and connection. Our 2026 programme spans an extraordinarily wide range of genres. The VR Lab returns with 25 immersive 4
projects that push the boundaries of storytelling, whilst the Games Lab showcases 55 new titles to play, from independent creators. Aesthetica remains the only UK film festival to integrate games into its public programme, reflecting our commitment to celebrating the full spectrum of screen culture. The Podcasting Lounge also returns, offering space to discover powerful narratives told through sound. One of the most rewarding aspects of the festival is seeing a vibrant community of makers, audiences and industry leaders come together in York. The city becomes a hub for innovation and exchange, welcoming visitors from across the country and around the world. We are also hosting the UK Production Summit, bringing together 150 leading companies with a keynote from the Director of Film4. As the festival continues to evolve, we are expanding beyond a traditional model into a wider celebration of screen culture and live performance.
For example, the New Music Stage welcomes BBC Radio 1’s Jess Iszatt and showcases 10 breakthrough artists spanning indie, hip-hop and pop. Running alongside the festival is the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO, featuring 40 creative businesses and organisations. The EXPO celebrates York’s position as the UK’s only UNESCO City of Media Arts and one of just 28 worldwide. Open to both festival audiences and the general public, it highlights the innovation taking place in the city and beyond. New for this year is a programme of talks at the EXPO, focusing on the business of the creative industries. Our film screenings are curated by genre – from Animation and Comedy to Drama, Documentary, Thriller, Family Friendly and more. These collections reflect the richness of the human experience. There are guest programmes from our partners, including the BBC and Guardian, which demonstrate the rich global reach of contemporary storytelling. Industry
masterclasses welcome experts from Aardman, BBC Film, Film4 and Ridley Scott Associates alongside award-winning directors, costume designers, sound mixers, editors, producers and VFX supervisors. Workshops explore AI, VR, careers in gaming and adaptation, whilst younger audiences can discover filmmaking, acting, coding and the magic of stopmotion animation. Visitors are invited to explore the Film Poster Exhibition, the Radical Listening Media Arts Trail, 13 world premieres presented in partnership with Audible and our experimental composing event with six brand new commissions. I encourage you to take a leap into something new – watch a film outside your comfort zone, play an independent game or step into an XR experience. There is a universe of discovery waiting at Aesthetica, and your participation makes this festival so special. Cherie Federico, Festival Director 5
CONTENTS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ACCESSIBILITY FESTIVAL TICKETS TIMETABLE VENUES MAP OUR TEAM EVENTS UNESCO EXPO EXHIBITIONS AND ART TRAIL MUSIC AT AESTHETICA FAMILIES AT AESTHETICA 6
8 9 10 12 31 34 36 50 60 64 66 70
OFFICIAL SELECTION FILMS VR LAB GAMES LAB PODCAST LOUNGE GUEST PROGRAMMES NEW WAVE MASTERCLASSES WORKSHOPS KIDS’ WORKSHOPS NETWORKING PITCHING THE MAKERS’ INDEX
73 143 148 158 163 176 180 206 212 215 222 251 7
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW Aesthetica Film Festival 2026 takes place 4-8 November in York, UK. ■
The festival programme comprises three main sections: Official Selection (p. 73), Industry (p.180) and Social and Networking (p. 215).
■
The festival will run 4-8 November in the centre of York, and includes film screenings; VR and Games Labs; Podcasting Lounge, masterclasses; social and networking events; workshops and the New Music Stage.
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The UNESCO City of Media Arts Expo is open to all. It is a multi-day showcase that is celebrating the creative industries across the city and beyond. The companies span design, film, games and TV. 5-6 November
■
The New Music Stage, at York Theatre Royal, is a separate ticketed events. 7 November Your Unlimited or Saturday Day Festival Pass allows you free entry.
■
For information and updates see asff.co.uk and social media sites. X: @asffest | Instagram: @asffestival .
TICKETING AND REGISTRATION ■
Festival Passes grant access to screenings, masterclasses and events at the festival in York.
■
Single Screening Tickets provide entry to one in-person film screening only.
■
Group Education Tickets include admission to screenings, pre-booked masterclasses, Labs and exhibitions.
■
If you book online, your In-Person Pass or Single Screening Ticket receipt must be exchanged for a paper ticket / lanyard at the Hub Desk (City Screen Picturehouse, York, YO1 9QL) between 4-8 November 9:30 - 18:00. Staff will be on-hand to answer your questions.
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All passes can be purchased at asff.co.uk/tickets or on the day at the Hub Desk.
■
Pre-registration is required for masterclasses, VR and Games Labs, workshops, plus some social and networking events. Most events are free-to-attend with a valid festival pass, but a registration must be made at asff.co.uk/events to secure your place. Your pass must be valid on the same day as the event you want to attend. Screenings don’t require pre-booking. They operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
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A Music at Aesthetica ticket gives access to all festival events taking place at York Theatre Royal, 7 November.
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Unlimited and Saturday Day tickets allow entry to the Aesthetica New Music Stage at York Theatre Royal taking place on Saturday 7 November.
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Please note: the Opening Night Ceremony is a separate ticketed event. Book at asff.co.uk/tickets.
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This programme is subject to change at any time and will be updated digitally.
ACCESSIBILITY a safe and all-inclusive environment for every attendee
Carers, Personal Assistants & Interpreters Complimentary passes are available to all Carers, Personal Assistants and Sign-Language Interpreters, but these must be booked in advance. A proof of DLA or a valid CEA card will be required for booking. For more information, please email office@asff.co.uk.
Venue Access Although some of the venues at the festival are located in York’s historic buildings, the majority of this year’s locations are fully or partially wheelchair accessible – please check our venues over on p. 31 for further details. Wheelchair spaces are subject to availability.
Hearing Loops & Subtitled Screenings Hearing Loops and headphones are available at City Screen and at York St John Creative Centre. Fully subtitled reels are available across all genres. These screenings are specially curated for anyone with hearing difficulties. Look out for the symbol in the film schedule. Foreign language films are also with English subtitles and are clearly marked.
Parent & Guardian Screenings As part of our commitment to engage with younger audiences, we present a selection of Family Friendly screenings. Please see p. 125 to learn more about this year’s offerings.
FURTHER INFORMATION For all accessibility enquiries and adjustments, please email office@asff.co.uk. Alternatively, the Hub staff will be able to answer any questions during the festival (9:30-18:00)
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TICKETS & PASSES SINGLE SCREENING • •
Valid for one screening at any venue from 4-8 November Seating is arranged on a first-come, first-served basis
ADULT: £8.50 | SENIOR: £7 | STUDENT: £7
• •
Valid for one screening at any venue from 4-8 November Seating is arranged on a first-come, first-served basis
5-14 YEARS: £6 | 4 & UNDER: FREE
2026 PASSES • • • •
One day in-venue access to screenings and events Attend masterclasses, workshops, labs and more (pre-register online) Ticket is valid for one day within 4-8 November A Saturday Day ticket includes entry to the New Music Stage
ADULT: £39 | SENIOR: £33 | STUDENT: £33 | 5-14 YEARS: £30 | YORK RESIDENT: 25% OFF
• • • •
Two days in-venue access to screenings and events Attend masterclasses, workshops, labs and more (pre-register online) Ticket is valid for two days within 4-8 November A Saturday ticket includes entry to the New Music Stage
ADULT: £65 | SENIOR: £55 | STUDENT: £55 | 5-14 YEARS: £50
• • • •
Five days in-venue access to screenings and events Attend masterclasses, workshops, labs and more (pre-register online) Ticket is valid 4-8 November Includes entry to the New Music Stage on Saturday 7 November
ADULT: £120 | SENIOR: £100 | STUDENT: £100 10
TICKETS & PASSES KIDS’ WORKSHOPS & PASSES • • • • •
Access to one kids’ workshop on Saturday 7 or Sunday 8 November Workshops are split into two age groups: 7-10 years and 11-14 years Information on the workshops can be found on pg. 212 Does not include access to the other festival events. Includes free single screening ticket for one parent or guardian
TICKET PRICE: £20
• • • •
Valid for two adults and up to two children Includes access to film screenings and events Kids’ Workshop ticket must be purchased separately An example itinerary can be found on pg. 70
TICKET PRICE: £99 | YORK RESIDENT: £74.95
MUSIC AT AESTHETICA • • •
Access to the New Music Stage at York Theatre Royal See pg. 66 for more information Access to all festival events happening on Saturday 7 November
TICKET PRICE: £39
MERCHANDISE • • •
Available at the Hub Desk, City Screen Cinema Available online at asff.co.uk/tickets Tote bags, notebooks, posters, programmes and more
FROM: £4.95 11
WEDNESDAY 4 NOVEMBER For ratings and more information on films, see detailed listings from pg. 73 TIME 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30 23:00
CITY SCREEN SCREEN 1
CITY SCREEN SCREEN 2
CITY SCREEN SCREEN 3
FRIARGATE
Drama 15
Comedy 1
Experimental 4
Documentary 1
Family Animation 1
New Wave: York St John
Drama 7
Friendly 1 (U)
ROYAL YORK THEATRE ROYAL YORKSHIRE MUSEUM YORK THEATRE STUDIO MAIN HOUSE
Framestore:
Finding Your
The VFX Behind
Directorial
Project Hail
Voice: Filmmaker
Mary
in Conversation
The Role of the Camera Operator
From Broadcast Drama 9
Documentary 2
Experimental 5
Thriller 2
Drama 17
Comedy 6
Drama 14
In Other
to Make a
and Future
Ridley Scott
World-Buidling
Film
Storytelling in
to Streaming:
Games:
Film4: Shorts
Producing TV in
Crafting
to Features
the UK Today
Narrative Armour
Meet
Driving Inclusion
Commissioners
at ITV:
from BBC, ITV,
Diversity, Equity
Channel 5 & Sky
& Representation
Comedy 3 Making Puffin
Inside
Rock: Crafting
Podcasting:
Animation for
Cutting Through
Young Audiences
The Noise
Drama 3
Documentary 3
Dance 1
Artist’s Film 3
Animation 2
Music Video 2
Music Video 1
Night Drama 2
Thriller 3
(Arrival from 18:00 pre-booked tickets only)
Drama 5
Comedy 5
What it Takes
Worlds: Film
Opening Ceremony
Drama 11
Documentary 5
Animation 5
NATIONAL CENTRE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR EARLY MUSIC FOR EARLY MUSIC 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30 23:00
VR Lab
CITY SCREEN BASEMENT
MALMAISON
CITY SCREEN
SPARK
YORK THEATRE ROYAL YORK THEATRE UPPER FOYER ROYAL COLONNADE
Games Lab Workshop: Scottish Games Pitching
Network
& 1:1s VR Lab
Games Lab Stak (12:00-14:00)
Networking:
Channel 5
VFX for
Forum:
World Cafe
Independent
Spotlight
Filmmakers
Sessions with
(12:00-14:00) VR Lab
Games Lab
the Creators Ridley Scott
of Our Official
Associates
Selection
(15:00-17:00)
Workshop: The Pitch: Learn
Dartmouth Films VR Lab
Games Lab
Podcast
(15:00-17:00)
Lounge
About Film Poster
Adaptation
Exhibition Film4 (15:30-17:30
VR Lab
Games Lab
(Application
Workshop:
Only)
Film Hub North Roundtable
VR Lab
Games Lab
VR Lab
Games Lab
VR Lab
Games Lab
Makers’
Filmmakers’
DAILY EVENTS WEDNESDAY 4 NOVEMBER Masterclasses & Workshops
VENUE
TIME
Framestore: The VFX Behind Project Hail Mary
Yorkshire Museum
10:30-11:30
Finding Your Directorial Voice: Filmmakers in Conversation
York Theatre Royal Studio
10:30-11:30
Workshop: The Power of Playful Thinking with Scottish Games Network
Spark
10:30-11:30
In Other Worlds: Film and Future World-Building
York Theatre Royal Studio
12:00-13:00
The Role of the Camera Operator
Yorkshire Museum
12:00-13:00
What it Takes to Make a Ridley Scott film
York Theatre Royal Main House
12:00-13:00
Workshop: Filmmakers’ World Cafe: With the Visionaries of Our Official Selection
Spark
12:00-13:30
From Broadcast to Streaming: Producing TV in the UK Today
Yorkshire Museum
13:30-14:30
Storytelling in Games: Crafting Narrative Across Platforms
York Theatre Royal Studio
13:30-14:30
Film4: From Shorts to Features
York Theatre Royal Main House
13:30-14:30
Workshop: The Pitch Film Fund: Learn about Adaptation
Spark
14:00-15:00
Meet Commissioners from BBC, Channel 5, ITV and Sky
Yorkshire Museum
15:00-16:00
Driving Inclusion at ITV: Diversity, Equity and Representation
York Theatre Royal Studio
15:00-16:00
Workshop: Roundtable: Film Hub North
Spark
16:00-17:00
Making Puffin Rock: Crafting Animation for Young Audiences
Yorkshire Museum
16:30-17:30
Inside Podcasting: Cutting through the Noise
York Theatre Royal Studio
16:30-17:30
Events & Networking
VENUE
TIME
Official Selection: Games Lab
NCEM
10.00-21.30
Official Selection: VR Lab
NCEM
10.00-21.30
Official Selection: Podcasting Lounge
City Screen Basement
10.00-21.30
Film Poster Exhibition
City Screen
9:30-22:30
Makers’ Forum
York Theatre Royal Colonnade Cafe
10:00-17:00
Networking: VFX for Indie Filmmakers: Making the Impossible Work
York Theatre Royal Upper Foyer
12:00-13:30
York Stakeholder Lunch
The Ivy
12:00-13:30
Radical Listening Media Arts Trail
City Centre
9:00-22:00
1:1 Feedback Session: Stak (Application only)
Malmaison
12:00-14:00
Pitching: Channel 5 (Application only)
Malmaison
12:00-14:00
Pitching: Dartmouth Films (Application only)
Malmaison
15:00-17:00
Pitching: Ridley Scott Associates (Application only)
Malmaison
15:00-17:00
Pitching: Film 4 (Application only)
Malmaison
15:30-17:30
Opening Night Ceremony (Separate ticket required)
City Screen
18:00-Late
THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER CITY SCREEN SCREEN 1 09:00 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 -
16
Drama 12
CITY SCREEN SCREEN 2
Documentary
CITY SCREEN SCREEN 3
Drama 17
For ratings and more information on films, see detailed listings from pg. 73 FRIARGATE
Thriller 1
1
New Wave: Animation 3
Regents Street
Comedy 6
THEATRE YORK THEATRE NATIONAL CENTRE NATIONAL CENTRE YORKSHIRE MUSEUM YORK ROYAL STUDIO ROYAL MAIN HOUSE FOR EARLY MUSIC FOR EARLY MUSIC
Neal Street
Truth on Screen
Productions:
How to Make
Pick & Mix 1
Award
a Standout
Animation
Winning Stories
Documentary
Ideas to
A Shared
Greenlight:
Vision: The
Family
Bringing Your
Craft of
Friendly 2
Story to Life
Collaboration
Pick & Mix 2 Docs, Drama and Dance
VR Lab
Games Lab
VR Lab
Games Lab
VR Lab
Games Lab
VR Lab
Games Lab
VR Lab
Games Lab
VR Lab
Games Lab
VR Lab
Games Lab
VR Lab
Games Lab
(U)
University
Documentary
Drama 8
Animation 4
The Producer’s
Games in
Role:
Focus: Inside
Stories
an Evloving
Behind Cameras
Industry
The Future of
Sync Licensing
A Directing
XR:
A Practical
Masterclass:
Entertainment
Guide with
In Conversation
BBC Film: The Next Generation
4
BBC Comedy Drama 15
Guest
and Beyond
Beggar’s Group w/ Mark Jenkin
Comedy 5
Screening
Experimental
Thriller 3
The Art of the
Introducing
Short: Writing
The New Wave
for Screen with
of British
Justine Hart
Cinema
Drama 3
Animation 1
AI is Here:
2
What Happens Reignite XVII
Next?
(Pre-Booking Required)
Comedy 1
Drama 11
Thriller 4
Documentary 6
Beyond the Frame: Nosferatu with Live Score Seperate Ticket
Drama 4
(End 22:30)
Documentary
Experimental
5
4
(End 22:30)
(End 22:30)
Comedy 4
(End 22:30)
Artists’ Film 1
Required
CITY SCREEN BASEMENT 09:00 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 -
MALMAISON
CITY SCREEN
DE GREY ROOMS
SPARK
UNESCO
Virtual
City of
Imperative 2
Pitching
Media Arts
Conference
& 1:1s
EXPO
(9:00-18:00)
YORK THEATRE ROYAL COLONNADE
SOCIALS / NETWORKING
THE GRAND
Ridley Scott Associates
(09:00-12:00
(10:00-12:00)
Booked
Dog Ears
Educational
(10:00-12:00)
Groups Only)
BBC Film
How to Attract top
(10:00-12:00)
12:00-21:00
Actors to
Cinesite
Open to All
Your Short
(York Theatre Makers Forum:
Royal Upper
(11:00-13:00)
Spotlight
Foyer)
ITV
Sessions with
Story Exchange
(12:00-14:00)
BBC Writers
Our Official
Ideas in
The Pitch
Pilot Scheme
Selection
Motion
(12:00-14:00)
Breaking into Screenwriting Film Poster Exhibition
Roundtable:
Podcast
Careers in
Lounge
Interactive Media
Virtual
UK Production
Imperative 2
Company
Conference
Summit
(9:00-18:00)
(Thor’s Tipi) VR & Gaming
(Invitation
Happy Hour
Only)
House of Trembling Madness Meet the Music Industry
17
DAILY EVENTS THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER MasterclassES & Workshops
VENUE
TIME
Truth on Screen: How to Make a Standout Documentary
York Theatre Royal Studio
10:00-11:00
Neal Street Productions: The Making of Award-Winning Stories
Yorkshire Museum
10:00-11:00
Idea to Greenligtht: Bringing Your Story to Life
Yorkshire Museum
11:30-12:30
A Shared Vision: The Craft of Collaborative Filmmaking
York Theatre Royal Studio
11:30-12:30
Workshop: How to Attract Top Actors to Your Short or Feature Project
Spark
11:30-12:30
The Producer’s Role: Shaping Stories Behind the Camera
Yorkshire Museum
13:00-14:00
Games in Focus: Inside a Rapidly Evolving Industry
York Theatre Royal Studio
13:00-14:00
BBC Film: The Next Generation
York Theatre Royal Main House
13:00-14:00
Workshop: BBC Writers Pilot Scheme: Breaking into Screenwriting
Spark
13:00-14:00
The Future of XR: Entertainment and Beyond
Yorkshire Museum
14:30-15:30
A Directing Masterclass: In Conversation with Mark Jenkin
York Theatre Royal Main House
14:30-15:30
Sync Licensing: A Creative and Practical Guide
York Theatre Royal Studio
14:30-15:30
Workshop: Roundtable: Careers in Interactive Media
Spark
14:30-15:30
The Art of the Short: Writing for Screen with Justine Hart
Yorkshire Museum
16:00-17:00
Introducing the New Wave of British Cinema
York Theatre Royal Studio
16:00-17:00
AI is Here: What Happens Next
York Theatre Royal Studio
17:30-18:30
Reignite XVII: Culture as Infrastructure, Stories as Power
Yorkshire Museum
18:00-19:30
Events & Networking
VENUE
TIME
UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO
De Grey Rooms
9:00-21:00
Radical Listening Media Arts Trail
Exhibition Square, York Theatre Royal, King’s Square
9:00-22:00
UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO Workshops
De Grey Rooms
10:00-15:00
Virtual Imperative 2: Conference (Separate Ticket Required)
Spark
09:00-18:00
Official Selection: Games Lab
NCEM
10.00-21.30
Official Selection: VR Lab
NCEM
10.00-21.30
Official Selection: Podcasting Lounge
City Screen Basement
10.00-21.30
Film Poster Exhibition
City Screen
10:00-22:30
Pitching: Ridley Scott Associates (Application only)
Malmaison
10:00-12:00
Pitching: BBC Film (Application only)
Malmaison
10:00-12:00
1:1 Feedback Session: Dog Ears & Cinesite (Application only)
Malmaison
10:00-12:00
Pitching: ITV (Application only)
Malmaison
12:00-14:00
Pitching: The Pitch Film Fund (Application only)
Malmaison
12:00-14:00
Story Exchange: Ideas in Motion with Film Hub North
York Theatre Royal Upper Foyer
12:00-13:30
UK Production Company Summit (Invitation only)
The Grand
15:00-20:00
VR & Gaming Happy Hour
Thor’s Tipi
17:00-18:00
Meet the Music Industry
House of Trembling Madness
20:00-21:00
FRIDAY 6 NOVEMBER For ratings and more information on films, see detailed listings from pg. 73 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00
20
CITY SCREEN SCREEN 1
CITY SCREEN SCREEN 2
CITY SCREEN SCREEN 3
Drama 6
Animation 6
Dance 3
FRIARGATE
Family Friendly 3 (PG)
Fashion Documentary
Thriller 1
Drama 17
3
Calling the Experimental
Shots:
5
Women Driving
Animation 2
YORKSHIRE MUSEUM
YORK THEATRE ROYAL STUDIO
Bohemian
Hear from
Rhapsody to
Derry Girls
Wuthering
Producer
Heights
Brian J. Falconer
A Look
Writing the
Inside the
Future: Inside
Actor-Director
The Pitch’s £2.5k
Relationship
Commission
YORK THEATRE ROYAL MAIN HOUSE
CITY SCREEN BASEMENT
Pick & Mix 3 Docs, Drama, Dance
Aardman Guest Screening
The Final
From Brief to
Cut: What
Screen:
Celebrating 50 Years:
Happens in
Working with
with Aardman
the Edit
Brands
Animation
Making UK
Radical
Writing for
Films: In
Listening:
Television:
Podcast
Conversation
New Scores
Neil Forsyth
Lounge
with RSA
to
in Conversation
Production
Drama 2
Comedy 2
Drama 1
Silent Cinema Icons of Television:
How to Make
Meet BBC
a Short
Comedy
Insights from
Animation 3
Filmmakers Documentary
Drama 13
Experimental 1
1
Listening Pitch
Dance 2
Advertising
BBC Writers
Music Supervision
What Makes
How to Craft
a Great
a Film
Script
Soundtrack
Drama 10
Artists’ Film 2
Audible & Aesthetica Film Premiere Launch Party
Beyond the Frame: Seann Walsh: Comedy 4
Drama 16 (Until 23:00)
Drama 5
Documentary 6
Experimental 3
This is Torture
NATIONAL CENTRE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR EARLY MUSIC FOR EARLY MUSIC 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00
MALMAISON
DE GREY ROOMS
SPARK
YORK THEATRE ROYAL
SOCIALS
THE IVY
COLONNADE
v
VR Lab
Games Lab
: Workshop Finding Adaptable IP
Pitching Ridley Scott Associates (10:00-12:00)
VR Lab
Games Lab
UNESCO
Roundtable:
BFI Doc
City of
Voices from
Society
Media Arts
the Official
(10:00-12:00)
EXPO
VR Selection
BBC Comedy
(09:00-12:00
(11:00-13:30)
Booked
Makers Forum:
VR Lab
Games Lab
Games Lab
Networking:
Sessions with
Educational
Directing /
Bring Your
Our Official
Groups Only)
Working with
Ideas: Meet
Selection
Actors for
The Pitch
Screen
Commissions
Neal Street
VR Lab
Spotlight Workshop:
Productions
12:00-19:00
(14:30-16:30)
Open to All
Team
BBC Writers (15:00-17:00) Games 1:1s
VR Lab
Games Lab
(Application
Ubisoft
Only)
Reflections Networking: Power Creativity (De Grey Rooms then
In Focus:
YTR at 17:00) VR Lab
Women
Games Lab
Shaping the Screen Industries Boat Party: Celebrate
VR Lab
Games Lab
with The Pitch (Lendal Bring Landing)
Friday Night VR Lab
Games Lab
Party (Dusk & Drawing Board)
21
DAILY EVENTS FRIDAY 6 NOVEMBER Masterclasses & Workshops
VENUE
TIME
Global TV, Regional Context: Hear from Derry Girls Producer Brian J Falconer
York Theatre Royal Studio
10:00-11:00
Workshop: Finding Adaptable IP: From Idea to Screen
Spark
10:00-11:00
Bohemian Rhapsody to Wuthering Heights A Masterclass in Sound Design
Yorkshire Museum
10:00-11:00
Writing the Future: Inside The Pitch’s £2,500 Writing Commission
York Theatre Royal Studio
11:30-12:30
A Look Inside the Actor-Director Dynamic
Yorkshire Museum
11:30-12:30
Workshop: Inside the Virtual Studio: Voices from the Creators of our Official VR Selection
Spark
11:30-12:30
Workshop: Directing/Working with Actors for Screen
Spark
13:00-14:30
The Final Cut: What Happens in the Edit
Yorkshire Museum
13:00-14:00
Celebrating 50 Years: Behind the Scenes at Aardman
York Theatre Royal Main House
13:00-14:00
Brief to Screen: Working with Brands from Nike to Sky
York Theatre Royal Studio
13:00-14:00
Calling the Shots: Women Driving Production
City Screen 2
13:30-14:30
Making UK Films: In Conversation with Head of Ridley Scott Associates
Yorkshire Museum
14:30-15:30
Writing for Television: Neil Forsyth in Conversation
York Theatre Royal Main House
14:30-15:30
Icons of Television: Meet the BBC Comedy Team
Yorkshire Museum
16:00-17:00
How to Make a Short: Insights from Filmmakers
York Theatre Royal Studio
16:15-17:15
BBC Writers: What Makes a Great Script
Yorkshire Museum
17:30-18:30
Music Supervision - How to Craft a Film Soundtrack
York Theatre Royal Studio
17:30-18:30
Events & Networking
VENUE
TIME
UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO
De Grey Rooms
9:00-19:00
UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO Workshops
De Grey Rooms
10:00-15:00
Official Selection: Games Lab
NCEM
10:00-21:30
Official Selection: VR Lab
NCEM
10:00-21:30
1:1 Feedback Sessions: Dartmouth Films BBC Comedy, Cinesite & Ubisoft (Application only)
Malmaison
Various times
Official Selection: Podcasting Lounge
City Screen Basement
10.00-21:30
Pitching: Ridley Scott Associates (Application only)
Malmaison
10:00-12:00
Pitching: Doc Society (Application only)
Malmaison
10:00-12:00
Networking: Bring Your Ideas Meet The Pitch Commissioning Team
York Theatre Royal Upper Foyer
13:00-14:30
Pitching: Neal Street Productions (Application only)
Malmaison
14:30-16:30
Radical Listening: New Scores to Silent Cinema
York Theatre Royal Studio
14:30-16:00
Pitching: BBC (Application only)
Malmaison
15:00-17:00
Powering Creativity: Pushing the Creative Industries Further
York Theatre Royal Upper Foyer
16:00-18:00
In Focus: Women Shaping the Screen Industries
The Ivy
17:00-20:00
Listening Pitch: Film Premiere
City Screen 1
19:00-23:00
The Pitch Launch Boat Party (Invitation only)
Lendal Bridge Landing, River Ouse
19:00-20:00
Friday Night Party
Dusk & Drawing Board
20:00-Late
SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER For ratings and more information on films, see detailed listings from pg. 73 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30
24
YSJU YSJU YSJU DE GREY CREATIVE CENTRE CREATIVE CENTRE LECTURE THEATRE AUDITORIUM LISTENING ROOM
YORK THEATRE ROYAL STUDIO
Experimental
Documentary
Scoring to
4
3
CITY SCREEN SCREEN 1
CITY SCREEN SCREEN 2
CITY SCREEN SCREEN 3
FRIARGATE
YORKSHIRE MUSEUM
Drama 1
Comedy 2
Thriller 3
Drama 4
Animation 4
Music Video 2
Drama 6
Artists’ Film 1
Dance 2
Drama 3
Guest
Experimental
2
Screening
2
Drama 16
with Anna Rice
Family
Family
How to Market
Friendly 1
Your Film:
Mugan:
(PG)
(U)
Publicity for
Costumer
Film and TV
Designer
Funding Your
The Future of
Friendly 2
Documentary
Picture in Conversation
Friendly 3
Family The Guardian
Telling Someone’s Story
Animation 6
(12)
Meet Lorna
Film: How to
VFX:
Finance a
Technologies
Project
Shaping Industry
Secrets from Programmers How to Get Your
Comedy 5
Film in Festivals
Drama 10
Artists’ Film 2
Fashion
Animation 5
Drama 8
Dance 3
Comedy 1
Drama 12
Thriller 4
Drama 13
Documentary
Experimental
5
3
Advertising
Music Video 1
Artists’ Film 3
Experimental
Drama 9
Dance 1 Thriller 1
Documentary
Documentary
Drama 2
4
6
Drama 7 Drama 14
Thriller 2
1 Drama 15
Comedy 3
YORK THEATRE NATIONAL CITY SCREEN ROYAL CENTRE MAIN HOUSE FOR EARLY MUSIC BASEMENT 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30
SOCIALS
YTR COLONNADE
YSJU CREATIVE CENTRE CC/103
YSJU CREATIVE YSJU CREATIVE RECITAL CENTRE CC/011 CENTRE ROOM
YSJU CREATIVE CENTRE
Kids Workshop Kids Workshop Kids Workshop Kids Workshop VR Lab &
How to
Do You Want
Screen
How to
Games Lab
Make a
to be a
Acting for
Make a
Game
Filmmaker?
Kids
Stop-Motion Animation
VR Lab &
(7-10yrs)
(7-10yrs)
(11-14yrs)
(11-14yrs)
(10:00-12:00)
(10:00-12:00)
(10:00-12:00)
(10:00-12:00
Games Lab Meet the
Makers Forum:
Music Jury
Spotlight Sessions with Our Official VR Lab &
Selection
Games Lab
Kids Workshop Kids Workshop Kids Workshop Kids Workshop How to
Do You Want
Screen
How to
Aesthetica
Make a
to be a
Acting for
Make a
New Music
Game
Filmmaker?
Kids
Stop-Motion
Stage
Animation VR Lab &
Podcast
Games Lab
Lounge
(11-14yrs) (14:00-16:00)
(11-14yrs) (14:00-16:00)
(7-10yrs) (14:00-16:00)
(7-10yrs) (14:00-16:00
Sync in Focus: Music and VR Lab &
Moving Image
Games Lab
YTR (Upper Foyer)
Keynote: BBC Introducing Radio 1’s Jess Iszatt
VR Lab & Games Lab
VR Lab & Games Lab
Sticks & Glass (21:00-21:45) New Music
VR Lab &
Presents:
Games Lab
Meet the Makers
Headliner Dilettante
(Rose within the Walls)
25
DAILY EVENTS SATURDAY 8 NOVEMBER Masterclasses & Workshops
VENUE
TIME
Kids Workshop: Do You Want to Be A Filmmaker? (7-10yrs)
YSJU Creative Centre
10:00-12:00
Kids Workshop: How to Make a Game? (7-10yrs)
YSJU Creative Centre
10:00-12:00
Kids Workshop: Screen Acting for Kids (11-14yrs)
YSJU Creative Centre
10:00-12:00
Kids Workshop: How to Make a Stop-Motion Animation (11-14yrs)
YSJU Creative Centre
10:00-12:00
Telling Someone’s Story: Documentary Producers in Conversation
YSJU De Grey Lecture Theatre
10:30-11:30
Scoring to Picture: In Conversation with Anna Rice
York Theatre Royal Studio
10:30-11:30
How to Market Your Film: Publicity for Film and TV
YSJU De Grey Lecture Theatre
12:00-13:00
Meet Lorna Mugan: Academy Award-Winning Costume Designer
York Theatre Royal Studio
12:00-13:00
Meet the Aesthetica New Music Stage Jury
York Theatre Royal Main House
12:00-13:00
Funding Your Film: How to Finance a Project
YSJU De Grey Lecture Theatre
13:30-14:30
The Future of VFX: Technologies Shaping the Industry
York Theatre Royal Studio
13:30-14:30
Kids Workshop: How to Make a Stop-Motion (7-10yrs)
YSJU Creative Centre
14:00-16:00
Kids Workshop: How to Make a Game (11-14yrs)
YSJU Creative Centre
14:00-16:00
Kids Workshop: Do You Want to Be a Filmmaker? (11-14yrs)
YSJU Creative Centre
14:00-16:00
Kids Workshop: Screen Acting for Kids (7-10yrs)
YSJU Creative Centre
14:00-16:00
Secrets from Programmers: How to Get Your Film into Festivals
YSJU De Grey Lecture Theatre
15:00-16:00
BBC Introducing: Championing Breakthrough Artists
York Theatre Royal Main House
17:00-18:00
Events & Networking
VENUE
TIME
Radical Listening: Media Arts Trail
City Centre
09:00-22:00
Official Selection: Games Lab
NCEM
10.00-21.30
Official Selection: VR Lab
NCEM
10.00-21.30
Film Poster Exhibition
City Screen
10:00-22:30
Official Selection: Podcasting Lounge
City Screen Basement
10.00-21.30
Makers’ Forum
York Theatre Royal Colonnade Cafe
10:00-18:00
Pitching: Out of Orbit (Application only)
Malmaison
11:00-13:00
Pitching: Ink Factory Films (Application only)
Malmaison
11:00-13:00
Aesthetica New Music Stage: Part 1
York Theatre Royal Main House
13:00-15:40
Pitching: Guardian Documentaries (Application only)
Malmaison
15:30-17:30
Pitching: Goldfinch (Application only)
Malmaison
15:30-17:30
Networking Sync in Focus: Connecting Music and Moving Image
York Theatre Royal Upper Foyer
15:45-16:45
Networking: Sticks & Glass Presents: Meet the Makers
Rose Between the Walls
20:00-23:00
Aesthetica New Music Stage: Part 2
York Theatre Royal Main House
18:10-20:50
SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER For ratings and more information on films, see detailed listings from pg. 73 TIME 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30
28
CITY SCREEN SCREEN 1
CITY SCREEN SCREEN 2
CITY SCREEN SCREEN 3
FRIARGATE
YORKSHIRE MUSEUM
YSJU YSJU CREATIVE CENTRE CREATIVE CENTRE AUDITORIUM LISTENING ROOM
Drama 5
Comedy 2
Experimental
Drama 12
Thriller 2
Documentary
1
CITY SCREEN BASEMENT
Drama 14
2 Last Chance Encounters: Sunday Networking
Animation 1
Drama 6
Comedy 6
Dance 1
Filmmaking in
Family
Schools
Friendly 2
Premiere
(12)
Music Video 1
(12:15)
Drama 7
Animation 2
Advertising
Artists’ Film 1
Family
Family
Friendly 3
Friendly 1
(PG)
(U)
Podcast Lounge Thriller 4
Drama 4
Experimental
Drama 1
Comedy 4
Drama 9
Drama 16
Experimental
3
Awards Ceremony Drama 13
Comedy 3
Drama 11
(16:30-19:00)
2
Artists’ Film 3
Animation 4
Music Video 2
Animation 6
Experimental
Dance 2
5
Animation 5
Documentary 4
Animation 3
Drama 10
(Until 23:00)
(Until 23:00)
Dance 3
Drama 8
Artists’ Film 2
Fashion
10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30 -
NATIONAL CENTRE FOR EARLY MUSIC
NATIONAL CENTRE FOR EARLY MUSIC
VR Lab
Games Lab
YSJU CREATIVE CENTRE RECITAL ROOM
THORS
YSJU CREATIVE CENTRE CC/103
YSJU CREATIVE CENTRE CC/011
YSJU CREATIVE CENTRE RECITAL ROOM
YSJU CREATIVE CENTRE
Kids Workshop
Kids Workshop
Kids Workshop
Kids Workshop
How to
Do You Want
Screen
How to
Make a
to be a
Acting for
Make a
Game
Filmmaker?
Kids
Stop-Motion Animation
VR Lab
Games Lab
VR Lab
Games Lab
(11-14yrs)
(11-14yrs)
(7-10yrs)
(7-10yrs)
(10:00-12:00)
(10:00-12:00)
(10:00-12:00)
(10:00-14:00
Filmmaking
Kids Workshop
Kids Workshop
Kids Workshop
Kids Workshop
Project
How to
Do You Want
Screen
How to
Reception
Make a
to be a
Acting for
Make a
Game
Filmmaker?
Kids
Stop-Motion
Schools
Animation VR Lab
Games Lab
Film Poster Exhibition
VR Lab
Games Lab
VR Lab
Games Lab
(7-10yrs)
(7-10yrs)
(11-14yrs)
(11-14yrs)
(14:00-16:00)
(14:00-16:00)
(14:00-16:00)
(14:00-16:00
Awards After Party (19:00-Late)
29
DAILY EVENTS SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER Masterclasses & Workshops
VENUE
TIME
Kids Workshop: Do You Want to be a Filmmaker? (11-14yrs)
YSJU Creative Centre
10:00-12:00
Kids Workshop: Acting for Screen (7-10yrs)
YSJU Creative Centre
10:00-12:00
Kids Workshop: How to Make a Game (11-14yrs)
YSJU Creative Centre
10:00-12:00
Kids Workshop: How to Make a Stop-Motion Animation (7-10yrs)
YSJU Creative Centre
10:00-12:00
Kids Workshop: How to Make a Game (7-10yrs)
YSJU Creative Centre
14:00-16:00
Kids Workshop: How to Make a Stop-Motion Animation (11-14yrs)
YSJU Creative Centre
14:00-16:00
Kids Workshop: Screen Acting for Kids (11-14yrs)
YSJU Creative Centre
14:00-16:00
Kids Workshop: Do You Want to be a Filmmaker (7-10yrs)
YSJU Creative Centre
14:00-16:00
VENUE
TIME
Official Selection: Games Lab
NCEM
10:00-18:30
Official Selection: VR Lab
NCEM
10:00-18:30
Film Poster Exhibition
City Screen Basement
10:00-21:00
Official Selection: Podcasting Lounge
City Screen Basement
10.00-18.30
Networking: Last Chance Encounters
City Screen Basement
11:00-12:00
Awards Ceremony
Yorkshire Museum
16:30-19:00
Awards After Party
Thors Tipi
19:00-23:00
Events & Networking
30
VENUES The Festival Hub is located in the foyer of the Picturehouse City Screen, where our team will be ready to greet you when you collect your tickets and passes. Enjoy the riverside cafe for a light bite in between screenings. Elsewhere, our expansive range of venues is a cinematic playground. From purpose-built theatres and cinemas to hidden bars, our screenings and events take place in a mix of historic and contemporary buildings. Venue accessibility and capacity information is listed next to each location across the following pages, as well as on the accompanying map.
City Screen (fully accessible)
City Screen Basement (Fully accessible)
Seating Capacity: Screen 1 206 | Screen 2 120 | Screen 3 137
Seating Capacity: 100
The Aesthetica Film Festival Hub, City Screen, is at the heart of independent film in York. It is also the venue for our Opening Night Ceremony. This is the place to network and experience indie film on the big screen.
Located in the basement of City Screen, this popular venue is home to the Podcasting Lounge, a UK film festival first. The venue hosts a wide range of podcasts from around the world as part of the Official Selection.
Dusk (Partially accessible)
The Grand (fully accessible)
Capacity: 130
Capacity: 120
Cafe by day; bar by night. Situated in York’s New Street, Dusk is the perfect place to touch base and meet fellow festival-goers. This ever-lively spot is the home of our networking events and the popular Friday Night Party.
A peaceful haven in York’s city centre, The Grand Hotel is the host of this year’s UK Film Production Company Summit, which brings together 150+ leading producers and directors to shape the future of screen and media. 31
32
Friargate Theatre (non-accessible)
malmaison (Fully accessible)
Seating Capacity: 100
Capacity: 10
Hidden in between the River Ouse and Clifford’s Tower, Friargate Theatre is home to the Riding Lights Theatre Company. It has a 100-seat studio theatre and a caféstyle performance space. A fantastic venue on the river.
Malmaison is six minutes from the Festival Hub at City Screen. Pitching sessions with industry representatives, including BBC Film, Film4, Goldfinch and Guardian Documentaries, will be hosted in this central venue.
National Centre for Early Music (NCEM) (fully accessible)
Spark (Fully accessible)
Seating Capacity: 1350
Seating Capacity: 60
An award-winning medieval church, this is the home to the VR and Games Lab for the duration of the festival. National Centre for Early Music is close to the city centre and only a 12-minute walk away from the festival Hub.
Spark is located in the very centre of the city. It is a hugely popular landmark and a catalyst for change. This year, the venue is host to our insightful and engaging workshops, as well as the Virtual Imperative Conference, new for this year.
Rose within the walls (upstairs bar ACCESSIBLE)
York Theatre Royal (Fully accessible)
Capacity: 120
Seating Capacity: Studio 70 | Main House 700
Get away from the busy city streets and take a moment to relax in Rose Within The Walls, a recently renovated bar. This is the setting for our Meet the Makers social, hosted by the Leeds based post house, Sticks & Glass.
York Theatre Royal dates back to the early 18th century. The theatre will host masterclasses and screenings in the Studio and Main House, as well as a wide range of networking events to help you to connect with others.
House of Trembling Maddness (non-accessible)
Thor’s tipi (fully accessible)
Capacity: 120
Capacity: 150
Situated inside a historic Georgian mansion, House of Trembling Madness is an independent pub serving up local beers and killer sandwiches. It’s the perfect place for a post-festival pint or a quick stop for a bite to eat.
Thor’s Tipi returns to the stunning Museum Gardens this autumn. It’s a cosy yet lively space for attendees to socialise and enjoy live music. Plus, sample their array of drinks during our VR & Games Happy Hour event.
York Art Gallery (Fully accessible) Capacity: 120
YSJU Auditorium / Listening room / De Grey LEcture Theatre Seating Capacity: 129 / 50 / 180 (fully accessible)
York Art Gallery is a vibrant cultural venue, home to striking art collections and contemporary exhibitions. During the course of the festival, the gallery is hosting the 2026 edition of the Aesthetica Art Prize exhibition.
The York St John Creative Centre is an impressive purposebuilt, three-storey creative space where bold architecture meets innovative facilities. The centrepiece is the fantastic theatre, complete with a state-of-the-art sound system.
Yorkshire Museum (fully accessible)
The IVY (fully accessible)
The Yorkshire Museum hosts screenings, masterclasses and the Awards Ceremony. Founded in 1830 by the Yorkshire Philosophical Society, the museum is located on the grounds of the beautiful York Museum Gardens.
Located in St Helens Square, The Ivy is known as one of the finest restaurants in York for timeless British classics. This year it will host our invite only, In Focus: Women Shaping the Screen Industries networking event.
Seating Capacity: 300
Seating Capacity: 50
33
Cl
ift o
n
VENUES Bo ot
5 minutes Walk
1
CITY SCREEN & FESTIVAL HUB
2
FRIARGATE THEATRE
3
NATIONAL CENTRE FOR EARLY MUSIC
Ma ry g
at e
13-17 Coney Street, YO1 9QL
ha m
Lower Friargate, YO1 9SL
Walmgate, YO1 9TL
4
YORK ST. JOHN UNIVERSITY
5
YORK THEATRE ROYAL
6
YORK ART GALLERY
1
Lord Mayor’s Walk, YO31 7EX
5
St Leonard’s Place, YO1 7HD
12
Exhibition Square, YO1 7EW
8
Leeman Road
YORKSHIRE MUSEUM Museum Street, YO1
Le nd a
7
DUSK (PARTIAL ACCESS)
1613
New Street, YO1 8RA
Sta tio nR oa d
SPARK 17-21 Piccadilly, YO1 9PB
10
14
ow rR e n Tan
ROSE WITHIN THE WALLS (PARTIAL ACCESS) 1 Tower St, YO1 9WD
11
HOUSE OF TREMBLING MADNESS (PARTIAL ACCESS)
12
THOR’S TIPI
en re tf G To Que e n S et
13
tre
Museum Gardens, YO1 7FR
THE IVY
ne r La Ba
14 Lendal, YO1 8AA
ier ug Ro
9
14
ate kleg Mic
Pr ior
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2 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP
tre
et
RADICAL LISTENING IMMERSIVE MEDIA ARTS TRAIL
34
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St Rougier St., YO90 1UU
et
MALMAISON Bl os so m
14
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Bridge Street
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MEET THE AESTHETICA TEAM
36
Cherie Federico
Dale Donley
Director
Director
anna gallon
ELEANOR SUTHERLAND
Operations Manager
Creative Producer
MEGAN HOBSON
phoebe cawley
Media Sales & Partnerships Manager
Marketing Coordinator
Alice butterfield
Hannah Short
Technical Coordinator
Education Coordinator
Fruzsina Vida
Emma Jacob
Projects Administrator
Content Creator
Sarah Percival
Ethan Maruva
Media Sales & Partnerships Manager
Marketing Assistant
Amelie Brown
Euan Noble
Festival Assistant
Festival Assistant
37
MEET OUR PROGRAMMERS Discover more about the industry professionals behind this year’s Official Selection. Across all 14 genres, our programmers have years of experience in commissioning, curation, direction, events, film programming, production and publishing, they have worked on huge projects and been part
38
Drama
abi mitchell
Angel Castle is director of Edinburgh Artists’ Moving Image Festival and Pollyanna queer arts and cabaret company. Angel has worked for BFI Flare LGBTQIA+ Film Festival and BFI Film Audience Network. In 2016, Angel won the Creative Edinburgh Leadership Award.
Abi is a cultural programmer and producer who works broadly across contemporary culture at large. Abi has previously worked on developing film programmes for Liverpool Biennial 2021, Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and Yorkshire Sculpture International.
VR & 360
Angel Castle
Artists’ Film / Experimental
Dance
of teams at major companies including Audible, BBC, BFI London Film Festival, MUBI and Tribeca.
Alice Butterfield
Dan Crawforth
Alice Butterfield is Aesthetica Film Festival’s Technical Coordinator. She is part of the programming team for the Artists’ Film and Experimental category. Alongside this, she also helps programme the Artists’ Film entries selected for the annual Aesthetica Art Prize Exhibition.
Dan Crawforth is a Lecturer of Media Production at York St. John University. In 2012 he formed his own media production company where he has collaborated with many creatives and has made content for companies such as Nike, The Rugby World Cup and Jack Wills.
Animation / Family Friendly
Cherie is Director of Aesthetica, the internationally acclaimed British media organisation that first started with Aesthetica Magazine in 2003. Today, it is multiplatform with a reach of over 850,000, including the BAFTA-Qualifying ASFF and the Aesthetica Art Prize.
Dale Donley is Production Director and co-founder of Aesthetica Magazine and Aesthetica Short Film Festival. He spent his early career in teaching, before moving into graphic design projects. Dale is passionate about new cinema and is particularly interested in animation.
Matt Coward-Gibbs
Des is a BAFTA-winning video game producer with over 23 years’ experience bringing digital worlds to life. He has worked on some of the industry’s most iconic projects, such as the launch of Xbox, and has garnered a rare blend of publishing and development expertise.
Matt is a Senior Lecturer in Social Sciences at York St John University. He is also the Technical Director of Investigate.Games. Much of his work focuses on collaborations with organisations, championing the influential power of play and knowledge exchange.
Games
Des Gayle
VR & 360
Games
Advertising / Fashion
Dale Donley
Games
Cherie Federico
DR Evi Karathanasopoulou
Jack Denham
Dr Evi is a media researcher, educator and practitioner who works as an Associate Professor and Associate Head of Production at York St John University. Her research and practice focuses on podcasting and radio but often collaborates on VR projects with colleagues.
Jack Denham is an Associate Professor of Social Sciences at York St. John University. He also leads the research group Investigate.Games with Matt Spokes which focuses on interactive games in the context of their history, production and socio-cultural value. 39
40
Documentary Shorts
MarBelle is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of independent film curation and interview platform Directors Notes. Since its formation in 2006, Directors Notes has expanded to become one of the leading online curatorial platforms for independent cinema.
Heather McIntosh has over 12 years experience in the film industry, which includes curating Curzon Home Cinema and co-programming Borderlines Film Festival. Now, working as a full-time freelancer, Heather works with prestigious companies such as the BFI and MUBI.
Mikey Murray
Martha is an artist, creative producer and researcher interested in artist films that engage with the countless intersections of nature and culture. She is the Co-Director of the annual Scarborough Film Festival and has worked in the Yorkshire and North East Film Archives.
Mikey is an award-winning filmmaker who, in 2007, was the recipient of the Scottish BAFTA award for Best First Time Writer. He has a PhD in Film Practice. Currently, Mikey works as the programme leader for the BA Film Production programme at the University of Lincoln.
Drama
Martha Cattell
Games
Thriller
Comedy / Drana
Heather McIntosh
Music Video
Marbelle
Matt Spokes
Rob Speranza
Spokes is currently an Associate Professor in Social Sciences at York St. John University. He also leads the research group Investigate.Games with Jack Denham, which focuses on interactive games in the context of their history, production and socio-cultural value.
Rob is a producer, director and line producer from New York, who currently resides in the north of England. His feature film credits include Arthur and Merlin, Entity, Inbred as well as Small Creatures (nominated for Best Film at EIFF 2013). He has directed over 15 short films.
Drama
Tosin is a film curator and movement artist with a deep love of storytelling. She draws from her rich Nigerian (Yoruba) heritage and finds grounding in celebrating Black storytellers, honouring those who came before her in order to uplift and inspire generations to come.
Natalie Gee is a filmmaker and festival programmer who has worked for Oscar-Qualifying HollyShorts and Brooklyn Film Festival. She has also curated feminist film nights for Brooklyn Museum and organised events focusing on mental health for UnLonely Film Festival.
Warren Fearne
Holly Newson
Warren Fearne is an Associate Professor in Design at York St John University and co-leads the York Virtual and Augmented Reality Research Group. He has previously worked on several projects VR projects for the BBC, Match of the Day, Harry Potter and the Olympics.
Holly is an award-winning presenter and executive producer with an impressive career across podcasts, video, broadcast and digital. She has covered many different stages of development and production, with companies including Audible and JamPot Productions.
Games
Podcasts
Drama
Natalie Gee
VR & 360
Tosin Alapafuja
Yasmina Fadel Yasmina is the co-director of Maximalist Ltd. She is a games producer with a proven track record in fostering connectivity and focus within remote teams. She has successfully worked in diverse interdisciplinary roles, delivering high-quality VR and 3D media projects. 41
MEET OUR JURY Our Jury brings together individuals with a range of backgrounds and expertise, from academia and commissioning, to production, programming and direction. Our dedicated team represents a number of organisations such as Aardman, Audible, BBC, BFI, Channel 4, ITV and Ridley Scott
VR & 360
Advertising, Music Video, Fashion
Associates, as well as those who have won awards at Aesthetica Film Festival in previous years.
Alia Sheikh
Amos Eretusi
Alia was previously part of BBC R&D’s Immersive and Interactive content division, and is passionate about telling stories in novel and innovative content formats. She is working on developing new immersive museum experiences and often lectures about virtual worlds.
Amos Eretusi is the Founder of The Kusp, a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to improving access to the creative industries. He curates meaningful experiences through industry panels, talks and workshops, which generate discussion and support diverse creatives.
Aubrey Clarke
Adonis Emmanuel
Aubrey is BBC Children’s Commissioning Executive for live action scripted drama and animation programmes targeted towards children aged between 7 and 12. He is the executive producer of popular brands, such as The Next Step, Tee & Mo, My Perfect Landing and Digi Girl.
Emmanuel is a Games Designer at Rocksteady Games. Previously, he worked as a Software Test Analyst at Sparta Global and a Games Developer at Digital Influx. He has contributed to many projects at Rocksteady Games, including Suicide Squad Kill The Justice League.
Commissioning Executive, BBC Children
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Founder & Managing Director, The Kusp
Games
Family Friendly
Creative Director
Games Designer, Rocksteady Games
New Music Stage
Games
Arusa Qureshi
Alrissa Sia
Arusa is an award-winning writer, editor, programmer and speaker with a passion for music, diversity and accessibility within arts and culture. She has previously worked as the music programme manager curating the in house music programme at Edinburgh’s Summerhall.
Alrissa Sia is a video game producer who currently works at the studio Lucid Games. Before joining the company, she previously worked as an Associate Producer at Ubisoft where she helped develop many notable titles including Assissin’s Creed Nexus VR.
Andrew McNamara
Producer, Lucid Games
Animation
VR & 360
Author
Baz Sells
Andy is the generative AI Lead at Cinesite, one of the leading VFX studios, collaborating with Marvel, Netflix and Disney+. He began his career developing new CGI tools and techniques, working across a diverse range of mediums including film, advertising and broadcast.
Baz Sells is a BAFTA Award-winning director who’s film Black Boys in Paradise won Best Animation as part of the Aesthetica 2025. He also co-founded the One6th Animation Studio where he works as a director creating stop-motion animation for both film and television.
Bec Evans
Animation
Director & Co-Founder, One6th Animation Studio
Comedy
Generative AI Lead, Cinesite
Ben Jackson
Director, Writer and Producer
Producer & Co-Founder, One6th Animation Studio
Bec Evans is a film director, writer and producer whose hybrid documentary Does that make me a woman? won Best Screenplay at the Aesthetica Film Festival in 2024. Her short fiction Own Home? won Best Sci-Fi & Fantasy at the BIFA-Qualifying Sunderland Short Film Festival.
Ben Jackson is the producer of the BAFTA Awardwinning film Two Black Boys in Paradise that screened at Aesthetica in 2025. In 2018 he co-founded One6th Animation Studio alongside Baz Sells where they work creating stop-motion animation for film and television. 43
Christine Osazuwa
Christine is the founder of Measure of Music, a global community, conference and hackathon introducing music and data to industry enthusiasts, now in its sixth year. She has previously worked with big names such as Universal Music Sweden and Warner Music Group.
Advertising, Music Video, Fashion
Caitlin set up her own theatre production company called Moya Productions, working with luminary actors and directors including Dame Harriet Walter, George MacKay and Simon Callow. After co-producing her own short film, she started work at Genesius Pictures.
Drama
Founder, Measure of Music
Danyele Seignoret
Daniella Manca
Danyele is the Drama Development and Production Executive at Channel 4. She has 15 years’ experience in the UK TV industry, working in both production finance and commissioning. Productions she has been across include Brian and Maggie, Get Millie Black and Queenie.
Daniella is an award-winning Executive Producer with a strong background in the film and music industry. Skilled in various areas including video production, digital strategy and production management they currently work as an executive producer at Somesuch.
Podcasts
Executive Producer, Somesuch
Advertising/Music Video/Fashion
Development Executive, Channel 4
Erin Graham
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New Music Stage
Family Friendly
Caitlin BEavan
Associate Producer, Genesius Pictures
Em Whalley
Partnership and Brand Strategist
Senior Producer, Chalk and Blade
Erin Graham is a strategist who started her career at the BBC, she helped build franchise development at Warner Brothers (Harry Potter) then lead brand and partnerships at MARV, working on well known projects including Kingsman, Tetris, Rocketman and Argylle.
Emily Whalley is a senior producer at Chalk and Blade, an award-winning podcast production company where she has worked on world-class productions such as Understood: The Making of Musk, The Madman’s Hotel and the long-running series When Science Finds a Way.
Documentary
New Music Stage
Francesca Pidgeon
Hannah Bailey
Francesca Pidgeon, otherwise known as ‘Dilettante’, is a multi-disciplinary art-pop musician based in the North of England. She was the winner of the inaugural edition of the Aesthetica New Music Stage in 2025 and will join us for a musical performance at this year’s 2026 event.
Working across the slate of films supported through the BFI Doc Society Fund, Hannah Bush Bailey aims to develop storytellers from all parts of the UK. Prior to this role, she worked as a short form producer creating work for companies including Universal and Disney.
Lola Oliyide
Podcasts
Film and Production Executive, BFI Doc Society
Drama
Aesthetica New Music Stage 2025 Winner
Meera Kumar
Lola is Head of Development at Neal Street Productions and has worked as a script executive on Britannia (Sky & Amazon) and Informer (BBC & Amazon). Previously, she worked at various production companies in roles like Head of Development and Story Producer.
Meera Kumar (Producer of the Year 2024) is a freelance storyteller who has created shows for the BBC, Sony Music and Universal amongst others. Recently, Meera produced Afghan Star, hosted by John Legend, which was selected as one of the Best Podcasts of last year.
Thriller
Podcast Producer
Family Friendly
Head of Development, Neal Street Productions
John McDaid
Jim campbell
John is the Creative Director and Co-Founder of Dog Ears, an award winning animation company from Ferry. Throughout his career he has worked on many projects including children’s shows and digital content such as Puffin Rock, Saturday Club and My Brother the Minotaur.
Jim is Head of PR and Communications at the Ridley Scott Creative Group (RSCG), which was founded by directors Ridley and Tony Scott. He oversees the department across the production companies: Scott Free, Black Dog, Ridley Scott Associates and Darling.
Creative Director & Co-Founder, Dog Ears
Head of PR & Communications, RSA
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New Music Stage
New Music Stage
James Matthews
Jess Iszatt
James Matthews is Senior Director at Universal Music Group. It is the world’s leading music company, and represents a vast roster of artists. Universal is home to Polydor, Island, Interscope Geffen A&M, Def Jam Recordings, Republic Records, Decca, Verve and more.
Jess Iszatt is a radio presenter best known for hosting BBC Radio 1’s Dance Party Starters and its flagship BBC Introducing Show, where she champions the UK’s emerging music talent. The show covers all genres and styles, and continues to follow the journey of its alumni.
Josie Juneau
Millie Chu
Josie is the Managing Director of Ridley Scott Creative Group, founded by directors Ridley and Tony Scott. With a 12 year career in commercial and advertising, she started off as Head of Advertising for the company and was recently appointed Managing Director in 2026.
Millie joined Mindhouse in 2023 as a podcast producer on The Louis Theroux Podcast. She has since worked across many Mindhouse projects. With her background in radio, Millie has also produced shows for companies such as Sony Music Entertainment, BBC and Spotify.
New Music Stage
Podcast Executive Producer, Mindhouse
Drama
Managing Director, RSA
Netti Martin
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Radio Presenter, BBC Radio 1
Podcasts
Comedy
Senior Director, Universal Music Group
Nicolas-Tyrell Scott
Video Producer & Creative Marketer, Audible
Award-Winning Music Journalist
Netti Martin is a video producer and creative marketer at Audible. Having previously worked in the music and video production industry, her current work explores many forms of storytelling through promotional films, creative campaigns and documentary-led content.
Nicolas-Tyrell Scott is an award-winning music and cultural journalist with work printed/published in GQ, Pitchfork, Dazed, Apple Music and more. As a speaker, he has been featured across BBC, Channel 4, Wray and Nephew, The Grapevine TV and also at Soho House.
New Music Stage
Artists’ Film/Experimental/Dance
Norma Loria
Pablo Ettinger
Norma is a film producer with a background in assistant directing and a love for bold, distinctive filmmaking. She is drawn to strong authorial voices and films that are unafraid to take risks, she believes the best cinema remains with an audience long after the credits finsih.
Pablo has enjoyed a highly successful career and is best known as a founding partner of Caffè Nero. He dedicates much of his time to supporting start-ups as both an investor and mentor. He has also co-founded Talentbanq, and, more recently, he set up MusicGurus.
Pamela Jikiemi
Comedy
Co-Founder, Caffè Nero
Artists’ Film/Experimental/Dance
Film Producer, Fight Gravity Films
Patrcik Craig
Pamela Jikiemi is an award-winning creative artist who works extensively as an actor. She has produced over 25 short films and directed four, winning the IRIS Prize for Education for a short film in 2023. She is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Arts, Chelsea.
Patrick Craig is the Executive Producer in Commercials at Blink. He has previously worked on several awardwinning projects, from music videos to bold advertising campaigns, producing work for companies including Nike, Google, John Lewis, Barclaycard, Mini and Fosters.
Paul MIddleton
VR & 360
Executive Producer in Commercials, Blink
Documentary
Creative Artist
Richard Nockles
Senior Creative Producer, Film Nova
Creative Director, Sky GenEx
Paul Middleton is the senior creative producer at Film Mova. The company creates multi-award winning sports TV content, with clients including FIFA, Red Bull, BBC Sport and Royal Ascot. Paul has worked on Great North: A Run. A River. A Region. and UK’s Strongest Man.
As Creative Director at Sky’s GenEx team and Creative Technologist at Comcast Global Product, Richard works to redefine immersive content across sports, news and entertainment. He has directed content for global giants, Google, the UN, BBC and National Geographic. 47
Rob Cannell
Rob Cannell is the Head of Promotions at Beggars Group, a record company that owns several labels, including 4AD, Matador Records and XL Recordings. Cannell started his career in marketing at Sony Music before moving to Beggars to work in radio promotions.
Thriller Thriller
Rachel is an internationally acclaimed musician and artist. Her work has featured on Netflix, BBC Two, and premiered on global platforms including CMT (USA) and the BBC. Rachel’s distinctive sound has filled iconic venues such as The Bitter End and Camden Assembly.
New Music Stage
Head of Promotions, Beggars Group
Sally Bryant
Simon Nelson
Sally is an A&R / Artist Manager at the Futuresound Group. For the past five years she has worked across their independent label Dance To The Radio. Based in Leeds, Futuresound Group is one of the longest running independent live music promoters in the UK.
Simon is the Development Executive for BBC Writers. He leads on the development of new writers and writing for BBC drama, comedy and children’s drama, covering a range of television, radio and online content. Before joining the BBC, Simon worked at ITV for several years.
Steve Melia
Development Executive, BBC Writers
Games
Documentary
Label Director & Artist Manager, Futuresound
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New Music Stage
New Music Stage
Rachel Croft
Musician/Artist
Stuart Burnside
Filmmaker & Editor
Video Game Manager, BFI
Steve is a filmmaker and video editor working across short documentaries, social content and podcasts. In 2020, he created the Aesthetica x Audible Listening Pitch film grant, which celebrates the innovative use of sound in documentary and supports new filmmakers.
Stuart Burndisde is the Video Game Manager in the Certification Unit at the BFI. Working closely alongside developers from around the country, Stuart offers advice on the certification process and also provides additional information on the overall creative sector.
Thriller
Artists’ Film, Experimental, Dance
Sydney Oberfeld
Tony Badu
In her role as Freelance Producer at Good Chaos, Sydney Oberfeld works across the company’s slate from development to production. Originally from Montreal, she’s worked on Isabel Sandoval’s Lingua Franca, as well as shorts funded by the BFI and Film4.
Tony Badu is a writer, director and producer working in scripted and unscripted TV & Film. In his role at Joi Productions, he is committed to driving lasting equity in film and is passionate about stories from the Global South, especially genre works of nonfiction and sci-fi.
Development Producer, Joi Productions
Animation
Freelance Producer, Good Chaos
Will Becher
Academy Award-Nominated Animator & Director, Aardman
Will is an animator and film director who is best known for his directorial debut of A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon. During his 20 year career, he has worked as a writer, director and as stop-motion lead animator, after first joining the company for a summer placement.
LEARN FROM INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS BOOK ONTO MASTERCLASSES AT ASFF.CO.uk This year, we are thrilled to welcome BAFTA, Oscar and BIFA-winning directors, actors and producers, representing organisations like Aardman, BBC, BFI, Channel 4, Film4, Framestore, Guardian Documentaries, Ridley Scott Associates and many others. See page 180.
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EVENTS & NETWORKING MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR PASS. Aesthetica is more than a film festival – it’s a space for lifelong learning and meaningful connection. We bring together creative minds, and community is at the heart of what we do. Our parties, panels, workshops and talks are shaped by this idea. Expect a mix of industry expertise and creative exchange across our events. From masterclasses and networking, to the New Wave Programme spotlighting emerging talent, this is your opportunity to meet collaborators and gain new insights. This year, we’re excited to offer hands-on workshops exploring cutting-edge tools and immersive technologies. Our pitching, social events and expert-led sessions create the perfect environment to exchange ideas and develop lasting connections. Most Special Events are included with your pass, but advance registration is required at asff.co.uk/events to reserve your spot. Visitors should register for masterclasses, VR and Games Labs, workshops and networking sessions. There is no need to pre-register for parties. Please note: the Opening Night Ceremony and Beyond the Frame programme are separate ticketed events. Visit asff.co.uk to learn more.
EVENTS & NETWORKING WEDNESDAY Opening Night Ceremony We launch our 16th edition with a special screening of five spectacular, thought-provoking and inspiring works by filmmakers from the 2026 Official Selection. Curated by Festival Director, Cherie Federico, our Opening Night introduces audiences to the breadth of this year’s film programme with a special screening, offering a taste of what’s to come. Pick up your goodie bag and welcome drink on arrival at the cinema. Date & Time: 4 November | 18:00 - Late. Screening starts at 19:00 Venue: City Screen, YO1 9QL | Separate ticket required (£15)
THURSDAY VR & Games Happy Hour A destination for those working in new technologies, the VR & Games Happy Hour brings industry guests together to contemplate the future of games development, virtual reality and immersive filmmaking. This is the ideal place to generate ideas about what’s coming next for interactive storytelling and meet others interested in entertainment at the cutting edge. This event includes a free welcome drink upon arrival at the venue. Date & Time: 5 November | 17:00 - 18:00. Venue: Thor’s Tipi, Museum Gardens, YO1 7FR
THURSDAY Meet The Music Industry The worlds of film, games, XR and music increasingly intersect, and exciting opportunities emerge when we connect the dots. Beggars Group invites you to be part of a Meet the Music Industry takeover for drinks and collaboration, to explore shared opportunities and spark new creative partnerships across sectors. Meet people from major labels like Matador and Rough Trade to discover where music can open up new possibilities. Date & Time: 5 November | 20:00-21:00 Venue: House of Trembling Madness, YO1 8AA
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EVENTS & NETWORKING THURSDAY
Uk Production Summit: Trends in Storytelling This November, York will host one of the most significant screen industry gatherings of the year. The UK Production Summit brings together more than 150 of the UK’s leading production companies, development executives and commissioners under one roof. The country’s most influential decision-makers converge to define and debate the future of screen content, with a keynote talk from the Director of Film4. p.g 58 Date & Time: 5 November | 15:00-20:00 Venue: The Grand, YO1 6GD | Invitation Only
THURSDAY Virtual Imperative 2: Conference From York St John University, this unique and exciting event brings together academics, researchers, postgraduate students and creative practitioners to discuss how extended reality is reshaping knowledge, storytelling, audience experience, pedagogy, digital culture and interdisciplinary practice. It offers an intimate academic setting for critical dialogue, knowledge exchange, networking and future collaboration. Date & Time: 5 November | 9:00-18:00 Venue: Spark, YO1 9PB | Separate ticket required
FRIDAY Listening Pitch: Film Premiere Aesthetica and Audible have teamed up for the sixth year to bring together stories that show how listening helps us to understand the world. Join us for the premiere of new documentary work from Duncan Cowles, Hermione Spriggs and Sofia Cisse Akel & Tobi Kyeremateng, who respond to the theme of radical listening. Drinks served upon arrival with a Q&A, live DJ set and networking session post-screening. Date & Time: 6 November | 19:00-23:00 Venue: City Screen, YO1 9QL 52
EVENTS & NETWORKING FRIDAY Radical Listening: new Scores to Silent Cinema Early film screenings were often accompanied by live music, improvised sound and audience participation. With this new commission, Aesthetica and Audible invite composers and sound designers to rediscover that tradition, asking them to create inventive scores for pre-1925 silent films. The selected artists respond to iconic works by Marcel Duchamp, Edwin S. Porter and more. The live performances, followed by a panel and Q&A. Date & Time: 6 November | 14:30 - 16:00 Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio, YO1 7HD
FRIDAY BOAT PARTY: CELEBRATE WITH The Pitch Film Fund Join The Pitch Film Fund for a boat party on the River Ouse! They’re marking the relaunch of their annual commissioning programme, financing films about technological solutionism. An exciting moment to let your hair down, meet other filmmakers and network with industry as we set sail. Take in scenic views of the city of York from the water and enjoy drinks and networking. Hosted by City Cruises York and The Pitch. Date & Time: 6 November | Boarding 18:45 | Disembark 20:30 Venue: Lendal Bridge Landing, YO1 7DP | Invitation Only
FRIDAY In Focus: Women shaping the screen industries In Focus: Women Shaping the Screen Industries is a vibrant networking event uniting women across different sectors of the industry, including film, gaming and XR. This is a place to connect, collaborate and be inspired by our keynote speaker, producer Suzanne Mackie (Mad Dogs, The Crown). This is an ideal opportunity to build up visibility, support and leadership amongst the women shaping the screen industries today. Date & Time: 6 November | 18:00 - 20:00 Venue: The Ivy, YO1 8QP | Invitation Only 53
EVENTS & NETWORKING FRIDAY Friday Night pArty Dusk and Drawing Board host the renowned Friday Night Party, helping to carry Aesthetica Film Festival into a weekend of fun social events, insightful masterclasses and inspiring cinema screenings. Located in York’s New Street, the party is the perfect location to join the festivities and re-group with brand new friends made throughout the week. Grab a drink, connect with industry and prepare for a great weekend ahead. Date & Time: 6 November | 20:00-Late Venue: Dusk & Drawing Board YO1 8RA
SATURDAY Sticks and Glass Presents: Meet the Makers Meet the Makers is your opportunity to get to know the creatives at the heart of Aesthetica 2026. Catch up with the friends you’ve already made or make some new connections. This event is for everyone, whether you’re a filmmaker, developer, podcaster or cinema-lover. Join us with a complimentary glass of wine upon arrival for drinks and networking. Sponsored by Sticks and Glass, a new post production space. Date & Time: 7 November | 20:00-23:00 Venue: Rose Within the Walls, YO1 9WD
SUNDAY Awards Ceremony To bring our 16th edition to a close, we welcome filmmakers, delegates and audiences to join our Awards Ceremony. Prizes are awarded for the best film in each of our genre categories, as well as our Best of Fest and Special Guest Awards. Join us for a celebration of this year’s impressive achievements, followed by a drinks reception and After Party, taking place at Thor’s. Without doubt, this is the best way to end the festival. Date & Time: 8 November | 16:30-19:00 Venue: Yorkshire Museum, YO1 7FR 54
EVENTS & NETWORKING VARIOUS DAYS Daily Networking Whether you’re looking to connect with industry representatives, uncover exciting opportunities or learn a new approach to filmmaking, our daily Networking Sessions (p. 215) are opportunities to converse with leading professionals in film and music, and spark new collaborations. Every day is focused on a different theme, from VFX to pitching. Hosted by: The Pitch Film Fund, Viridian FX, Film Hub North & York St John University. Date & Time: 4-8 November | Various times Venue: York Theatre Royal, Thor’s Tipi, City Screen
VARIOUS DAYS Pitching and 1:1 SESSIONS We’re offering a series of 20-minute pitching sessions where experts across film, games and podcasting provide guidance on how to develop ideas and further your distribution goals. These exciting opportunities are run by leading delegates from BBC Film, Channel 5, Film4, ITV, Goldfinch, The Guardian, Ridley Scott Associates and many more. For more, see p.222. Pre-selection and application are required. Date & Time: 4-7 November | Various times Venue: Malmaison, YO1 6DS | Pre-Application required
DAILY VR and Games Labs We are championing the future of storytelling through our media labs. Games are an important part of screen culture, and we are uplifting developers and designers through our Games Lab. Play 50 indie titles and discover your next favourite adventure, platformer or RPG. Plus, at our VR Lab, you can try on a VR headset and be transported into a story, time or place. Available to play every day. Book your slot asff.co.uk. Date & Time: 4-7 Nov 10:00-21:30 | 8 Nov 10:00-18:30 Venue: National Centre for Early Music, YO1 9TL 55
EVENTS & NETWORKING DAILY Makers’ Forum The Makers’ Forum brings together Official Selection creators across film, games, XR and podcasts, each given 10 minutes to showcase their vision. This session is a fast-paced, dynamic insight into the year’s most original storytelling, and an exclusive chance to hear directly from the innovative creators who are helping to shape the future of screen and media culture. Each team shares the journey of their project, from idea to final delivery. Date & Time: 4-7 November | 10:00-18:00 Venue: Colonnade Café, York Theatre Royal, YO1 7HD
DAILY Podcasting lounge Discover the UK’s first dedicated Podcasting Lounge at Aesthetica Film Festival – an innovative space where audio storytelling takes centre stage. Curated to spotlight dynamic voices in film, art, tech and culture, this lounge offers the chance to pause and well and truly listen. It is an exciting new chapter in how stories are shared and heard. Sit down, tune in and discover the best in comedy, fiction, true crime and documentary. Date & Time: 4-7 November | 10:00 - 21:30 | 8 November 10:00-18:30 Venue: City Screen Basement, YO1 9QL
DAILY Filmmaker Insights Panel Discussions Hear from a selection of filmmakers from the 2026 Official Selection. These daily panel discussions provide you with the perfect opportunity to learn about inspirations, motivations and creative processes, covering a range of topics such as finding your signature aesthetic, honing your artistic vision and breaking the rules of scriptwriting. Go behind the scenes on your favourite films from the programme. See more on p.180. Date & Time: 4-7 November | Various times Venue: Yorkshire Museum, York Theatre, York St John
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EVENTS & NETWORKING VARIOUS DAYS UNESCO CIty of media arts Expo The UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO showcases the exceptional work being delivered by 40 leading creative businesses across the UK. This year, we’re also hosting 10 workshops, providing insights into audience development, intellectual property, pitching, finance, sustainable business models and expansion with speakers from Argonon, Creative UK, Innovate UK and more. Free to attend. See more on p. 61. Date & Time: 5-6 November | 9:00-21:00 Venue: De Grey Rooms, YO1 9QN
VARIOUS DAYS Masterclasses We are running an unparalleled programme of industry events alongside our film programme, with topics spanning directing, cinematography, documentary and more. Our 2026 speakers include representatives from leading organisations, such as Aardman, Film4, Framestore and Ridley Scott Associates, as well as directors, producers and VFX specialists who have worked on the biggest projects of our times. See listings on p.180. Date & Time: 4-7 November | Various Times Venue: Various Venues | See timetable for details.
VARIOUS DAYS Kids workshops: Acting Animation, Filmmaking & Games We believe in nurturing children’s creativity. We are offering 7-14 year-olds the chance to develop, direct and make their own stop-motion animations, games and films, as well as take part in acting workshops. These practical, fun and inspiring sessions are led by experts from Animation Nation, ComputerXplorers and Pauline Quirke Academy. More information available on p.212. Separate ticket required | £20 Date & Time: 7-8 November | Various times Venue: York St John Creative Centre, YO31 7EX 57
UK FILM PRODUCTION SUMMIt: Trends in Storytelling This November, York will host one of the most significant screen industry gatherings of the year. The UK Film Production Summit take place on 5 November 2026, bringing together more than 150 of the UK’s leading production companies, development executives and commissioners under one roof. The scale is unprecedented. Aesthetica becomes the beating heart of British film and television, as the country’s most influential decision-makers converge to define and debate the future of screen content. 15:00-20:00 | 5 November. This event is invite only.
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UK Production Company Summit 2026
Ed Bailie: Telling Stories through Music
Now in its second year, the Summit brings together senior leaders for panels, networking and keynotes, introducing music into the conversation, followed by visits to York Art Gallery for the Aesthetica Art Prize, UNESCO EXPO and Meet the Music Industry Drinks.
Music supervisor Ed Bailie has worked across film and TV for 15 years, with credits including Netflix’s Legends and the BAFTA-winning Mood. In this talk, Bailie will speak about how he collaborates with filmmakers and discuss the role audio has in building narrative impact.
trends in storytelling panel
Keynote Speaker: Farhana Bhula
Industry leaders discuss evolving narrative formats across film, TV and streaming. They examine audience behaviours, commissioning priorities and franchises. Chaired by Jim Campbell of RSA, this panel includes experienced commissioners from Sky and Warner Bros.
Farhana Bhula is Director of Film4, overseeing popular recent projects like How to Have Sex, All of Us Strangers, Rose of Nevada and The History of Sound. In this session, she offers an exclusive insight into the ever-changing industry and what it really takes to get a film made.
GAMES | FILM | VFX | DESIGN 40 EXHIBITING ORGANISATIONS 5-6 NOVEMBER | 9:00-21:00 DE GREY ROOMS, YORK FREE ENTRY MEDIACITYEXPO.COM
UNESCO EXPO WORKSHOPS York Business School Presents: This workshop programme runs alongside the UNESCO EXPO, bringing together creative practitioners, SMEs, producers and emerging talent with a shared focus: building a stronger, more scalable creative industries economy. The EXPO and all workshops are free to attend and do not require a festival pass.
Mapping Value in the Creative Economy Hosted by Giorgio Fazio, Research Director of the Creative Industries Policy at Newcastle University, explore how value is created and distributed across creative industries ecosystems. Participants map their own activity within the wider supply chain.
Innovation Practise & Investment Readiness Led by Emma Cooper, Creative Industries Knowledge Transfer Manager at Innovate UK, this session maps out the funding ecosystem across the creative industries, including public funding, private finance, co-production and hybrid models.
Pitching & Winning Business This EXPO workshop focuses on turning creative ideas into commercially viable and commission-ready propositions. Participants will learn how to structure pitches and align their projects with both investor and commissioner expectations.
Date 5 November Time 10:00-11:00
Date 5 November Time 11:00-12:00
Date 5 November Time 12:00-13:00
Intellectual Property as a growth assets This session positions IP as the core financial asset of the creative economy. Amanda Goddard, Chief Legal and Commercial Officer at Argonon, breaks down ownership, rights structures, licensing and exploitation pathways across multiple formats.
Date 5 November Time 13:00-14:00
Scaling Internationally & Export Growth Led by Ameeta Virk and Adam Butterworth of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science & Trade, learn how creative businesses move from local success to international markets, covering distribution strategies, and market entry barriers.
Date 5 November Time 14:00-15:00
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UNESCO EXPO WORKSHOPS Building Business Relationships Led by Carol Bell, Creative UK’s Regional Associate Director, North, this workshop focuses on how businesses can build meaningful, long-term relationships with both internal and external stakeholders and how to understand different needs.
Collaboration & Creative Clusters Caroline Cooper Charles, Chief Executive at Screen Yorkshire, introduces a session that explores how collaboration drives growth in modern creative economies. See how clusters, shared infrastructure and partnerships increase competitiveness.
Co-Production Models & Strategic Partnerships Discover how co-production actually works in practice across film, TV and digital content. This workshop, hosted by Carlotta Roveri who is the Head of Production in Film & TV Head Gear Films, covers rights sharing, financing alignment and risk distribution.
Date 6 November Time 10:00-11:00
Date 6 November Time 11:00-12:00
Date 6 November Time 12:00-13:00
Audience Development & Demand Signals This workshop is delivered by PACT. It explores the screen industry, examining the challenges and opportunities ahead and the trends shaping its future. Participants will gain insight into the evolving sector and what it means for creative businesses.
Date 6 November Time 13:00-14:00
Creative Enterprise Growth Pathways Bringing the programme together, Pip Rymill, Accelerator Community Manager at Natwest, invites participants to map how value creation, audience development, collaboration, IP, funding and export all come together into one singular growth system.
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Date 6 November Time 14:00-15:00
Reignite XViI: Culture as Infrastructure, Stories as Power A landmark gathering of creative cities
5 NOVEMBER, YORKSHIRE MUSEUM, YO1 7FR | 18:00-21:00 There are 14 UNESCO Creative Cities in the UK, from Perth’s leadership in craft Glasgow’s innovation in music, to Aberystwyth and Manchester’s role in shaping literature, join representatives from each city to explore how how creative practice is embedded how urban futures are designed and built.
Art Exhibitions
Aesthetica Art Prize: 20th Anniversary Edition Until 15 November | York Art Gallery, YO1 7EW Aesthetica Art Prize 2026: States of Becoming runs until15 November, marking its 20th anniversary as an international platform for contemporary art. The exhibition showcases 20 artists addressing urgent global themes, including technological acceleration, colonial legacies, identity, belonging and ecological strain. Works disrupt everyday perception, revealing instability in domestic and urban spaces and broader social tensions. Plus, this is a chance to discover the moving-image works by this year’s winners: Felipe Castelblanco and DIVA. The Prize fosters dialogue, supports careers and encourages new ways of seeing our world. Curated by Aesthetica Director, Cherie Federico. Separate ticket required. Book at yorkartgallery.org.uk
Radical Listening: Media Arts Trail in the city 4-8 November, 9:00-22:00 | Exhibition Square, King’s Square, York Theatre Royal For the Radical Listening Immersive Media Trail, Audible and Aesthetica invites artists to create installation-based works with an integrated audio component, where sound is central to the experience. As part of the Listening Pitch 2026, we sought projects that explore listening as both subject and method, asking: How can audio activate a space? How might an installation guide attention or alter perception? In what ways can audiences be invited not just to hear, but to actively listen? The selected artists are: Squidsoup, the acclaimed light, sound and technology pioneers; Steve Messam, whose works are characterised by a vibrant use of colour, form and impressive scale; and Being Now Here, who specialises in immersive environments and interactive installations. For five days only, the trail runs from York Theatre Royal to Exhibition Square and King’s Square. Supported by Audible UK, free to all. Part of the Aesthetica Film Festival.
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THE AESTHETICA MUSIC PROGRAMME We’re bringing the worlds of music and film together through a dedicated Music Programme designed to spark connection, collaboration and new opportunities. The programme features panels, the New Music Stage featuring 10 breakthrough artists, masterclasses and networking. Meet industry professionals from Beggars Group, BBC Introducing, Radio 1, Universal, Futuresound Group and A&R reps. Hear from award-winning sound editors and composers. Gain advice on sync and building a career. Plus, find your next favourite track. Pick up a Music at Aesthetica programme at the City Screen Hub or find out more at asff.co.uk/music. Available to Unlimited Pass, Saturday Day Pass and Music at Aesthetica Pass holders.
MEET THE MUSIC JURY Saturday 7 Nov | York Theatre Royal | 13:00-20:50 Welcome to the New Music Stage. This panel features Jury members Rob Cannell (Beggars Group), Sally Bryant (Futuresound Group), Nicolas Tyrell (Culture and Music Journalist), Arusa Qureshi (Writer and former Editor of The List) and singer Rachel Croft, discussing the structures that shape how new talent is discovered and supported.
NEW MUSIC STAGE Saturday 7 Nov | York Theatre Royal | 13:00-20:50 Discover the New Music Stage at Aesthetica, a festival featuring 10 breakthrough acts who are making waves. It’s an exciting chance to experience fresh new music from a divese range of genres – indie, folk, jazz, pop – and support emerging talent. 10 incredible acts. Performances take place across two sessions, with five acts in each.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER Saturday 7 Nov | York Theatre Royal | 17:00-18:00 Thousands of listeners across the UK tune in to BBC Introducing on Radio 1 – a show hosted by Jess Iszatt, dedicated to championing new artists. Florence + the Machine, Lewis Capaldi, Raye and Sam Fender all featured at the start of their careers. In this session, Iszatt speaks about her career, and the importance of nurturing new talent.
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Event
VENUE
TIME
Masterclass: Sync with Beggars Group (pg.191)
York Theatre Royal Studio
Thurs 5 Nov | 14:30-15:30
Beggars Presents: Meet the Music Industry Party
House of Trembling Madness
Thurs 5 Nov | 20:00-21:00
A Masterclass in Award-Winning Sound Design (pg.194)
Yorkshire Museum
Fri 6 Nov | 10:00-11:00
Masterclass: The Power of Soundtracks (pg.200)
York Theatre Royal Studio
Fri 6 Nov | 17:30-18:30
Masterclass: Scoring to Picture with Anna Rice
York Theatre Royal Studio
Sat 7 Nov | 10:30-11:30
Meet the Music Jury (pg. 204)
York Theatre Royal Main House
Sat 7 Nov | 12:00-13:00
Aesthetica New Music Stage Part 1
York Theatre Royal Main House
Sat 7 Nov | 13:00-15:40
Networking: Sync in Focus (pg. 220)
York Theatre Royal Upper Foyer
Sat 7 Nov | 15:45-16:45
Keynote: BBC Introducing’s Jess Iszatt
York Theatre Royal Main House
Sat 7 Nov | 17:00-18:00
Aesthetica New Music Stage Part 2
York Theatre Royal Main House
Sat 7 Nov | 18:10-20:50
Live Performance & Q&A with Dilettante
York Theatre Royal Main House
Sat 7 Nov | 21:00-21:45
Music Video Screenings (pg. 132)
Various Venues
Various Times (See Listing)
SUBMIT YOUR
ORIGINAL TRACK Alternative | Electronica | Soul | Hip-Hop | R&B Rap | Indie | Pop | Rock | All Genres Welcome
2027
Find out more: asff.co.uk/music
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AESTHETIC NEW MUSIC STAGE 2026
Saturday 7 November York Theatre Royal Main House 13:00-20:50
Meet the 10 breakthrough acts who make up this year’s New Music Stage. The 2026 lineup spans transcendent vocals, razor-sharp lyrics, old-school hip-hop sounds and art-pop experimentation, highlighting artists that are destined for bigger stages. The artists will be performing throughout
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Alt Pop/Electronic/Rock
Chisara
Based out of Leeds and comprising guitarist/vocalist Adam Parday, drummer Bryn Jenkins as well as bassist Andrew Thomson, Caro is an inventive English indie rock trio. The popular band pairs introspective lyrics with offbeat rhythms and sinewy treated guitar sounds.
Chisara’s sound is defined as radical hope mixed with punk, curiosity and philosophy. The artist’s unique Afro-art-pop sound has received recognition from the likes of BBC Introducing London, The Great Escape, The Roundhouse, Tate Britain and National Theatre.
Alt Pop
Caro
Artpop
Indie Rock
the day, giving audiences an exclusive chance to hear the next big thing in the music industry.
Circe
Katherine Aly
Artist and multi-instrumentalist Circe’s songs see huge synths, distorted guitars, strings and layered vocals collide with sharp, atmospheric storytelling. Her music has appeared in Netflix’s Crew Girl and Elite; Amazon Prime’s Hanna; as well as Channel 4’s Made in Chelsea.
Katherine Aly is a rising alt-pop artist known for her genre-defying sound and fearless storytelling. Her distinctive orange aesthetic and a strong commitment to pushing creative boundaries has garnered praise from press including Wonderland, Notion and Earmilk.
Neo Soul/Jazz
Lepani is a Fijian-born, Manchester-based songwriter and producer, who blends alternative pop, R&B and soul. His music – which has gained 14 million streams across digital platforms – draws on a diverse range of influences, creating a smooth and distinctive sound.
LFay’s genre-blurring sound fuses old-school hip-hop, urban jazz and neo-soul with elements of jungle, drum & bass and breaks. She delivers playful yet insightful observations on both isolation and youth experience, influenced by the UK’s pirate radio scene of the 1990s.
PH
This Scottish electronic duo use analogue hardware, digital production as well as multi-projection visuals to create melody-driven music that translates seamlessly to their expansive sets, with lyrics that add emotional depth and drawing from a background in songwriting.
Manufactured in Northwest London, lyrical rapper PH brings a modern alternative sound to the UK, blending old-school hip-hop with influences from many cultures around the world. He has collaborated with influential names like Soulja Boy, The Game, Onyx and Swayvee.
Pop Rock
Other People’s Leisure
Indie Rock
Pop/Indie
Alt Pop
LFay
Inditronic
Lepani
Roe
Winemom
Derry-based songwriter roe describes herself as “an emotional car crash with free will and an impulse to write.” Through her live performances at Reeperbahn, SXSW and a UK arena run supporting Snow Patrol, she has connected with audiences all around the world.
WineMom is a Dublin-based four piece stepping their way confidently to the very forefront of the Irish music scene. Led by powerhouse frontwoman Rosanna, their sound draws parallels to Fleetwood Mac and Blondie. Their debut EP Grand Affair was released in April 2026. 69
FAMILIES AT AESTHETICA Aesthetica is a festival for everyone – and families are at its heart. Spend a weekend filled with creativity, discovery and imagination. Specially curated film screenings introduce children to inspiring stories from around the world, whilst interactive workshops let young minds explore acting, coding, filmmaking and stop-motion animation with expert guidance. Kids can produce mini movies, design animated characters and spark new passions. Beyond workshops, our Media Arts trail lights up the city with mesmerising installations. From VR and games to podcasting and storytelling, Aesthetica is an adventure for the whole family.
Some events require pre-registration or a separate ticket. Please check the corresponding pages for details and ratings, and asff.co.uk to book.
SCREENINGS (PG.125) Our Family Friendly screenings bring stories that matter to life, offering both children and adults a window to the world. Featuring a fun and vibrant mix of U and PG films, the programme highlights captivating tales from across the globe, sparking imagination for audiences of all ages. Explore this year’s programme of Family Friendly animations, engaging dramas and laugh-out-loud comedies for young people.
WORKSHOPS & LABS (PG.212) Dive headfirst into hands-on creativity at Aesthetica! Children can explore filmmaking, coding and stop-motion animation workshops, or visit our Games & VR Labs – featuring 50 innovative interactive projects. With activities that are suitable for U and PG audiences, everyone can experiment, play and discover new skills in a fun, immersive environment. This is the place to learn something brand new. 70
MEDIA ARTS TRAIL (PG. 64) Three new installations light up York during Aesthetica Film Festival. Around the city, you will find works from artists Being Now Here, Squidsoup and Steve Messam, who are all working with colour, illumination and sound. Celebrate creativity and watch as the city of York comes alive. The Radical Listening Media Arts Trail runs from York Theatre Royal to King’s Square and Exhibition Square. Free to all.
NEW MUSIC STAGE (PG. 68) Discover the New Music Stage at Aesthetica, an all-day music festival featuring 10 breakthrough British acts who are already making waves across radio and the festival circuit. It’s an exciting chance to experience fresh music from a whole host of genres – indie, folk, jazz, pop – and support emerging talent. 10 incredible acts. 10 unique sounds. See these artists here first, before they explode onto the world stage.
Sample Itinerary | Saturday 7 November 10:00 - 12:00 | Attend a Workshop – Want To Be A Filmmaker? (Separate ticket) 13:30 - 14:30 | Watch a Screening – Family Friendly 2 15:00 - 15:30 | Visit the Radical Listening Media Arts Trail 16:00 - 17:00 | Play at the Games Lab (Pre-register) 17:30 - 18:00 | See a band at the New Music Stage Whilst children are in workshops, parents and guardians can attend a FREE screening at York St John. Pick up your ticket at the Hub, City Screen or York St John.
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SUSTAINABILITY AT AESTHETICA 2026 WE ONLY HAVE ONE PLANET Sustainability is at the heart of Aesthetica. We understand that producing large events comes with a carbon footprint, and we are doing everything we can to reduce this, whilst showcasing the very best independent cinema, games and VR from around the world.
REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS We continue to explore ways to reduce the environmental impact of the festival. One is to encourage participants to travel via public transport. We partner with UK railways in order to eliminate the need to drive and reduce carbon emissions in the process. REUSE AND REPURPOSE A majority of our marketing will take place digitally. Printed and physical assets are all made responsibly, with reuse and repurpose for future events in mind. We recycle as much of our branding as we can each year, to ensure there is less waste. RESPONSIBLY SOURCED PRINTING The festival will be printing a limited run of festival guides, with a free digital version available to all audiences online. All printed materials are made with responsibly sourced and FSC certified materials with paper from managed forests. RETURN & RECYCLE We have a lanyard return scheme. We will recycle or reuse all lanyards. Please return your lanyards to the Festival Hub at City Screen.
OFFICIAL SELECTION At Aesthetica, our programme is shaped around how film can inspire, provoke and drive meaningful change. The curatorial focus is bold storytelling, innovative ideas and urgent, relevant themes. Our Official Selection reflects the world we live in today. Films are programmed thematically by genre, creating a dynamic and thought-provoking viewing experience. We shine a light on timely subjects, using film as a lens to examine the past, confront the present and envision new futures. Our curation is led by a diverse team of talented experts with backgrounds in some of the world’s leading film festivals. Their collective vision enables audiences to engage with different cultures, fresh perspectives and approaches, and hear from the next generation of dynamic cinematic voices. The festival is programmed into the following genres:
n ADVERTISING
n FAMILY FRIENDLY
n Animation
n FASHION
n Artists’ Film
n
n Comedy
Games n MUSIC VIDEO
n DANCE
n
Documentary n DRAMA n EXPERIMENTAL n
THRILLER
n VR & immersive n Podcasts
In-venue screenings are curated thematically by genre into programmes. Seats are first come first served and we recommend getting to your desired screening 15-20 minutes before it starts.
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Content Warning: Discrimination, Mental Health Issues, Swearing
BEYOND THE ADVERT
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ADVERTISING
Advertising is everywhere, but the best adverts do more than sell. They tell stories, create worlds and shape the way we see. This programme brings together films made for cars, luxury watches, drinks, independent fashion brands and social campaigns, alongside messages addressing violence against women, the war in Ukraine and the stereotypes that surround us.
02 THE WORLD OF BOA CITY
Sewra G Kidane USA, 2025, 5:17 A modern-day heroine etched in leather and velocity hurtles down the familiar Route 33. Each stitch is a road marker home, as leather learns its wearer and armor becomes second skin.
Nicolee Tsin UK, 2024, 1:41 An elderly couple reconnects over noodles. A heartbroken teen finds solace in singing love songs with childhood friends. A lonely man waits for his perfect karaoke moment at his regular table.
ADVERTISING
01 ONWARD MOMENTUM
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03
04
LES AIRELLES COURCHEVEL
YVES SALOMON - ROCKETMAN
Valentin Savin, Katerina Lagoda France, 2025, 2:34 This film is a cinematic portrait of a mysterious place where time slows down and rituals become magic. Les Airelles Courchevel is a winter fairy-tale told through atmosphere, movement and light.
Katerina Lagoda, Valentin Savin France, 2025, 1:50 Rocketman is a cinematic Christmas tale that follows two heroes as their journey unfolds in a handcrafted pop-up world, where rockets orbit planets and presents are delivered by parachute.
05
06
DON'T STAY BOTTLED UP
STORY TREE
Ilanna Barkusky USA, 2025, 1:30 A love story gets uncorked in Malibu in a spin on the 1960s TV sitcom "cold open." The film is influenced by the enduring charm of the show Gidget, with its Californian roots and golden setting.
Max Blustin Japan, UK, 2025, 1:40 The seed of a narrative is cast aside, and it begins a journey of its own, from tiny beginnings to a vast story world. This film depicts inspiration as a real, tangible aspect of the natural landscape.
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Friargate 19:00-20:00
YSJU 19:00-20:00
Friargate 13:30-14:30
07
08
THAT LITTLE VOICE
GWM - THE CALLING
Sandy Matta UK, 2026, 2:00 After experiencing a drive-by Islamophobic remark, Farah is rattled but carries on with her day – until she comes face to face with her inner voice, debating whether she should take action.
Riyan Durrani China, Pakistan, 2026, 2:00 A man, trapped within the confines of a life he mistakes for reality, is haunted by visions of something more. As his perception shifts and horizons open, he follows an instinctive pull into the unknown.
ADVERTISING
09
10
WWF - NATURE NEEDS US NOW
NOT JUST A BREAK
Natasza Cetner Poland, UK, 2026, 0:51 This animated film for WWF’s Nature Needs Us Now campaign is a poetic reminder that nature sustains our air, water, food, health and joy – and when we protect it, we protect ourselves.
Laís Sambugaro Brazil, 2026, 1:00 About 40% of women leave work after having children, and it can take up to five years to return. Not Just A Break, made for LinkedIn, portrays the daily challenges of maternity leave.
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12
LIGHT HOLE
THE SILVERADOS
Toru Katori Japan, 2026, 1:45 After encountering a book, you feel as though you're somewhere else, as though you have become something entirely new. A girl races through that imagined world, propelled by narrative itself.
Mohamed Maged Kuwait, 2025, 1:30 In Kuwait, the Chevrolet Silverado became more than a vehicle; it became synonymous with aggression. This film moves beyond the machine and into the lives of the real men behind the wheel.
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A/SW
BEYOND THE ADVERT
12
ADVERTISING
14 MESS
Petr Vlček Czechia, 2026, 1:02 Four years. The war in Ukraine hasn’t ended. People just stopped noticing it. In response to this , WMC/GREY, in collaboration with Stink Prague, is launching the #blueyellow awareness initiative.
Anna Rozhetskaya Germany, 2026, 1:26 This ad, made for a mental health charity, features spoken word about the insecurities of being a man –about being angry and misunderstood – as he goes around his city dancing and moving.
ADVERTISING
13 BLUE & YELLOW
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15
16
BYSTANDER
THE TESTIMONIAL
Ian Roderick Gray UK, 2026, 1:26 Across a series of everyday settings – a bus stop late at night, a locker room after a match, an online gaming session – we witness subtle but familiar moments of harassment towards women.
Alice Fassi Italy, 2025, 5:36 Actor Pierfrancesco Favino plays the role of an unconventional testimonial, guiding audiences on an immersive journey through the symbolic locations of the iconic Manufacture in Le Brassus.
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18
THE POWER OF LIVE
LIVE YOUR MYTH IN GREECE
Lore Loyens Belgium, 2026, 1:07 A dark beach at night. An illuminated thin stream of sand slowly begins to rise. Guided by deep tones, wind and swelling strings, the living sand dances through deserted corridors of a Kursaal.
Michail Greece, 2026, 1:48 A cinematic reinterpretation of Greece as origin rather than a holiday destination, positioning the country not as a place to visit, but as a mythical space for personal transformation.
it's THE friday night Party! Grab a drink & get ready for the weekend ahead 7 November, dusk & Drawing Board, YO1 8RA 20:00-late Dusk hosts the renowned Friday Night Party, helping to carry Aesthetica Film Festival into a weekend of fun social events and inspiring cinema screenings. This year's event is at Dusk & Drawing Board, located in New Street. It's the perfect spot to join in with the festivities or re-group with your brand new friends. 77
Content Warning: Drug Use, Mental Health Issues, Suicide, Swearing
THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE US
15
ANIMATION 1
Wednesday
Thursday
Sunday
City Screen 1 12:00-13:00
YTR Main House 16:00-17:00
City Screen 1 12:00-13:00
How much of who we become belongs to us, and how much to others? In these imaginative and deeply human stories, lives are altered by family, love, memory, mentorship, absence and unexpected encounters. From comic misadventure and time-bending devotion to grief, resilience and renewal, they show the lasting influence others leave on our own choices.
02 IF/WHEN
John Michell UK, 2026, 13:20 Chris O'Dowd and Aisling Bea feature in the wild true story of the time Séamas O’Reilly got his days mixed up and ended up alone with his boss and the President of Ireland, whilst high on drugs.
Courtney Westbrook Australia, 2025, 9:40 Ollie Quatch drifts through time, experiencing it out of order. But when they see a reality without Az, the only person who really makes them feel grounded, Ollie refuses to accept fate as final.
ANIMATION
01 ME, MYSELF AND MARY
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03
04
THE LAST TIME I SAW YOU
BALL FACE
Ella Rose Corrieri UK, 2026, 9:40 In the year 2225, Romy is far from their home in a derelict city. Determined not to be late for a funeral, Romy embarks on an arduous journey burdened by grief and a large mysterious tank.
Laurence Thérien Canada, 2026, 4:30 Ball Face follows a middle school girl who, terrified of all sports, survives a chaotic ball game by accidentally bouncing a ball off her face, discovering an unconventional tactic that leads to victory.
05
06
TSUNAMI
WILDKIND
Maria Pulido Spain, 2026, 9:04 In a seaside town, Ana empties her grandmother’s house. Among memories, she finds a photograph. As the sea roars and a wave sweeps everything away, she understands the house is not home.
John McDaid UK, 2025, 7:18 Voiced by three generations of one family, WildKind is a poem to awaken the senses, a fluid journey of hope and healing. It is a universal bedtime story, a call to nurture a life wild and kind.
Content Warning: Drug Use, Flashing Lights, Mental Health Issues, Suicide, Sex, Violence
THE WEIGHT WE CARRY ANIMATION 2
Wednesday
Friday
Sunday
Yorks. Museum 21:30-22:30
Friargate 13:30-14:30
City Screen 2 13:30-14:30
15
Conflict can leave a mark on the soul, changing lives forever. Across six powerful narratives, characters confront war, addiction, mental illness, family histories, spiritual turmoil and inner demons. Through journeys of survival, resilience, memory and self-discovery, these stories are about the impact of struggle, the wounds violence creates and the hope that endures.
01
02
LITTLE SHREW (SNOWFLAKE)
SMALL HOURS
Kate Bush UK, 2024, 4:12 A little shrew searches for hope as she makes her way across a bombed-out city. Blissfully unaware of the dangers surrounding her, she slowly journeys through a war-torn Land of the Giants.
Oscar Wyndham Lewis UK, 2026, 9:56 Made with oil paint on glass, Small Hours asks how the isolation of addiction and mental illness can distort our sense of self – and how small acts of care and presence can slowly begin to restore it.
ANIMATION
03
04
HELL
WHAT'S NEXT
Parker Croft USA, 2025, 5:00 Hell follows the patriarch of a dying farm as he is ground down by the machinery of despair. What begins as endurance curdles into a portrait of collapse told through dust, labour and silence.
Cristiana Apostol Romania, 5:23 Baby Sunflower is captivated by the beauty of existence and sets out to discover "what's next." When Grandpa Sunflower cannot offer a simple answer, he tries to offer wisdom from his memories.
05
06
EL CUERPO DE CRISTO
TRADING CARDS
Bea Lema Spain, 2025, 12:00 With an unacknowledged, complex mental disorder, Adela feels like something is harming her and only religion understands. She confesses to her healer the disturbing inception of her suffering.
Radheya Jang UK, 2026, 14:58 The past, present and future collide when a man confronts his younger self over a game of trading cards. An exploration of identity, nostalgia and the erosion of childhood innocence.
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Content Warning: Abortion
VOICES OF TRANSFORMATION
15
Thursday City Screen 1 12:00-13:00
ANIMATION 3
Friday YTR Main House 16:00-17:00
Sunday City Screen 1 22:00-23:00
In today's society, a woman's journey towards herself can be complex. Across six films, voices rise against silence, bodies carry memory and lives are transformed. From struggles for equality and reproductive freedom to reconciliation and self-acceptance, these characters show the courage required to claim identity, challenge expectations and embrace change.
02 LOST TOUCH
Marcy Page Portugal, 2026, 10:42 A short musical, using a novel technique of animated azulejos (painted tiles), that features a rebellious Mary using her voice to celebrate the women of history in the struggle for equality.
Justine Klaiber Switzerland, 2025, 12:24 Amelia is the sole survivor on a damaged spaceship that is now caught in the gravitational pull of a planet. When a mysterious presence appears, she is torn between the past and the future.
ANIMATION
01 VIRGIN FANDANGO
80
03
04
CARLA AND HER LEGS
ONCE IN A BODY
Christoph Büttner Germany, 2026, 14:11 Carla has had enough. No one is interested in her talent as an acrobat. All they care about is that she has no legs. Then, out of the blue, the show’s director pressures Carla to perform.
María Cristina Pérez González Colombia, USA, 2025, 10:20 Whilst dealing with a strange being that lives inside her, a woman decides to reconcile with her sister over an incident from their adolescence, exploring the experiences through their bodies.
05
06
SUSURROS
MAKING A MOTHER
Pewinski, Lombard, Reignier, Pluchard, Francillon, Parmentier France, 2025, 7:27 From the witch hunts of 17th century Europe to the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the United States in 2022, Susurros follows the story of two women faced with a pregnancy they did not choose.
Emily Downe UK, 2026, 4:05 This animation explores matrescence, the deeply personal but unseen metamorphosis of becoming a mother, calling on ancient wisdom to give voice to this drastic yet invisible transformation.
Content Warning: Flashing Lights, Mental Health Issues, Suicide
MAKING SENSE OF THE WORLD ANIMATION 4
Thursday
Saturday
Sunday
Friargate 13:30-14:30
City Screen 1 12:00-13:00
City Screen 2 19:00-20:00
15
How do we make sense of loss, memory and the mysteries that shape our lives? Characters navigate grief, illness, longing, family histories and childhood reckonings in search of meaning. Through recollections, unlikely journeys and acts of remembrance, these stories illuminate how we see ourselves, honour those we have lost and carry their legacies forward.
01
02
LIVING WITH A VISIONARY
I WAS KIDNAPPED
Stephen P. Neary USA, 2026, 15:00 After over 50 years of marriage, John must care for his wife, whilst learning how to live alongside her vivid hallucinations. This true story is adapted from John Matthias's The New Yorker memoir.
Dhananjay Barangule UK, 2026, 6:42 Now that Dhananjay is older, he enjoys recounting stories from his childhood in Mumbai. Upon looking back on his kidnapping, it slowly starts to dawn on him how it may have affected his mum.
ANIMATION
03
04
DEATH'S PEAK
VISCERA
Willy Fair UK, 2025, 9:00 Desperate for connection and unable to move on, David digs up his brother’s corpse. With their trusty red wagon, the two ascend a treacherous mountain in pursuit of their old childhood dream.
Hristina Iankova UK, 2026, 6:59 In the days following her mother’s death, Lyra, a fishmonger, is drawn towards a beached whale. Entering its decaying body, she confronts the memories and grief she has long kept buried inside.
05
06
DOUGH + ME
ON SAINT NICHOLAS' EVE
Cecile Fountain-Jardim UK, USA, 2026, 5:52 Dough + Me follows the director's search to properly get to know her uncle, who died in 1997 from AIDS. It is the story of both his legacy and the enduring emotional impact of the AIDS crisis.
Emy Mirel Ivașcă Romania, 2025, 11:00 After seeing a man lying in the snow, a boy recalls a night spent with his father years before. But playing with his father takes an unexpected turn, whilst his dream toy leaves a bitter aftertaste.
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x
LIVING ON OUR OWN TERMS
12
ANIMATION 5
Wednesday
saturday
Sunday
YTR Main House 15:00-16:00
Yorks. Museum 15:30-16:30
City Screen 1 20:30-21:30
What does it mean to forge your own path? In this thought-provoking series, individuals and communities confront expectation, inheritance, mortality, isolation and oppression in pursuit of freedom. From apprentices and pioneers to revolutionaries and dreamers, this selection is a celebrate resilience, self-determination and the courage to choose one's own future.
02 ACID CITY
Leto Meade, Jonathan Rockefeller UK, 2026, 12:23 Death’s patience is tested when his sweet and gentle apprentice appears incapable of carrying out his assigned task, leading him to seek professional help from the most unlikely of places.
Jack Wedge, Will Freudenheim USA, 2026, 12:30 Acid City documents life in an isolated city. It is composed of real interviews conducted across NYC, ranging from regular people on the street, to water scientists and emergency responders.
ANIMATION
01 A LITTLE DEATH
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03
04
PICKLED
THE FALL
Fanny Capu UK< 2026, 8:39 In Edie's Granny’s world, they pickle everything, preserving their family history forever. But when Granny joins their ancestors, Edie has to decide if she’ll continue their tradition, or live for herself.
Christine Rebet France, 2025, 5:19 In 1700s Jamaica, enslaved Africans escaped plantations and founded communities of Maroons, led by Queen Nanny. Simone Harries, one of her descendants, examines her enduring legacy.
05
06
IN THE BEGINNING
LES VIEUX
Ala Nunu Poland, Portugal, Spain, 2026, 10:50 Legless birds of paradise, the great hamster cull and tardigrades on the moon. A surreal story inspired by real events, which looks at humanity's desire for preservation by controlling the narrative.
Axelle, Boris, Fanny, Lucile, Jérémy, Lauren, Maëlys, Manuel UK, 2026, 12:23 A brief interlude of life, where the end gently unfolds beneath laughter and warmth. This short film portrays a group of elderly individuals leisurely basking in the sunlight along the Côte d’Azur.
Content Warning: Extreme Violence, Mental Health Issues, Swearing
FINDING YOUR PLACE ANIMATION 6
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
City Screen 2 10:00-11:00
YSJU 13:30-14:30
Yorks. Museum 19:00-20:00
18
Our lives are tied to other people, and to lose that is destabilising. Follow as characters navigate gender, grief, illness, family legacies, community and belonging in search of themselves. Through moments of courage, connection and reinvention, these worlds explore how identity is shaped, challenged and reclaimed, revealing the many ways we become who we are.
01
02
EYELINER
DAUGHTERS OF THE LATE COLONEL
Aisha Boudjillouli UK, 2026, 8:30 Nina and her best friend Lily decide to steal an eyeliner. When they receive wildly different reactions to wearing makeup, Nina discovers that her journey as a trans girl might not be so easy.
Elizabeth Hobbs UK, 2026, 9:23 After the death of their ill-tempered and controlling father, two middle-aged sisters find themselves at a loss. An unexpected visitor sparks the courage in them to begin their lives anew.
ANIMATION
03
04
THIS IS NOT A MEMOIR
MAKING IT FIT
Josh Earle Australia, 2026, 22:08 When Chris Ramsey, a young Australian man living in London, is diagnosed with bowel cancer, he is forced onto a challenging new path, from first appointments to breaking the news to loved ones.
Mariana Leal UK, 2025, 4:30 A short documentary film about how the LGBTQIA+ community has been reinventing funerary and remembrance rituals to better support and reflect the way people live in community.
05
06
DANCE OF THE SPIRITS
DEEP END
Andreea-Lorena Florea UK, 2026, 6:26 Matei, a young Romanian shepherd boy, finds more comfort in his sheep than with his abusive, alcoholic dad. But when he starts to mimic his father’s violence, he’s faced with a question: "who am I?"
Puzhen Zhang UK, 2026, 7:38 A shy young girl overcomes her intense fear of swimming – and of connection – when she develops an unexpected and magical summer bond with a bold classmate in the deep end of the pool.
83
DU/MH/SW x
ART ON FILM
PG
ARTISTS' FILM 1
Thursday
Saturday
Sunday
YTR Studio 21:00-22:00
Friargate 12:00-13:00
Yorks. Museum 13:30-14:30
Art, in its almost countless forms, has always been a way for humans to connect, communicate and learn from one another across time and space. From songs of resistance to what we inherit from our maternal lineage, art has the ability to keep history alive. In this selection, audiences are encouraged to rethink how we view the past and how we inspire future generations.
02 PILLAR (NO DIALOGUE)
Millie Chen, Arzu Ozkal Canada, 2026, 23:00 SRS (Silk Road Songbook) broadcasts songs of resistance, written by women from local areas, on an ancient Eurasian migration route between Istanbul, Tehran, Tashkent, Bishkek and Xi’an.
Ciril Zupan Slovenia, 2024, 3:21 Three pillars stand somewhere in nature, their place in the world is unclear. How did they come to be in the forest? How do these manmade structures disrupt the natural rhythms of the space?
ARTISTS' FILM
01 SRS (SILK ROAD SONGBOOK) FILM (NO DIALOGUE)
03
04
DHIKR
THE HALL (SUBTITLED)
Mengyun Han UK, 2026, 21:09 Dhikr transforms acoustics of Uzbek textile workshops – looms, women’s voices and prayer – into a bold cinematic meditation that juxtaposes Soviet machine devotion with Sufi remembrance.
Jingru (Cyan) Cheng, Chen Zhan, Mengfan Wang China, 2024, 3:45 This project transforms Shigushan village’s People’s Commune Assembly Hall – once key to national politics – into an immersive theatre of villagers’ everyday lives, which blends past and present.
05 DON'T TOUCH THE ARTWORK Shams Uz Zuha Mansur UK, 2025, 7:38 A museum's rigid façade is shattered under the defiant gaze of a young brown woman. Her look is the trigger, instantly launching a "visual riot" where the known rules of reality dissolve into chaos.
84
HUMAN INTERVENTION ARTISTS' FILM 2
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
YTR Studio 19:00-20:00
City Screen 2 15:30-16:30
YSJU 20:30-21:30
12
Our vast world holds many stories that may never be seen by most humans, hidden from society's view – whether that be the frozen tundras of the Arctic, the dark depths of the ocean, eerie silent forests or the rapidly shrinking salt plains of the dead sea. These shorts explore the seemingly endess liminal spaces that explore the intersection of mother nature and mankind.
01
02
SINKHOLES
ONE DAY THE SUN WILL ONLY SHINE FOR YOU.
Karen Russo UK, 2025, 18:45 This hybrid documentary short transforms the rapidly shrinking Dead Sea – on the border of Israel, Palestine and Jordan – into a reflection on both environmental collapse and human fragility.
Gjert Rognli Norway, 2026, 7:00 In an unpredicatable age, this film takes audiences on a journey that reveals how our actions influence the future. The narrative drawns upon the Indigenous Sámi people's cultural heritage.
ARTISTS' FILM
03
04
NO BEFORE OR AFTER: NOTES ON A FILM
ONE
Emily Richardson UK, 2026, 20:00 Despite thawing permafrost, the World Memory Bank professes to protect important scientific and cultural knowledge for 5001000 years, housed in a former coal mine in the Arctic Circle.
Maya de Almeida Araujo Portugal, 2025, 18:00 Created across Portugal and the Azores, One explores humanity's relationship with the oceans. It tells the story of people who came to the island searching for something and found a sense of home.
CELEBRATE THE BEST FILMS. JOIN US AT THIS YEAR'S AWARDS CEREMONY. SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER, YORKSHIRE MUSEUM | 16:30-19:00 Our 16th edition closes with an awards ceremony where we recognise films from each genre, as well as our Craft Awards, Best of Fest and Special Guest Awards. Be part of the celebration.
85
NATURAL HERITAGE
pg
ARTISTS' FILM 3
Wednesday
Saturday
Sunday
YTR Studio 20:00-21:00
YTR Studio 19:00-20:00
City Screen 1 19:00-20:00
From football madness and Welsh folklore to classic works of literature and conversations about the weather, these five films explore the fundamental cornerstones of British identity. Actor Michael Sheen urges audiences to talk more openly about the climate, whilst Stephen Fry provides a cinematic retelling of Ode to a Nightingale by British poet, John Keats.
01
02 MATERIAL RIVER
Harry Tomlin UK, 2025, 4:49 In the past six hours, 94% of Brits discussed the weather. In the past five years, 7.000 have been arrested for speaking out about the climate crisis. This film, starring Michael Sheen, asks why.
Fiona Sinéad Brehony UK, 2026, 18:29 For more than a decade, Many Hands Craft Collective has met in Victoria Square in Manchester. Material River examines how the group responds as regeneration transforms their neighbourhood.
03
04
ARTISTS' FILM
YOU TOLD US TO TALK ABOUT THE WEATHER
FORMS OF CIRCULATION #3 (MIDDLESBROUGH FOOTBALL CLUB)
ODE TO A NIGHTINGALE
Paul Stewart, Sarah Perks UK, 2026, 10:07 Shot at Middlesbrough Football Club’s stadium, this film explores the bodies, voices and energies that congregate around football culture, as well as the ecologies that inhabit the stadium’s edges.
Tommy Creagh UK, 2026, 7:23 This is a haunting cinematic interpretation of Keats’s Ode to a Nightingale, as Stephen Fry gives voice to the poet’s meditation on beauty, mortality and transcendence, set within Keats House.
05 TŶ UNNOS Lily Tiger, Nina Maria Allmoslechner UK, 2026, 12:20 According to Welsh folklore, if you build a house over one night, the place is yours. One such house in Penrhos, which was built over 200 years ago. Tŷ Unnos tells the story of its last owners.
86
Content Warning: Drug Use, Mental Health, Swearing, Sex
ODD JOBS (SUBTITLED) COMEDY 1
Wednesday
Thursday
Saturday
City Screen 2 10:00-11:30
City Screen 1 19:00-20:30
City Screen 1 17:00-18:30
15
There's no such thing as an honest day's work. A 16-year-old's first shift descends into initiation rituals and questionable life advice, a security guard goes far beyond the call of duty to protect a taxidermic boar, and a rookie hitman botches his first job. This programme punches the clock so you don't have to, finding the sublime and the ridiculous in the daily grind.
01
02
LUCKY LIAM
THE SOCIAL ASPECT (SUBTITLED)
Thomas Hefferon, TJ Hundtofte Ireland, 2026, 10:20 Lucky Liam’s notorious luck may finally have run out. Digging his own grave, the hustler tries every tactic to survive, until his execution is interrupted by the arrival of a skittish, rookie hitman.
Sander August Dahl Norway, 2025, 16:15 Steinar and Tine navigate Norway’s cold corporate world. As the music mirrors their inner struggles, they gradually lose control and dignity within the modern job market and welfare system.
COMEDY
03
04
AND WHAT DO THE PIGS THINK? (SUBTITLED)
KETCHUP (SUBTITLED)
Edith Jorisch Canada, 2026, 19:00 An art gallery guard discovers that a precious taxidermied boar has fallen. Absurd accusations, paranoia and delusional theories transforms the incident into a vortex of absurd and awkward chaos.
Tjeerd Dam Netherlands, 2025, 8:45 Andrea has an irresistible need to smear herself with ketchup in private. But when the unusual habit crosses into her workplace, it sparks the beginning of a transformative personal journey.
05
06
THE CRAB CAKE KID
THE DREAM IS A SNAIL (SUBTITLED)
Kirill Teslia UK, 2026, 14:05 In a sleepy restaurant, 16-year-old Rob lands his first job, but it is far from fine dining. Despite the madness, Rob finds himself growing fond of the chaotic kitchen and the unpredictable staff.
Thien An Nguyen South Korea, Vietnam, 2026, 15:00 A young artist develops an odd addiction to snails after landing a bizarre new gig: serving as a motionless human racetrack for snails during a rejuvenation therapy workshop for seniors.
87
BV/FLS/MH Content Warning: Mental Health, Sex, Swearing
THE STATE OF US
18
COMEDY 2
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
City Screen 2 15:00-16:30
City Screen 2 10:00-11:30
City Screen 2 10:00-11:30
Every relationship is a performance – and these couples are struggling with their lines. Whether dithering through fatherhood's opening night, auditioning a third party, enduring an strained marriage, choosing between the spotlight and the person in the wings, or restaging an old summer for a better ending, they all discover: there's no script for being an "us."
02 YOUTHFUL INDISCRETIONS (SUBTITLED)
Vegard Dahle Norway, 2025, 14:00 Molecular gastronomy. Pretentious self-realisation. The strange choice of having children. These are all ingredients in this absurd and darkly funny semi-apocalyptic double date taken from hell.
Domenico Cicerone Italy, 2025, 19:00 One night in a hotel, a long-term couple decides to experiment with a ménage à trois with a much younger woman. But the game of desire opens hidden wounds and reveals long-unspoken truths.
COMEDY
01 EGO (SUBTITLED)
88
03
04
BABY ON BOARD
GOBBL
Jamie Luke Milligan UK, 2026, 7:57 A new father is paralysed with concerns about being a dad. He keeps finding elaborate reasons to not leave the hospital car park, even though his wife keeps begging him to just go home.
CC Wade UK, 2026, 20:00 Tom, a struggling musician, is at a life crossroads. He can either climb the ladder with Gobbl, a new blowjob delivery service, to appease his girlfriend, or he can pursue his dreams of performing.
05
06
EXAM (SUBTITLED)
BACK TO TADOU (SUBTITLED)
Jan Naszewski France, Poland, 2026, 12:44 One couple, their therapist under close scrutiny, an international evalution, an interpreter, and the hidden frustrations of the longterm spouses. These will be the longest minutes of their lives.
Jean-Nicolas Bertouille Blais Canada, 2026, 12:44 How do we all try to rewrite our past in order to make peace with ourselves? Maude seeks closure by revisiting a traumatic memory: a beach encounter in Tadoussac with Justin, over 10 years ago.
Content Warning: Flashing Lights, Sex, Swearing, Violence
IN MY SKIN COMEDY 3
Wednesday
Saturday
Sunday
Friargate 15:30-17:00
City Screen 2 21:00-22:30
City Screen 2 17:00-18:30
18
Nobody scrutinises us like we scrutinise ourselves. From chopped fringes and stubborn family hair to inherited wrinkles, unusual anatomy and one irreplaceable jumper, these films chart our relationships with our own reflections – until a man wakes up in the body he's spent a lifetime objectifying, and everyone learns what it costs to live on the mirror's other side.
01
02
MIRCO BANGS
LIKE RABBITS
Iris Breward UK, 2025, 5:08 A woman quickly spirals as she considers a drastic haircut. She asks her boyfriend whether he likes the idea of her cutting in microbangs and he can't seem to answer the question correctly.
Henry Carson UK, 2026, 7:54 On his wedding night, a groom frets about consummating his marriage due to his "unusual" penis. This film explores the real-world consequences of experiencing body dysmorphia.
COMEDY
03
04
TELL YOUR FACE
KITTY
Jill Worsley UK, 2026, 14:05 Haunted by her late mother's praise of her smooth skin, Chikana hits 30 and begins to obsess over wrinkles. Without the money for Botox, she concocts an absurd and extreme way to stop them.
Lizzie Hart, James Newman UK, 2026, 14:37 Neurodivergent Kitty, lover of trinkets and Kate Bush, discovers her favourite jumper ruined. She’s left with one choice: sell her precious collections, or risk losing the beloved jumper forever.
05
06
HAIR!
ASKING4IT
Sara Jade Alfaro-Dehghani Canada, 2026, 15:36 Sisters Farrah, Miriam and Layla have their monthly hair removal and chai session, as their daughters watch on. With them, they bring decades of family drama and inches of dark, stubborn hair.
Emma Rose Jesse UK, 2026, 15:36 A man views women only as objects of desire, until one morning, he wakes to find he has changed into a woman. Confronted with life on the other side, he discovers the cost of being “desirable.”
89
Content Warning: Explicit Nudity, Sex, Swearing dw/bv/d/du
LEGENDS IN THEIR OWN MINDS
15
COMEDY 4
Thursday
Friday
Sunday
Yorks. Museum 21:00-22:30
City Screen 2 20:30-22:00
YSJU 15:00-16:30
These six shorts follow believers of their own hype wherever it leads: into back alleys spun into epics, monstrous egos mistaken for romance, meathead bravado pushed past breaking, statues competing with deadly seriousness, soulmates found in the mirror, and one husband's watertight excuse for abandoning his family. Magnificent self-belief, in the face of all evidence.
02 DUG. OR, THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS
Rui Wang UK, 2026, 20:55 In a world where love is currency and women are commodities, a man constructs an elaborate justification for abandoning his immobile wife and caged daughter for a woman living next door.
Melanie Spencer UK, 2026, 4:20 Mikey got drunk. But it's no aw bad, know wit ah mean? A film about getting lost up back alley, giving proof that the Scottish gift isn't bagpipes – but the ability to spin anything into an epic.
COMEDY
01 MY WIFE DOESN'T MOVE ANYMORE
90
03
04
LOVE INTEREST
DYNAMITE DEALER
Tanya Lialina UK, 2026, 15:47 Hazel auditions for the part of Love Interest in a big budget film. The director is so enamoured with her performance, he continues the romance in real life – all she has to do is stay in character.
Jordon Scott Kennedy UK, 2026, 13:14 Dynamite Dealer follows Alex Ludd, a young rugby lad as he navigates the cartoonishly macho, meathead world of the Idley Trojans, where he pushes himself to prove he’s “man enough.”
05
06
POSERS
SELFLOVE (SUBTITLED)
Alexander O'Loughlin UK, 2025, 3:29 A documentary film crew is granted access to the 4th Annual Musical Statues Competition. Tensions are high, excitement is buzzing, and for three competitors, it all comes down to this.
Nik Azad Germany, 2025, 12:30 A young man finally finds his soulmate: himself. After all, no one understands him so well. The two of them could live forever in their comfort zone – if it just weren’t for that one little thing.
Content Warning: Flashing Lights, Swearing
REALITY CHECK COMEDY 5
Wednesday
Thursday
Saturday
City Screen 2 21:00-22:30
Friargate 15:00-16:30
YTR Studio 15:00-16:30
15
What if reality came with terms and conditions? One woman knows hers: strong tea, punctuality, never dig behind the shed. The rest learn the hard way – a hypnotherapist under her own spell, an Instagram Romeo too good to be true, a fiancée who exists in the Betaverse, a dog pilgrimage invented in panic, one laundrette's doomed party. Always read the fine print.
01
02
TIME'S UP, I'M AFRAID
NOBODY BARKS (SUBTITLED)
James Button UK, 2025, 14:00 A hypnotherapist is running a routine session, when she begins to suspect that she may be the one who has been hypnotised, blurring the lines between patient, therapist and actual reality.
Júlia Coldwell Serra Spain, 2025, 19:52 Candela accidentally runs over her nephew's dog, but decides not to confess. Instead, she invents a legend about a dog pilgrimage to a sacred tree and invites him to come with her on the big search.
COMEDY
03
04
LAUNDREAMS
FAUX AMIS
Evie Ward-Drummond, Amber Gadd UK, 2025, 14:17 The hottest day of the summer. A laundrette manned by 20-yearolds Minnie and Leah. Nothing ever happens here, until Danny walks through the doors, and they throw a party to impress him.
Theodore Matza USA, 2025, 14:00 American 20-somethings Adele and May travel to Paris to unite with the handsome Jacques, who has been courting Adele via Instagram. Jacques turns out to be an infamous reclusive local.
05
06
IN BETWEEN
INTO THE BETAVERSE
Hannah Mamalis Ireland, 2025, 13:53 Anna knows that she replaced the Anna that came before her and another Anna will appear. But ahead of her inevitable departure, she decides to leave a letter attempting to pass on her world view.
Varun Raman, Tom Hancock UK, 2026, 14:11 Gary proposed to his girlfriend. However, their relationship exists in a virtual world – the Betaverse. His best mate, Dave, suspects she's a scammer, so he also enters the Betaverse to spy on them.
91
BV/LNE/SW Content Warning: Mental Health, Swearing
IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS
15
Wednesday City Screen 2 17:30-16:30
COMEDY 6
Thursday
Sunday
City Screen 3 12:00-13:00
City Screen 1 22:00-23:00
It started so small. A catcall. A pinch. A bus seat. A fly. A game of Scattergories. Viewed from high above, humanity's problems might look trivial to some – but zoom in and every tiny slight is a war that's just waiting to happen. This is a stuffed programme of minor incidents and major meltdowns that proves the shortest fuse is always attached to the smallest bomb.
02 BUS (SUBTITLED)
Thomas Bernon, Julien Gamarde France, 2025, 4:20 In the middle of the forest, a man builds a breezeblock wall to protect himself from a fly swooping down on him, convinced the tiny insect poses an unstoppable, terrifying threat to his safety.
Andre Balbuena Peru, 2025, 8:47 In the middle of rush hour traffic in Peru's capital city of Lima, a young student refuses to give up his bus seat to an elderly woman, sparking unexpected chaos among the passengers.
COMEDY
01 BREEZEBLOCK (SUBTITLED)
92
03
04
F**K FACE
LITTLE PROBLEMS (SUBTITLED)
Tim Hamilton Australia, 2026, 7:54 During a casual game of Scattergories, four good friends discover that the most dangerous thing in the room isn’t time, guns or bad language – it’s actually how well they all really know each other.
Chris de Krijger Netherlands, 2025, 10:04 Little Problems takes a look at the absurdity of everyday life by following the small setbacks and trivial conflicts of ordinary people, zooming out to an extremely wide bird’s-eye perspective.
05
06
LET'S (NOT) TALK ABOUT THE SNAKE (SUBTITLED)
HEY SEXY
Håkon Anton Olavsen Norway, 2026, 14:29 The party is just getting started when Gard pinches his friend Charlotte on the butt, just as a joke. Gard agrees it was pointless. Still, he spends the rest of the evening trying to prove his point.
Jess O'Kane UK, 2026, 7:43 HEY SEXY is an irreverent tour through the mind of Paul, a builder who makes a habit of catcalling women. But before long, Paul’s routine is disturbed when his hammer starts talking dirty to him.
Content Warning: Explicit Nudity, Flashing Lights, Sex
LODGED IN THE BRINK (SUBTITLED) DANCE 1
Wednesday
Saturday
Sunday
Yorks. Museum 20:00-21:00
Friargate 19:00-20:00
Friargate 12:00-13:00
18
Johannesburg’s single-sex hostels are explored as spaces that both subvert and support traditional Black Zulu patriarchal masculinities, whilst queer people in Stockholm navigate conformity and self-expression. Also within these films, a cleaning routine becomes something new in a pole-dancing studio and a lion dance interrogates the emotional cost of assimilation.
01
02
ONCE UPON A TIME IN STOCKHOLM (SUBTITLED)
SONDER
Parmida Hamdollazadehkive Sweden, 2026, 9:51 Through both movement and music by Mansa, dancers navigate Stockholm’s hidden social demands, tracing the tension between conformity and self-expression in a journey towards liberation.
Thuthuka Sibisi South Africa, 2026, 26:00 On the outskirts of Johannesburg, decrepit buildings house thousands of men. There is a complex system, which subverts and supports traditional Black Zulu patriarchal masculinities.
DANCE
03
04
A LION
A SAD WOMEN (NO DIALOGUE)
Nastassia Winge Tan Netherlands, 2026, 3:36 A Lion explores identity, assimilation as well as intergenerational silence. Drawing on the traditional lion dance, the film transforms a cultural ritual into a space for quiet reflection, pride and return.
Leïla Macaire, Romane Piffaut France, 2026, 8:00 Choreographer Romane Piffaut and filmmaker Leïla Macaire reclaim the figure of the crying woman, reimagining her through a new staging that experiments with both the body and absurdity.
05
06
DAYSHIFT (NO DIALOGUE)
THE BLOOD QUARTER (SUBTITLED)
Zéré Turlykhanova USA, 2025, 3:05 This story follows a middle-aged cleaning lady tidying a pole dancing studio. When she wanders into a world she’s only seen from the sidelines, her life transforms from routine into reverie.
Florence Peyrard, Max Gozy France, 2026, 7:15 A security guard watches over an empty building – the former slaughterhouses of the city of Paris. Her presence awakens the memory of the place and the space becomes a living archive.
93
Content Warning: Explicit Nudity, Flashing Lights
A DISTANT BURNING LIGHT
15
DANCE 2
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
City Screen 2 19:00-20:00
Yorks. Museum 12:00-13:00
YSJU 19:00-20:00
A girl finds she is the only Black dancer in her class and escapes to a dream world, where Black ballerinas surround her. Teenagers get ready for a night at "Pico" Mexican dance club in LA. A woman’s journey navigates colonial systems to recount a history-shaping voyage. Amongst the selection, a woman flees to the woods, finding a frenzied forest dance ritual.
02 ON A SUNDAY AT ELEVEN
Sulian Rios France, 2026, 9:51 Bruta tells the story of a world where seriousness and absurdity coexist. Three protagonists carry these two forces in their bodies and gestures, until they turn against a mysterious masked man.
Alicia K. Harris Canada, 2024, 9:00 Seven-year-old Angel arrives at ballet class, to discover she is the only Black girl in her lesson. She escapes to a dream world where Black ballerinas with bold, elaborate hairstyles dance around her.
DANCE
01 BRUTA
94
03
04
TALLER THE HAT, CLOSER TO HEAVEN
MAIA. A MOTHER OF NATIONS
James Pearson-Howes UK, 2025, 9:07 Shot on Valentine’s Day 2024, this film follows three friends as they get ready for a night out in LA. Set to the beat of Banda and Norteño, it is a celebration of friendship, romance and ritual.
Sara Dos Santos UK, 2025, 10:56 This dance film traces a woman’s journey across oceans – carried by faith, resilience and hope. The elegant account of a single experience considers unexpected alliances and inherited fates.
05
06
UNSPUN FLESH, UNSPUN SHELL
THE DANCING PLAGUE
Nailong Song China, 2025, 4:46 This is a work about what has “not yet become.” It explores the unsettling feeling of being perpetually in the middle: neither a beginning nor an end, but a suspended “ongoing” moment.
Alex Leggatt UK, 2026, 9:38 1518 AD. When a pregnant woman murders her husband, she has to flee to the woods, where she forms an unlikely connection with a band of outcasts who draw her into a frenzied forest dance ritual.
LANDSCAPES OF MEMORY DANCE 3
Friday
Saturday
SUNDAY
City Screen 3 10:00-11:00
YSJU 15:30-16:30
Friargate 20:30-21:30
PG
Across landscapes marked by conflict, absence and longing, this programme explores the body as a vessel for memory, resistance and transformation. These dance films move through abandoned spaces, fractured histories and imagined worlds where language fails, and movement ultimately becomes a way to confront the issues that remain unresolved.
01
02
WAR_N_ING
COMB
Jia-jing Wu Taiwan, 2026, 14:40 A man awakens in a decaying military village – a relic of Cold War ruins in Taiwan. Moving through the silent architecture towards the shoreline, his gestures trace an imagined path of conflict.
Rongfei Guo China, 2026, 13:54 Backstage at a dance competition, 12-year-old Lotus observes mothers combing their daughters' hair. But her attempt to mimic them unravels into a physical confrontation her imagined mother.
DANCE
03
04
LIMBES (NO DIALOGUE)
RIVER OF INK
Karl Cannone France, 2025, 5:32 Limbes unlocks a window into both the dreams and nightmares of a young man. Between paralysis and release, it reflects on our collective fears, shared traumas and the long path toward healing.
Abe Abraham USA, 2026, 17:25 A student is left on their own in an odd, abandoned classroom, drifting into a dreamscape where scattered, damaged books awaken memories of disemodied voices that are long vanished.
05
06
THE GIFT (NO DIALOGUE)
DAYS WITHOUT END
Mikki Sindhunata Netherlands, 2025, 11:00 Alesya lives entirely alone and has made a ritual of spending her birthday in complete solitude. But this year, the day takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious box appears at her doorstep.
Chung-Wei Huang USA, 2025, 8:00 Trapped in a surreal limbo, a dancer chases the paper boats that always drift just out of reach. Her journey transforms when she climbs into the bathtub and emerges in an enchanting blue room.
95
Content Warning: Drug Use, Mental Health, Suicide
TRANSFORMATION (SUBTITLED)
12
DOCUMENTARY 1
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Friargate 10:00-11:30
City Screen 2 10:00-11:30
City Screen 1 17:00-18:30
Transformation is always possible. Han's Call follows a South Korean student who yearns for rebirth via a fake funeral ceremony. The Climb, Return to Water and Body to Heart feature protagonists healing and re-building. Tsingtao–Qingdao sees a beer brand become embedded in national identity, whilst Five Minute Brides transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.
02 THE CLIMB (SUBTITLED)
Paul Van der Stegen France, 2026, 29:55 In Seoul, Joon Woo, a young student, takes part in fake funerals to confront his past. Han's Call explores the unease of a Korean youth searching for meaning in a society obsessed with success.
Raginie Duara UK, 2026, 6:00 The Climb captures the journey of a woman through trauma, addiction and recovery. The short film holds one singular lived experience at its core, speaking to universal themes of healing.
DOCUMENTARY
01 HAN'S CALL (SUBTITLED)
96
03
04
TSINGTAO–QINGDAO (SUBTITLED)
RETUN TO WATER (SUBTITLED)
Shu Lin China, 2026, 9:49 Sourced from the archives of Tsingtao Beer in China, this film explores the construction of modern Chinese nationalism by retracing the localisation process of beer, a foreign product.
Kate Malyon UK, 2025, 5:10 A swimmer reflects on how water is a space for self-discovery. As the tides shift and the pool appears and disappears, so too does their gender identity – sometimes opaque, sometimes clear.
05
06
BODY TO HEART (SUBTITLED)
FIVE MINUTE BRIDES (SUBTITLED)
Jenny Barruol UK, 2026, 21:57 In the village of Mazan in Southern France, known for the Gisèle Pélicot rape case, a farm provides free horse therapy to women rebuilding their lives following domestic and sexual violence.
Jacqueline Maxted UK, 2025, 15:45 In a Skipton bridal shop, seamstress Mandy Abramson invites all women, of any age, shape or size, to come in and enjoy a wedding dress-up day of their own – twice a year, every year, at no charge.
Content Warning: Flashing Lights
A PART OF THIS PALACE DOCUMENTARY 2
Wednesday
Saturday
Sunday
City Screen 1 15:30-17:00
City Screen 1 13:30-15:00
YSJU 10:00-11:30
PG
These films explore connections made between humans and their surroundings. Uncover a dialogue between ice and sea in Glacier's Requiem. Meet a shepherd who refuses to abandon his land in South Lebanon. The impact of colonialism on Indigenous communities is explored in Marrparang, whilst an artist returns to the same spot for 17 years in The Art of Seeing.
02 EVERY GRAIN OF DIRT
Saddiq Abubakar UK, 2025, 20:44 In isolation on Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Nigerian-born artist Colloboh transforms glacial and oceanic recordings into sonic compositions – uncovering a dialogue between ice and sea.
Aya Chouaib, Julie Mallat Lebanon, 2026, 18:00 As mass evacuation orders force over a million people in South Lebanon from their homes, some choose to remain. Among them is Ismail, a shepherd who refuses to abandon his village.
PUSH THE MACHINE
MARRPARANG
Max Ward Australia, France, UK, 2025, 14:15 A stuntman embarks on the most perilous, and illegal, project of his life. With the police hot on his trail, and an arduous mission to reach the takeoff, the jump itself is only half the challenge.
Tom Murray, Minitja Marawili Australia, 2026, 21:00 Marrparang is a Yolngu Aboriginal word for the viviyfing feeling a person experiences in their Ancestral Country. As the community faces new and oppressive laws, it feels more important than ever.
DOCUMENTARY
GLACIER'S REQUIEM
04
THE ART OF SEEING George Louis Tsougrianis Canada, 2026, 21:35 For 17 years, one photographer has returned again and again to the vast prairie landscape, often to a single, unassuming subject that most people would pass without even a second glance.
97
Content Warning: Flashing Lights, Strong Language
STRENGTH IN THE COLLECTIVE
15
DOCUMENTARY 3
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
YTR Studio 18:00-19:30
City Screen 1 11:30-13:00
YSJU 10:00-11:30
These films demonstrate that we are stronger together. Travel across the globe as we hear from an Indigenous community in Hawai'i, members of the DIY punk scene in Leeds and a group of residents in remote Alaska. Follow humanitarian aid from Bristol to Gaza, stop by an open house for the transgender community and reflect on the importance of protest.
02 ROSE'S HOUSE
Parsifal Elviro Gomez UK, 2026, 10:00 Sakir, an ordinary working-class man, travels across the world as an activist. This film features a journey in 2009, in an ambulance full of aid, beginning in Bristol and ending up on the Gaza Strip.
Naomi Abel-Hirsch UK, 2026, 19:58 In 1979, Martine Rose bought a dilapidated terraced house in Sheffield and renovated it herself, creating one of the UK’s first dedicated spaces for a community of trans people: Rose’s House.
DOCUMENTARY
01 AN AMBULANCE FOR GAZA
98
03
04
ACTS OF PROTEST
PRETTIER IN WHITTIER
Zebedee Parkes Australia, 2025, 7:42 Acts of Protest considers the huge emotional spectrum of protest amid ongoing global crises, offering a sensory experience that explores the contested right to dissent in today’s turbulent world.
Joe Kowalski USA, 2026, 12:28 Nestled in a mountainous rainforest in Alaska is a town where nearly the entire population lives in one apartment building, bringing new meaning to getting along with your neighbour.
05
06
DON'T BOTHER WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD
HO'OLONO (TO LISTEN DEEPLY)
Elliott George UK, 2026, 17:26 An experimental exploration of the self-made culture behind live hardcore music in Leeds. It's one of the most vibrant underground scenes across the entire country, led by iconic grassroots venues.
Samantha Ramirez-Herrera USA, 2026, 19:08 Ho‘olono is an exploration of our enduring relationship to land and self, inviting audiences to remember that the path through ecological crisis may also prove to be a route back to ourselves.
Content Warning: Eating Disorders, Mental Health, Suicide, Self Harm
FACING WHAT HURTS DOCUMENTARY 4
Thursday
Saturday
Sunday
City Screen 1 13:30-14:30
Yorks. Museum 19:00-20:00
City Screen 2 20:30-21:30
12
We don't mend by avoiding. Follow the protagonist of Tamashi as they embark on a journey of intergenerational healing, while Town Called Needville examines the non-linear process of recovery. A filmmaker meets his grandmother's murderer in Correspondence, plus a Vietnamese tattoo artist helps her clients to reclaim their bodies in They Call Me the Tattoo Witch.
01
02
TAMASHI
A TOWN CALLED NEEDVILLE
Ashima Shiraishi, Jess X. Snow China, France, Japan, USA, 2026, 12:56 Ashima Shiraishi, a former child prodigy climber – alongside their butoh dancer father – take part in a ceremony of climbing and movement that offers healing for their relationship and the land.
Audrey Lane Canada, USA, 2026, 5:37 Told through both 35mm photographs and first-person narration, this narrative follows the filmmaker's four-month inpatient stay at an all-women’s mental health facility based in Needville in Texas.
DOCUMENTARY
03
04
MŌDOR
CORRESPONDENCE
Natasha Audtin-Green UK, 2025, 12:11 Society often paints a picture of motherhood as the pinnacle of a woman's life, but is this true? MŌDOR delves into the complexities, contradictions and the unspoken realities of maternal experience.
Paul K. Oh UK, 2026, 5:40 A filmmaker conducts an interview with the man convicted of murdering his grandmother. He tries to reconcile the person sitting across from him with the act that shattered his family.
05 THEY CALL ME THE TATTOO WITCH Lindsay Nyman USA, 2024, 14:17 In Hanoi, Vietnam, tattoo artist Tran Ngoc specialises in tattooing over scars. Ngoc empowers her clients, who include breast cancer survivors and women with self-harm scars, to reclaim their bodies.
99
Content Warning: Mental Health, Self Harm, Suicide
FRAGMENTED MEMORY
15
DOCUMENTARY 5
Wednesday
Thursday
Saturday
Friargate 21:00-22:30
City Screen 2 21:00-22:30
YSJU 17:00-18:30
These short films explore the nature of memory. Delve into the complex ways that our past experiences form our outlook, from the forgotten story of an Afghan spaceman and the tragic truth behind the loss of an Irish matriarch. Gain access to the world of a man born without sight, uncover family archives and explore the heartache of time's passing in Seasons.
02 FORGOTTEN SPACEMAN (SUBTITLED)
Aeyliya Husain Canada, 2025, 14:38 This tender found footage project considers memory and identity. The film constructs a personal narrative of how the filmmaker's experiences have shaped both their life and creative trajectory.
Elham Ehsas Afghanistan, UK, 2026, 16:00 In 1988, Afghanistan sent its first and only astronaut, Abdul Ahad Momand, into space. From orbit, he called his mother, making Pashto the fourth language ever spoken beyond Earth.
DOCUMENTARY
01 YAD (TO REMEMBER)
100
03
04
CALL ME MAEVE
THE VEIL OF SENSES
Jack O'Malley Ireland, 2026, 6:23 This is a conversation between the director and his mother about a woman he never got the opportunity to meet – his grandmother, Maeve. Together, the two piece together a fragile family history.
Elisa Baccolo Italy, 2026, 19:06 Dante, a man born blind, has never seen the world. For him, there is no visual memory. His universe is made of sounds, textures, tastes and scents, a living fabric that reveals new ways of sensing.
05
06
THIS IS THE HOUSE: IF I DON'T SEE YOU, I LOVE YOU
SEASONS
Claudia Owusu USA, 2026, 14:50 A Ghanaian-American father and daughter duo work through their crowded basement, uncovering forgotten family archives and the fragments caused by immigration, divorce and loss.
Renee Nabinger USA, 2026, 5:46 Shot on 16mm and VHS, Seasons is a love letter to the director's home in Vermont. The film drifts through fragmented memories of home, family as well as the quiet heartache of time passing.
Content Warning: Eating Disorders, Flashing Lights, Mental Health, Racism, Strong Language
IDENTITY
DOCUMENTARY 6
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
YTR Studio 19:00-20:30
Yorks. Museum 20:30-22:00
City Screen 2 19:00-20:30
15
This collection tackles the complex notion of identity. in it, one young man moves through pivotal moments of his private and political life. Mother's Influence explores a single mum’s battle with ageing, whilst another tries to understand the new views of a radicalised friend, and three South Asian transgender women defiantly resist a society that tries to erase them.
01
02
EVEN YOU, COMRADE
MOTHER'S INFLUENCE
Giorgio Dinello Germany, 2025, 15:49 Batu, a young worker, second-generation migrant and member of a communist organisation navigates, with his comrades, the tense lead-up to Germany’s snap elections in February 2025.
Meg Wriggles UK, 2025, 14:00 Meg grew up with an unconventional single mother, who works as an influencer navigating aging and body dysmorphia. Today, she admires her but questions how it shaped her own self-image.
DOCUMENTARY
03
04
DEEP PLATE (SUBTITLED)
MY FRIEND, KEV
Daria Pyshna Ukraine, UK, 2026, 15:50 Built from audio interviews, Deep Plate weaves the voices of four Ukrainians who exist outside the expected image of Slavic people, into a portrait of identity shaped by language, memory, and place.
Colin Peppard Ireland, 2026, 17:35 A filmmaker reconnects with an old friend, revealing the distance time can create. He questions how time, algorithms, loneliness and identity can shape a person in ways we can't always perceive.
05 BODY OF OUR OWN (SUBTITLED) Rahemur Rahman, Lily Vetch UK, 2026, 25:00 Amidst the vibrant chaos of South Asia, this narrative follows three Hijra – Momo, Neshi and Jannat – as they navigate freedom and self-expression in a world that seeks to erase transgender women.
101
Content Warning: Explicit Nudity, Sex, Swearing
18
THE RECKONING DRAMA 1
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Friargate 15:00-16:30
City Screen 1 10:00-11:30
Yorks. Museum 15:00-16:30
The past doesn't ask permission to return. It arrives mid-celebration, wearing the face of a childhood friend. It waits in a forest's shadow, in a lover's camera roll, behind a door that should have stayed shut, on a golden day in Italy. Unflinching but never sensational, these films navigate desire, memory and power – and follow their characters to moments of truth.
02 XY (SUBTITLED)
Ciara Ní É Ireland, 2025, 13:00 Ireland, 1920. Inside a house where Irish maids are not allowed to speak their own language, Peigí has desires that turn to obsession. She is discovered in a bedroom which she really shouldn’t be in.
Alice Gadbled Belgium, 2025, 19:10 In the middle of a scorching summer, 25-year-old X returns to her home village to celebrate her mother's birthday. Y joins her for a walk. Secrets that are about to catch up with them lie in the forest.
DRAMA
01 CLAONADH
03
04
CELESTE & THE CYAN SUN
SOUVENIR
Claire Jamison USA, 2026, 16:46 On her last day in Italy, a young woman finds herself being swept away by a new intimate friendship. This connection sees her be catapulted towards reckless abandon and tragic circumstances.
Renée Marie Petropoulos Australia, 2025, 14:33 Whilst stuck on a long family vacation, Keira, a young closeted teenager, must confront the unnerving hold her girlfriend has over her after she takes unwarranted photos of her during sex.
05 THE LOBSTER (SUBTITLED) Maïa Descamps Belgium, 2025, 26:23 During a bachelor party, Sami runs into a childhood friend who accuses him of abuse. Throughout the weekend, he navigates his own, sometimes misguided, conscience, searching for the truth.
102
Content Warning: Discrimination, Extreme Violence, Sex, Swearing
THIN ICE DRAMA 2
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
City Screen 2 19:00-20:30
City Screen 1 15:00-16:30
YTR Studio 17:00-18:30
18
Life rarely pans out the way we plan. In this collection, a partner commits the cruellest betrayal, a fairy-tale romance can't survive reality, something new blooms among the pear trees but quickly rots and an AI confidant should never have heard those secrets. Yet, in the wreckage – fighting the cold, or bare before a life class – some discover what they're truly made of.
01
02
LOSS OF ALTITUDE (SUBTITLED)
EMBODIED
Hoàng Quỳnh Nguyen Germany, 2025, 11:45 This is a story about a relationship. But it also tackles guilt, silent complicity and how love and betrayal can both exist in the same breath. It is about what happens when silence becomes political.
Chanelle Eidenbenz UK, 2025, 11:00 Refusing to submit to being "an overlooked old woman," Tona bares all to the gazing eyes of a life drawing class – reclaiming the way she is seen both by others, and herself, in the process.
DRAMA
03
04
TO BUILD A FIRE
FOLDS (SUBTITLED)
Lorenzo Puntoni Italy, 2026, 20:03 An experienced explorer and his dog cross a cold mountain pass, confronting extreme conditions. When the ice breaks underneath his feet, building a fire becomes the only chance of their survival.
Katya Skakun USA, 2025, 15:00 In Suzdal, a town pulled right out of a fairy tale, Asya – a manual therapist crippled by impostor syndrome – meets Misha, a local guide. When uninvited guests arrive, Asya must trust in her craft.
05
06
PECKERHEAD (SUBTITLED)
USELESS
Ante Pask Belgium, 2024, 24:07 Peckerhead follows a group of friends with car trouble, who end up spending the weekend in a farmhouse. Oskar meets Justine, and something beautiful begins to blossom under the pear trees.
Ariel Heller USA, 2025, 9:48 A man, who is struggling to find employment, starts using an AI therapist. He soon faces humiliating consequences, as it exposes his inner thoughts and failings as a partner to his successful wife.
103
Content Warning: Mental Health, Strong Language, Swearing 15
THE ANIMALISTIC DRAMA 3
Wednesday
Thursday
Saturday
Yorks. Museum 18:00-19:30
Friargate 17:00-18:30
YSJU 10:00-11:30
These films have a feel of the wild side to them. Each story touches on what we need to escape and release. From the creature of the night to the rampant duvet, these are stories of how forces beyond our control often lead us to catharsis. Roastin is about control, Lone jumps into the unknown, whilst The Pigeon explores what it means to hold on and let go.
01
02 DUVET Bel Parker UK, 2025, 14:00 Duvet is a short horror film about a woman who is trying to leave a coercive relationship. The film combines puppetry techniques with stark visuals to build a tense and suffocating atmosphere.
DRAMA
THE EMANCIPATION OF MEGAN OR HOW TO EAT A CHOCOLATE BON BON Chi Thai UK, 2025, 14:59 A pregnant 40-something woman takes revenge against the man who abused her as her child. Far from bleak, this is an irreverent, unapologetic drama – delivering "a sugar rush and a gut punch."
104
03
04
LONE
MEATMYLK
Emma-Jane Heaton UK, 2026, 20:51 In this folk horror-meets-drama, a man wishes he never escaped the city for the weekend when he encounters a beast in the dark. The big question is: will he get away, or will he embrace the wild?
Lucy Luscombe UK, 2026, 15:00 An insecure personal trainer spirals out of control when a fitness influencer joins his gym. Desperate to compete, he decides to max out his gains with a promising new protein shake: MEATMYLK.
05
06
THE PIGEON
ROASTIN
Chloe Culpin UK, 2025, 11:36 A bereaved young woman believes that her late sister has been reincarnated – as a pigeon. This film follows as she bonds with the bird, learning about grief and coping mechanisms along the way.
Sue bynn Bae UK, 2025, 17:33 In London, Dakota, a sous-chef drowning in self-doubt, confronts her deepest fears when a bizarre, headless talking chicken shows up in the empty restaurant. A narrative about reclaiming control.
Content Warning: Flashing Lights, Mental Health, Violence
WHO AM I? (SUBTITLED) DRAMA 4
Thursday
Saturday
Sunday
City Screen 1 21:00-22:30
Friargate 10:00-11:30
City Screen 2 15:00-16:30
12
Self-discovery is a great subject for a short film. Here we present six special works that chart young characters as they decide who they are, or will be – whether that be through music, work, social media, or each other. Yet, these stories also show what it’s like when that opportunity is taken away. A poignant collection about coming-of-age in different circumstances.
01
02
CLOSE YOUR EYES HIND (SUBTITLED)
THE GIRL IS TAKEN BY ALIENS (SUBTITLED)
Amir Zaza Netherlands, 2025, 30:00 Amid the war in Gaza, six-year-old Hind Rajab and her family are desperately trying to escape to a place of safety. To momentarily forget the danger, they begin to dance in the car to loud music.
Mu Wang Germany, 2026, 19:15 "Don't go out on the night of the Ghost Festival!" is a warning that children with Chinese mothers are all too familiar with. 18-yearold Ming feels like the only weirdo in her small German town.
DRAMA
03
04
NOWT (SUBTITLED)
GODDESS OF WEALTH (SUBTITLED)
Milda Baginskaitė UK, 2026, 13:35 On a Huddersfield estate, a rebellious teenager, Bailey, falls dangerously in love with an older boy. The encounter leads her down a troubling path that could change her life forever.
Aashna Singh India, 2025, 9:35 Based in a small town in India during Diwali, Goddess Of Wealth follows a day in the life of a child influencer, whose parents have unintentionally traded her innocence for social media attention.
05
06
I PROMISE (SUBTITLED)
FATHERS & DAUGHTERS (SUBTITLED)
Sara Louise Engeli Norway, 2025, 8:00 Stella is worried for her friend Maja. Both of them are having a hard time with their parents at home. After Stella suggests that Maja should speak up at school, their friendship is put at stake.
Luke Alexander UK, 2026, 15:15 In a swimming pool in Bangor, Northern Ireland, lifeguard Orla Murphy spends her days daydreaming, dealing with negligent parents and gossiping with friends whilst avoiding her manager.
105
Content Warning: Mental Health, Strong Language
CHANGES
15
DRAMA 5
Wednesday
Friday
Sunday
City Screen 1 21:00-22:30
Friargate 20:30-22:00
City Screen 1 10:00-11:30
Every one of these shorts features a lead character who undergoes a massive internal shift. These changes could be sparked by anything: music, moving house, an accident, coming out, even an organ transplant. Sometimes the thirst to figure it all out finds people desperate, and they’ll stop at nothing to uncover their destiny. Other times, the change is much more subtle.
01
02 PULSE Sam Nutt Ireland, UK, 2025, 15:40 After a heart transplant, Heather returns to her quiet life in rural Northern Ireland. But something lingers: a melody that she can’t place, words from a community that has long felt foreign to her.
DRAMA
BROADCAST Ewan Pollitt UK, 2025, 8:00 Amidst a housing crisis in a near-future London, one struggling young woman pursues a controversial deal. Broadcast asks: what happens when privacy becomes a currency we're asked to spend?
106
03
04
AS IT SHOULD BE
SOPHIE
Edwin Lai Hong Kong, 2026, 11:58 During a Lunar New Year reunion dinner in Hong Kong, Megan returns home from overseas to celebrate with her family. A film about love, and how acceptance arrives in the gentlest of ways.
Logan Graham Greene Canada, 2025, 20:00 Isolated and recovering from a severe injury, Sophie finds herself haunted by a mysterious phenomenon as she’s hurtled toward a devastating realisation. A story about how grief can distort reality.
05
06
F MINOR
THE STORIES WE TELL OURSELVES
Josh Litman USA, 2025, 14:59 A struggling musician is plagued by feelings of insecurity after he discovers he wasn't a target of his music teacher's predatory behaviour. F Minor navigates the effects of unresolved trauma.
Kasandra Baruch USA, 2025, 19:58 Liv is a quirky introvert who once thrived in the spotlight, until she allowed the great expectations of the world to swallow her up. Can she gain the strength to step back into the public eye?
Content Warning: Drug Use, Strong Language, Suicide, Violence
BEING HUMAN DRAMA 6
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
City Screen 1 10:00-11:00
City Screen 3 12:00-13:00
City Screen 2 12:00-13:00
18
The way we connect with ourselves or with other people can occasionally be mystifying – and we don’t really know why we do what we do. Why punish ourselves or get drawn into others’ lives, when we know they are dangerous? One thing is clear about these shorts: they all deal with human connection and understanding. And some have twists you would not expect.
01
02
SLAP!! (SUBTITLED)
SHUSH, NOW
Mikolaj Piszczan Poland, 2025, 22:12 In a desperate search for acceptance, a troubled man is taking part in brutal slap fighting competitions. He crosses more and more dangerous boundaries, disregarding the consequences.
Craig Austin Reynolds Ireland, 2025, 11:45 Shush, Now is a short and simple story that follows Kara, a sevenyear-old girl who discovers her mother's secret. It's a realisation that forces her to consider the realities of adulthood all too soon.
DRAMA
03
04
BLUE HOUR
GREETINGS FROM SUMATRA
Kate Graham UK, 2026, 13:13 This intimate coming-of-age film is set on the final day before university, when 18-year-old Bea spends a summer afternoon drifting across the Yorkshire countryside with her three friends.
KAROLINA FRONIK, MARTA KOWALSKA Poland, 2025, 13:00 Aga is a popular journalist who travels the world in order to report on international conflicts. That is, until a secret comes out that will change everything. The events make her think: is her work ethical?
AESTHETICA FILM FESTIVAL
2027
SUBMIT YOUR FILM, GAMES, VR & PODCASTS OPENS 1 DECEMBER 2026 Find out more: asff.co.uk 107
Content Warning: Drug Use, Flashing Lights, Strong Language
IN THE NEAR FUTURE
15
Wednesday City Screen 3 12:00-13:00
DRAMA 7
Saturday
Sunday
YSJU 20:30-21:30
City Screen 1 13:30-14:30
Fiction is always looking to the future. We are long past the date that Terminator's Skynet AI became aware and are living in the very same year that Fritz Lang's Metropolis plays out. AI is a huge concern for many: not just job losses and ecological impact, but the uncertainty over its use and regulation. We are living in the future and our anxiety is reaching fever pitch.
02 DROPS FROM THE SKY
Jack Holden UK, 2025, 13:30 A new drug called ’Safari’ allows the taker to flip their sexual preference for a few hours. When Josh meets Oscar, the pair immediately lock eyes and decide to spend the night together.
Marcus Anthony Thomas UK, 2026, 9:00 In the immediate future, where alien abductions are regular and global war has begun, a nomadic group of people follows the vision of a young woman who claims to have seen their salvation.
DRAMA
01 SAFARI
03
04
MOLLY & THE ROBOT
EYES WIDE
Táine King Ireland, 2025, 15:00 This short film is set in a post-apocalyptic Ireland devastated by war and machine domination. Molly and the Robot follows a lone woman surviving on the last unspoiled land in the country.
Elliot Bloom UK, 2026, 6:30 Eden is twenty-five, working from home, behind on her deadlines, ahead on her shopping. Outside her flat, something is happening: protests, sirens, voices, a city in revolt. She chooses to scroll past.
05 FISH THE MOON Maddie Dai New Zealand, UK, 9:30 Fish The Moon follows a writer who begins getting calls from a government-appointed censor: a woman called Jasmine. As he attempts to write, she now has front row seats to his every move.
108
Content Warning: Mental Health, Racism, Strong Language
WE, TOGETHER
Thursday City Screen 2 13:30-14:30
DRAMA 8
Saturday
Sunday
YSJU 15:30-16:30
Yorks. Museum 20:30-21:30
15
The definition of "family" is always changing, just as our own relatives evolve around us year-on-year. We choose, we move, we extend, we grow, we break and we sever. Beginning with a couple hoping to conceive and ending with a multi-generational connection through care, these films explore family through processes of joining, losing, combining and connecting.
01
02
JELLYFISH
MARRIAGE TEST
Jesse May Fisher UK, 2026, 8:57 A short film following a woman who is consumed by fantasies of impregnating her girlfriend through her own touch alone. Could jellyfish hold the power to make feminine conception a reality?
Sara Nourizadeh UK, 2025, 11:00 In 1980s South Wales, a young Welsh woman and her Iranian fiancé sit side-by-side. They are moments away from a decision that will determine whether they can start their life together.
DRAMA
03
04
THE TIDE
GUMBALL
Anne-Marie Scragg UK, 2026, 12:00 A mother battles with the family court system to save herself and her son from his abusive father. The Tide draws from research to explore complex trauma, motherhood and the fight for freedom.
James Murray UK, 2026, 4:00 Whilst spending a day at the seaside, a father attempts to build the beginnings of a new relationship with his son. This story is inspired by real events, as witnessed in Margate last summer.
05
06
STILL LIFE
SEE YOU TOMORROW, TOMORROW, TOMORROW
Sophie King UK, 2026, 10:54 A darkly comic, deeply personal short which explores life in the aftermath of stillbirth. It follows Jess and Max, who navigate grief, unexpected forms of parenthood and the quiet absurdities of loss.
Desdemona Chiang USA, 2025, 14:00 An aspiring, up-and-coming stand-up comedian delays her own career aspirations in order to do greater work: caring for her elderly 99-year-old grandmother during her final years.
109
Content Warning: Drug Use, Mental Health, Suicide, Strong Language bv/mh/sw
WITHIN
15
DRAMA 9
Wednesday
Saturday
Sunday
City Screen 1 13:30-15:00
YTR Studio 20:30-22:00
YSJU 15:00-16:30
These films subtly pushes and pulls those within them. The characters find themselves exposed, unable to keep undercover, or finally able to break free and be seen. With considerations around shortfalls in care, and increasing levels of hostility towards those with protected characteristics, these films highlight how we may opt to hide or choose to confront injustice.
02 THE ACRES
Michael Spicer UK, 2025, 17:24 As his mother’s memories slip away, a man goes to extraordinary lengths to preserve their relationship, whilst navigating the fragile terrain of a new romance. Closedown is Spicer's directorial debut.
Alice Johannessen UK, 2026, 16:31 Christine enters The Acres estate with gardening tools and a plan. But then she encounters Ama, a lonely young mum who reminds her of the very early days of motherhood – a much simpler time.
DRAMA
01 CLOSEDOWN
110
03
04
BEYOND SILENCE (SUBTITLED)
SIGNAL
Marine Blok Netherlands, 2024, 16:51 Two women, two generations, one shared trauma. One has stayed silent for over 30 years, the other "only" 18 months. Where one retreats further into silence, the other finds the courage to break it.
Zak Jarvis UK, 2026, 13:00 Signal stars Christopher Eccleston as Ray, a railway signalman whose routine night shift turns into a tense race to save a life after spotting Billy, a distressed young man trespassing on the tracks.
05
06
ECHOES
PETER
Alex Lanipekun UK, 2026, 17:43 When a successful businessman unexpectedly reunites with his homeless childhood friend, buried secrets from their boarding school days force him to confront the trauma he's tried to forget.
Hannah Van Der Westhuysen UK, 2026, 11:07 A trans man caring for his father with alcohol-induced dementia finds unexpected re-connection when the disease grants him with temporary anonymity. A story about dignity and vulnerability.
Content Warning: Explicit Nudity, Mental Health
AFTER THE THUNDER DRAMA 10
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Yorks. Museum 19:00-20:00
City Screen 1 15:30-16:30
City Screen 2 22:00-23:00
15
Life can be a constant battle: with ourselves, against the outside world. We may be overcome, even break. Each of these storeis looks at ways of seeking or findinf closure from stress fractures and losses. They also deal with the fallout of grief in a personal way. With the world full of pressing global issues, sometimes individuals need to be heard amongst the noise.
01
02
TONY SPITERI
MAYFLIES
Daniel Rands UK, 2026, 3:30 A one-on-one game of basketball develops into a fragile, volatile confrontation between two men struggling to process loss. This is a story of blame, reconciliation and the emotive power of sports.
Lydia McNulty UK, 2026, 16:13 Six months after graduating, oddball Cath takes a trip to the countryside to scatter their pet rabbit's ashes with former best friend Willow. Over one weekend, unexpected feelings awaken.
DRAMA
03
04
JOONÈ DELAM
SUNNY OAKS
Shadi Soheili Australia, 2025, 14:15 In a bid for closure, a young woman is compelled to confront her estranged father on his deathbed. A semi-autobiographical film that hopes to raise awareness of the effects of childhood trauma.
Max Davies UK, 2025, 11:00 An Irish dark comedy – fragile, surreal and strangely funny – that tells the story of a son visiting his elderly mother in a care home, where he is confronted with an unthinkable dilemma.
05
06
BEING BILLY
THE EASY WAY OUT
Ian Puleston-Davies UK, 2026, 12:39 William Livesey is a Falklands veteran who has dementia. A brief connection with new carer Lisa stirs memories, taking him back to the closing stages of the war in 1982 and a life changing incident.
Ben Bovington-Key UK, 2026, 13:50 The Easy Way Out is about those who leave us and those who are left behind. Ted discovers his big brother, Jim, in the middle of an attempt on his own life. Now, there is nothing left to do but talk.
111
Content Warning: Flashing Lights, Mental Health, Racism
BETWEEN TWO WORLDS (SUBTITLED)
12
Wednesday YTR Main House 10:00-11:30
DRAMA 11
Thursday
Sunday
City Screen 2 19:00-20:30
Friargate 17:00-18:30
We are constantly in transition. This selection of films explores the spaces inbetween: the past and the present, the rational and irrational mind, who we are now and the people we hope to become in future. These stories take audiences on complex journeys through characters' inner conflicts, that relate to identity, spirituality, relationships, growing up and mental health.
02 IN DREAMING (SUBTITLED)
Hendrik Ehlers Germany, 2026, 23:48 Klara is troubled by intrusive mental images triggered by OCD. During a date, she sees herself stabbing her girlfriend. As the pair grow closer, Klara worries she might secretly be a terrible person.
Kristina Pringle UK, 2026, 6:23 Ryan is destined to dance, but has to put his passion aside to tend to his duties at his family’s nail salon. However, that doesn’t thwart his wild imagination. This film is a love letter to queer Asian youth.
DRAMA
01 JUST A THOUGHT (SUBTITLED)
112
03
04
BETWEEN DAY AND DAWN (SUBTITLED)
TRANCE (SUBTITLED)
Lore Loyens Belgium, Netherlands, 2025, 14:47 Summer feels endless as Marthe travels through the Ardennes with her friends in the late 1990s. As they laugh, drink and drift through the days, her thoughts stay with her sick sister at home.
Jona Schloßer Germany, 2026, 20:00 Exhausted, 28-year-old Yasmin struggles through her shift as a paramedic. She fights her way through the day, juggling critical emergency calls and the pressure of supporting her own family.
05
06
JUMAH (SUBTITLED)
LITTLE BUG (SUBTITLED)
LIU QING LIN, YE HAN LING China, 2025, 16:14 Xingyue was born into a devout Muslim family in a Chinese city, where both her mother and grandmother are practicing believers. Now nineteen, she feels increasingly different to her peer group.
Matt Branston UK, 2025, 9:00 In 1957, the Soviet Union sends a dog into space. The night before, a scientist (Martin Freeman) takes her home to meet his daughter (Alexandra Barredo), and hopefully help repair their relationship.
Content Warning: Eating Disorders, Drug Use, Flashing Lights Mental Health, Strong Language, Suicide
NOT WHOLE, BUT IN PART DRAMA 12
Thursday
Saturday
Sunday
City Screen 1 10:00-11:30
City Screen 2 17:00-18:30
Friargate 10:00-11:30
12
As Toni Morrison said: "sometimes, you don't survive whole, you just survive in part. But the grandeur of life is that attempt." This collection of shorts navigates the various intentional, unintentional and at times unconventional methods of coping under impossible circumstances. It is an exploration of the life that can exist at the other side of immense personal effort.
01
02
MODERATION
THAT WHICH FEEDS ME (SUBTITLED)
Benedict Cohen UK, 2026, 13:27 To cope with the gruesome realities of their job role, two content moderators start having sex at work. But they must battle with a new-found addiction to trauma bonding, lest it consume them.
Olga Navalón, Bea Hohenleiter Spain, 2026, 14:26 When Lourdes’ mother dies, a deafening silence settles over her home. The family avoids mourning, whilst Lourdes' friends keep her company via external validation: leisure, parties and alcohol.
DRAMA
03
04
POUR ME
CHICKEN JAZZ (SUBTITLED)
Jesse Lewis-Reece UK, 2026, 12:30 Oliver's not drinking at the moment. Taking place entirely within a traditional British pub, Pour Me is a short portrait of a man who is quietly wrestling against feelings of shame, grief and self-pity.
Imanol Ruiz De Lara Spain, 2025, 21:00 Teo is a former trumpet player who works at the chicken shop left to him by his father. His life goes by monotonously, a far cry from his old dreams, until Andrea, his ex, shows up with his old trumpet.
05
06
AUNTY JI
WHITE (SUBTITLED)
Milli Bhatia UK, 2026, :25 On her daughter’s birthday, Kulsoom finally leaves her flat. Cut off from the world, a series of simple errands spirals into a tense everyday odyssey that shakes her as she struggles to get home.
Navroz Shaban Iraq, 2026, 12:11 In a village classroom, a teacher transforms the blackboard with a white sheet. When it is taken for a burial rite, the children refuse to let the moment slip – and set to reclaim what they were promised.
113
Content Warning: Strong Language, Swearing
12
SHIFTING PERSPECTIVE DRAMA 13
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
City Screen 2 17:00-18:30
Yorks. Museum 17:00-18:30
City Screen 1 17:00-18:30
What is the turning point between preserving tradition and embracing change? Here is a selection of films that showcase the rich yet complex intergenerational dynamic. Confronting gender roles, domesticity, identity and parenting, these works encourage us to step back and ask: how do we navigate a society where community feels more distant than ever before?
02
SMOOTH SUMMER (SUBTITLED)
THE APPLE DOESN'T FALL (SUBTITLED)
Amanda Sandberg Fætten Norway, 2026, 13:09 As Hanna and her ten-year-old niece, Erle, get ready for a day out at the beach, Hanna finds herself faced with a dilemma: how can she manage to be both a cool aunt as well as a good role model?
Dean Wei China, 2025, 18:00 A portrait of an ordinary “one child” Chinese family living in their ordinary apartment. Over the course of five nights, the events in their lives range from the unremarkable to the downright banal.
DRAMA
01
114
03
04
WOMAN LAND
A WHOLE LIFE (SUBTITLED)
Yasmin Yassin USA, 2025, 10:29 This coming-of-age story follows two young Somali sisters living in Minneapolis, who balance rebellion with reputation when their matchmaking business attracts a client a little too close to home.
Camila Pineda Spain, 2026, 14:53 Sabrina, an eight-year-old Colombian girl, arrives in Barcelona with her mother after a sudden move that she cannot understand. They live in a single room space that does not feel like their own.
05
06
GULALA (SUBTITLED)
ALPA (SUBTITLED)
Kardo Shiwan Finland, 2026, 7:51 A son creates new memories with his mother by making home videos. During a day spent together, they reminisce on shared experiences. Gulala is a celebration of family, love and food.
Dhiwangkara Seta Indonesia, 2026, 16:00 Banyu, a punk vocalist, is sent to a moral rehabilitation centre after his arrest. He fights against the system, only to realise that true freedom lies within the last person on Earth he wants to see.
TOGETHER, APART
Wednesday Friargate 13:30-15:00
DRAMA 14
Saturday
Sunday
Friargate 20:30-22:00
YSJU 10:00-11:30
PG
From uncomfortable family reunions to blossoming relationships between unlikely friends, these projects are dedicated to human beings: how we come together and fall apart. It navigates office buildings, hairdressers, childhood homes and care facilities, connecting the dots between people and prompting us to think about those we cherish within our personal lives.
01
02
BESHERT
NOSTALJIA (SUBTITLED)
Lewis Rose UK, 2025, 19:57 A poignant, tender drama about a "grumpy old man" living in a Leeds care home, and a reluctant Barmitzvah boy. It charts an unlikely friendship that changes both of their lives forever.
Pierre Audouin France, 2025, 19:00 Back in his childhood home, Michaël confronts old grudges within a family he never truly left. Between laughter, tension and memories, nostalgia becomes both refuge and burden.
DRAMA
03
04
SISTER OF MINE (SUBTITLED)
THE DEPARTMENT OF THEY
André Vaara Sweden, 2026, 12:24 Ten-year-old Noel wants to be more like his older sister. A visit to the hairdresser sparks jealousy, bringing sibling rivalries to the surface and pushing beyond the norms of 2000s boyhood.
Lisa Kenney UK, 2026, 15:45 The Department of They tells of a delicate romance between two women… and a snail. Repressed feelings disrupt their absurdist workplace as they must make a choice between head and heart.
05 ALONE Shian Denovan UK, 2025, 12:02 A woman's daily commute is thrown into chaos when she finds the city inexplicably abandoned. Alone is a haunting psychological thriller exploring timely themes of loneliness and disconnection.
115
Content Warning: Explicit Nudity, Sex, Swearing, Violence
15
FAULT LINES DRAMA 15
Wednesday
Thursday
Saturday
City Screen 1 10:00-11:30
City Screen 1 15:00-16:30
City Screen 1 21:00-22:30
Six films exploring the unexpected disruptions that can alter the course of everyday life. Each introduces an event or circumstance that shifts the protagonist’s trajectory, from a noise heard through the ceiling to a chance interaction in the park. Together, they consider how easily the familiar can be disrupted, and how small moments can send life in a new direction.
02 NOISE & NEIGHBOURS
Precious Wura Alabi UK, 2026, 14:54 A young Black British man drives his car through a busy London landscape as his music blares. He is willing it to be a good day. But, as he approaches his destination, the cracks begin to show.
Liza Ludick South Africa, 2024, 21:07 Noise & Neighbours is the story of a bored little girl, and a man who has given up. They become friends who never meet, but are always there for each other throughout life’s ups and downs.
03
04
DRAMA
01 TO RUN IS TO RETURN
116
HELPING HAND (SUBTITLED)
MAMA
William Simmons Czechia, 2025, 11:17 Anna hears concerning sounds in the flat above her, which ignites an unexpected coming together with an inconceivable outcome. A film about what it means to share a building with other people.
Santiago Ponce de León UK, 2026, 14:55 Captured through the lens of a car's backup camera, a grieving immigrant mother is forced into a night of crime. After receiving a frantic call from her son in prison, motherly love is put to the test.
05
06
REBORNING
TURTLENECK
Alanna MacNamee Ireland, 2025, 13:54 In a small Irish town, two women cross paths in the park, each of them pushing a pram. Across a single day, and through intercut flashbacks, their guarded chat softens into something revealing.
Laurie Fahy UK, 2026, 9:59 It’s an ordinary autumnal Saturday. Somewhere between date four and five, Laura and Gus trade jokes and half-insults with a familiar rhythm. But they're circling the topic that matters most.
Content Warning: Discrimination, Swearing
CLOSE TO HOME DRAMA 16
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
City Screen 1 21:30-23:00
Yorks. Museum 13:30-15:00
YSJU 17:00-18:30
15
Ecological crisis. The rise of right-wing politics. Accessibility in universities. These five stories explore socio-political issues through the lens of the everyday, from local canvassing in Vote Gavin Lyle to the relationship between a biology student and an Deaf eco-activist in Green Grass. Together, they demonstrate the power of shorts to bring complex issues into focus.
01
02
DEGREE OF CERTAINTY
VOTE GAVIN LYLE
Simon Schneider USA, 2025, 16:38 50 years ago, the biggest oil companies in the USA discovered the existence of the climate crisis – and then decided to deny it. It was a decision that created the reality with which we are dealing today.
Aneil Karia UK, 2026, 16:48 Jack Lowden stars in Vote Gavin Lyle, a disquieting portrait of a typical middle-England family man and aspiring right-wing parliamentary candidate, relayed through intimate vignettes.
DRAMA
03
04
GERONTO
GREEN GRASS
Mark Pluck UK, 2026, 18:41 Geronto is a short LGBTQ+ coming-of-age drama about longing, connection and self-discovery. Set over one night during the late 2000s, it follows Younger, in his 20s, who meets Older, in his 60s.
Aram Atkinson UK, 2026, 16:45 Declan is a disengaged biology student who cares more about drawing than his degree. Now in his second year, where grades count, even his closest friends don’t want to partner with him.
05 HOW TO WASH A BODY, HOW TO CLEANSE A SOUL Luke Bather UK, 2025, 19:47 The first time Jack ever sees his biological father, Richard, is only two hours before his funeral. He's been asked to wash and dress his lifeless body – which, all of a sudden, starts talking to him.
117
Content Warning: Explicit Nudity, Sex, Swearing, Violence
UNDER PRESSURE
15
DRAMA 17
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
City Screen 2 15:30-17:00
City Screen 3 10:00-11:30
Friargate 11:30-13:00
From a mother confronting grief in the privacy of her bathroom, to a woman risking everything for one dinner, this selection of shorts finds ordinary people pushed to extraordinary lengths. Whether it’s the suffocation of isolation, financial precarity or the fragile structures we build to survive, each film asks the same question: what do we do when the walls close in?
01
02 THE GALLEY Thomas Bennett Ireland, 2026, 13:45 After being made redundant, Helen commits a victimless crime to pay for dinner. The Galley is a short drama starring Tony award winner Bríd Brennan and IFTA 2026 nominee Seán T. Ó Meallaigh.
DRAMA
CONTROL LINE Kofi A. Ntiforo UK, 2026, 14:15 Control Line is an intimate portrait of motherhood, seen through the eyes of a Black woman inside a private space: her bathroom. Here, Ida confronts the weight of grief, responsibility and hope.
118
03
04
THE PAINTING & THE STATUE
BIRDHOUSE
Freddie Fox UK, 2025, 20:00 Two lonely strangers meet across a crowded room. All it takes is one held look, one breathless moment, to literally bring them to life. A film about patience, yearning and the value of artwork.
Moritz Valero UK, 2025, 13:44 Lewis, a young, dishevelled, unsuspecting man finds himself in a cacophony of trouble, as a local gang leader, Frankie takes advantage of his need for connection and sets up shop in his flat.
05
06
GOBSTOPPER
A WOMAN OF GOOD ABILITIES
Pippa Lore Feldberg Collins UK, 2026, 14:26 When a neighbour shows a prurient interest in twelve year-old Kit (Mia McKenna-Bruce), her agoraphobic mother Rayna (Annabel Scholey) puts aside her fears and bundles them into a Land Rover.
Mark Chapman UK, 2026, 15:30 Rachel works the night shift, out of sync with daily life. When she is suspected of stealing from a delivery driver, it creates a fracture in the fragile social support structure she has created.
ARCHITECTURAL HISTORIES EXPERIMENTAL 1
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Friargate 17:00-18:30
YSJU 20:30-22:00
City Screen 3 10:00-11:30
12
From inner cities to rural coastlines; wooden structures to porcelain figures; quiet churches to busy highways, human history is irreversibly imprinted onto the Earth. It's true in the societies we have built and the enormous impact we have had on the natural world. This collection explores war, spirituality and environment all through the lens of our architectural impact.
01
02
CONCRETE MOVES (SUBTITLED
A WALK IN PORCELAIN (NO DIALOGUE)
Fagamou Fama Ndiaye Senegal, 2025, 12:00 Inspired by a childhood memory of encountering a snake during a trip to a lighthouse in Dakar. Returning to that same hill decades later, the coastline is transformed by relentless urban expansion.
Veronica Gonzalez Vanek France, 2026, 18:07 A poetic and sonic wandering through the very heart of Breton heritage, where the fragility of porcelain meets the memory of stone, inviting reflection on history, craftsmanship and place.
EXPERIMENTAL
03
04
FOR SHARON (NO DIALOGUE)
CLAWS (NO DIALOGUE)
Mohamed Mussa 2026, UK, 13:47 In a space that is suspended between church and home, a mother and child navigate faith, endurance and spiritual responsibility, drawing on Christianity and African diasporic spiritual traditions.
Aurèle Ferrier Switzerland, 2025, 18:23 In this dialogue-free moving-image essay, the camera glides through rapidly expanding cities, tracing a path from peripheral terrains into urban cores before opening back onto the horizon.
05 RITUALS OF THE ROADWAY (NO DIALOGUE) Libby Bove UK, 2025, 15:15 Rituals of the Roadways explores an imagined, alternate timeline where the profound connection between labour and ritual, once central to agricultural life, thrives in our contemporary world.
119
x Content Warning: Flashing Lights, Swearing, Sex
HOW FAR IS TOO FAR?
18
EXPERIMENTAL 2
Thursday
Saturday
Sunday
City Screen 1 17:00-18:30
Friargate 13:30-15:00
YSJU 17:00-18:30
As technology advances faster than ever, society is entering uncharted territory, full of confusion, uncertainty and fear. Each project explores the consequences we're seeing in our modern world and examine the scary prospect of advancements that move faster than humanity can keep up with. They leave us to wonder: how far is too far for new technology?
02 IT GIRL
Kwan Q Li UK, 2026, 10:44 Beneath a nanotechnology lab, a non-binary model is barred from posing nude during a life-drawing session. As the machinery murmurs, the boundaries between flesh and technology dissolve.
Hebe Wang UK, 2026, 4:14 Set between a white void and a dark hotel room, the film unfolds as hallucinatory voices instruct, persuade and affirm the main character as she morphs into her idealised self: her digital twin.
EXPERIMENTAL
01 INFINITE REPLICA
03
04
A SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT
OCCLUSION
Jackson Lapsley Scott Australia, 2025, 20:00 An unseen presence drifts through the homes of people making Artificial Intelligence systems in 2025. It searches rooms and asks questions of their residents, who are also hidden from view.
Stephen Cornford UK, 2026, 19:15 This film considers how the accuracy of LiDAR offers new digital opportunities for scientists to understand the forest's complexity. But it also opens up the chance for extraction and exploitation.
05 BITFLIP Muwen Li USA, 2026, 8:06 Searching through forgotten belongings, a woman rediscovers a camera she shared with an old friend. Inside are fragments of another time: images, voices, gestures suspended in storage.
120
Content Warning: Abuse, Drug Use, Flashing Lights, Mental Health, Violence
OUR PLACE IN THE WORLD EXPERIMENTAL 3
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
YTR Studio 20:30-22:00
YSJU 17:00-18:30
Friargate 15:00-16:30
18
Our gender influences how we move through the world – shaping how we see and express ourselves, and how we are perceived by those around us. Join filmmakers who question this idea, examining how gender leaves its mark on friendships, relationships, self-expression, personal freedoms and artistic output. Each one has something vital to say about our world.
01
02
RUSALKI
TO LOVE WHAT FEELS MOST AKIN
Eva Blackwell-Rogelj UK, 2026, 8:40 A young girl wakes up by a lake with a collection of women and no memory of how she got there. As fragments from her past resurface, tensions rise and the girl tries to find a way to escape.
Annie Crabtree UK, 2026, 13:58 Merging digital and analogue footage shot on location at the supposed site of Emily Brontë’s novel Wuthering Heights, the project evokes the cyclical nature of traumatised memory.
EXPERIMENTAL
03
04
BLUEBIRD
RULES (SUBTITLED)
Maya Yoncali UK, 2026, 17:40 Noah leaves London behind and walks out onto the banks of the Thames. Alone with a rucksack and a need for direction, they encounter a dancer, whose movement speaks what Noah cannot.
Tove Bornhøft Denmark, 2025, 11:00 New to a group of performers, one woman tries and fails to keep up with the routine, seemingly unable to get to grips with the movement and behaviours of her two companions.
05
06
BEES AND BEASTS
DECONSTRUCTION OF AN INDIVIDUAL (SUBTITLED)
Maria Garcia UK, 2026, 19:56 Gilda, a renowned endometriosis surgeon, suddenly discovers herself trapped in a recurring nightmare with a beekeeper who wants to use her womb to bring back an extinct species of bee.
Ruben Arede Portugal, 2025, 9:49 Eva and Alice are best friends. Between them, there existed a territory made of silence, laughter and shared moments. When a third presence enters, that territory begins to slowly fracture.
121
Content Warning: Flashing Lights, Mental Health
WHO ARE YOU REALLY?
12
EXPERIMENTAL 4
Wednesday
Thursday
Saturday
City Screen 3 10:00-11:30
Frairgate 21:00-22:30
Yorks. Museum 10:00-11:30
Is it possible to truly know oneself? These films consider what it means to forge an identity, often shaped by societal expectations and the ideas of those around us. They offer a moment of contemplation, inviting audiences to look inwards and take a second to think about who they really are, without all of the noise and distractions found within modern life.
02 5 UNUSAL STORIES ABOUT HUMAN NEEDS (SUBTITLED)
Ross Casswell UK, 2025, 29:25 Part social experiment, part cinematic exploration of identity, Self documents a film crew and 10 actors as they embark on a surreal journey to answer the undefinable question: what truly is the self?
Filippos Kordalis Greece, 2026, 15:26 In five chapters, five seemingly unrelated stories come together to become a complete anthology. Each aspect explores a different fundamental human need, based on Maslow’s famous hierarchy.
EXPERIMENTAL
01 SELF
122
03
04
ENNUI
BETWEEN WATER AND ROOF: STORIES OF BLACK (SUBTITLED)
Eric Perriard Australia, 2025, 7:52 Ennui offers a slow contemplation of South Australian settings, punctuated by succinct moments of magical realism. The film's main character is the location, murmuring a profound story.
Efi Spyrou Greece, 2025, 10:15 Through poetic imagery, narrative interviews and choreographic expression, this film asks viewers to think more deeply about the fluid space between darkness and light, fear and transformation.
05
06
Æ - III WHOLENESS AND BODY (SUBTITLED)
GHOST NOON (NO DIALOGUE)
Reiko Yonezawa Japan, USA, 2025, 3:44 She(æ) comes face to face with a version of herself constructed to fit society's standards. Driven by the fear of her other self, She(æ) unconsciously brings about unforeseen consequences.
Ting-Kin Chan China, 2026, 7:30 A restless wanderer rejects identity, borders, and time, becoming a ghostly figure that resists society’s methods of control, whilst searching for personal freedom in an increasingly haunted world.
Content Warning: Swearing, Mental Health
INNER JOURNEYS EXPERIMENTAL 5
Wednesday
Friday
Sunday
City Screen 1 17:30-18:30
City Screen 1 13:30-14:30
YSJU 19:00-20:00
PG
Each of these five stories offers a different perspective on self expression, and how we convey this to the world – through dreams, ritual and rage. Metamorphosis explores connections formed across generations, histories and landscapes, whilst Choir of Catharsis harnesses the power of a collective scream for healing. Burning Lies explores the possibility of rebirth.
01
02
METAMORPHOSIS
CHOIR OF CATHARSIS
Gillian Katungi UK, 2026, 10:44 Metamorphosis weaves together snippets of dreams, rituals and intergenerational conversation, inviting audiences to remember their connection to the landscape, themselves and each other.
Chiara Lari, Joséphine Fransilja UK, 2025, 4:14 This intimate and poetic short film gives voice to the sacred anger of Black women, as seven figures gather in a collective scream, transforming rage into ritual, catharsis and healing.
EXPERIMENTAL
03
04
A BLACK FAIRYTALE
BALLYMAN
Isabelle Edi, Mariama Sow, Kim Sanou Germany, 2026, 23:00 We follow princess, who lives deep under the sea and is called by cauri shells to travel across time and space. On their journey, they become a witness of possibilities of Black resistance and existence.
Faruq Adigun UK, 2025, 17:30 Ballyman follows Deji as he traverses London, hiding behind his (bally) balaclava. As his mental state deteriorates, a new path of discovery unfolds – one that is as isolating as it is enlightening.
05 BURNING LIES Raviva Nsiama Germany, 2026, 10:15 Based on poems by Dorcas Nsiama and performed in English, Lingala and Kikongo, the film traces an inner journey – from the question “who are you?” to a rebirth beyond illusion and ego.
123
Family friendly Inspire your children with a fun selection of incredible films & animation.
Join us for Family Friendly screenings and be part of the most exciting cultural event in the UK this year. Watch Family Friendly animations, dramas and laugh-out-loud comedies for young people. Plus, foster a lifelong relationship with film through our children's workshops (pg. 212). 124
BELONGING AND BIG ADVENTURES FAMILY FRIENDLY 1 (SUBTITLED)
Wednesday
Saturday
Sunday
Friargate 12:00-13:00
YSJU 12:00-13:00
YSJU 13:30-14:30
U
What amazing adventures can happen when you open your heart to others? In these delightful films, brave heroes, curious dreamers and unlikely friends discover the power of kindness, teamwork and imagination. From rescuing kingdoms and building creative worlds to helping strangers and finding belonging, these stories celebrate friendship and courage.
01
02
FLINK'S PIGEON PROBLEMS (NO DIALOGUE)
INTO THE FOREST (NO DIALOGUE)
Susan Fitzer, Brian Pimental USA, 2025, 3:45 Flink, an adorable purple fluffball, leaves no stone unturned trying to rescue his kingdom's pigeons. He sets out with a bit of magic to help the creatures that have somehow turned to stone.
Antonin Niclass Switzerland, 2026, 9:55 In a stop-motion studio, a small monkey opens its eyes. On a computer screen, a jungle appears. With the help of companions, it begins to build a jungle of its own, using whatever it can find.
FAMILY
03
04
SUNSPARK (NO DIALOGUE)
BWGAN (SUBTITLED)
Danny Bourque USA, 2026, 11:00 Whilst scavenging for useful spare parts, a lonely robot discovers someone who desperately needs his help. His actions show that it is possible to live a life of quiet but meaningful connection.
Hywel Prytherch Roberts UK, 2026, 8:02 Six-year-old Betti isn’t used to sharing her Mam, especially on her birthday. But when a baking disaster sends them looking for a cake, a gatecrasher turns a simple trip into a difficult adventure.
05
06
SHIFTING (NO DIALOGUE)
ONE MORE CUP (SUBTITLED)
Oona Tiirakari Finland, 2025, 8:48 Cleo, an anthropomorphic chameleon, travels from a very dense forest to a new jungle. They find themself struggling to fit into the new environment, until one day they rescue an unlikely friend.
Max Wagenblass USA, 2026, 4:52 Toddler Leona is about to host her very first tea party with her own stuffed animals. It unexplainably turns into a worldwide spectacle – but all she really wants is to share some tea with her best friends.
125
FINDING YOUR PLACE
U
FAMILY FRIENDLY 2
Thursday
Saturday
Sunday
Friargate 12:00-13:00
YSJU 13:30-14:30
YSJU 12:00-13:00
Follow along as these young people embark on exciting journeys of courage, creativity, friendship and self-discovery. From magical encounters and treasured memories to environmental challenges and cultural connections, these stories celebrate finding your voice, embracing your uniqueness and growing through life's many unexpected adventures.
02
AMUSEMENT
THE JACKET
Stephanie Zari UK, 2026, 10:00 A downbeat 10-year-old girl needs to act quickly to make her trip to the amusements count and win her dream prize, but she hasn’t contended with the self-appointed "king of the amusement park."
Holly Louise Psaliou UK, 2026, 4:35 This is the story of young man’s grief for his father. After donating his beloved dad’s possessions to a charity, he comes to believe that he has made a mistake when it comes to his favourite jacket.
FAMILY
01
126
03
04
CORNFIELD
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF EVERETT WILDER
Michał Cygan UK, 2026, 12:00 A child escapes school through her imagination, where a battle between mice and a hawk mirrors her fight for self-expression. Her creativity will change her life – and the life of her teacher.
Ben Tobin USA, 2025, 15:00 The story of a child in 1952 who encounters a jackalope at his birthday party. Following this curious incident, Everett becomes obsessed with capturing the elusive, uncatchable horned rabbit.
05
06
TIP OF THE ICEBERG (NO DIALOGUE)
WEEYAGALE
Sophia McDonnell UK, 2026, 3:37 A baby penguin is hatched by a falling plastic bottle. Imprinting upon the plastic waste, the baby follows the bottle as it is blown over land and sea, until our protagonist's fortune comes to an end.
Ainslie Senfuka UK, 2025, 6:23 This magical-realist drama is about a young British-Ugandan girl whose classroom show-and-tell unlocks a dreamlike journey into her heritage, revealing how culture is a source of immense joy.
GROWING UP, LOOKING FORWARD FAMILY FRIENDLY 3
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Friargate 10:00-11:00
YSJU 12:00-13:00
YSJU 13:30-14:30
PG
When the future feels uncertain, it can be hard to find your way. Across imaginative and heartfelt films, young people navigate grief, friendship, identity, ambition, heritage, and first promises. From transformative journeys and fairytales to football pitches, exam halls and dreams, these stories capture the challenges and discoveries that shape the path to adulthood.
01
02
TO CATCH A SIREN
MULTIPLE CHOICE
Raphaela Wagner Germany, Switzerland, UK, 2026, 19:50 A young refugee desperately searches for her beloved mother, who she believes to be a mermaid. This film is a modern fairytale about grief and displacement, seen from a child’s perspective.
Aaron Lucas Australia, 2026, 5:43 During her very last school maths exam, high-achieving Grace is swept up into the hypnotic rhythm of the room and forced to confront her future as a variety of multiple-choice questions.
FAMILY
03
04
FULL PITCH
SAFE SPACE
Róisín Leavy-Sahin Ireland, 2026, 10:44 Returning as the captain of her football team after an extended absence, Meadbh is excited to meet her friends again. But when she’s introduced to Úna, she’s not quite sure what to make of her.
Matthew Eyre UK, 2026, 15:00 A troubled young girl embarks on a journey to the Moon in her homemade rocket, where she will explore its surface with her hero: Neil Armstrong, the first person to set foot on the celestial body.
05
06
THE SKY WAS CANDY (NO DIALOGUE)
OUR KINGDOM
Anh Tú Nguyen Germany, 2025, 3:00 A yellow and blue day in the life of a little child, who discovers a bird that has fallen out of a tree and decides to take care of it. This is a story of dealing with complex first experiences of loss.
Chris Ross UK, 2026, 8:38 After school on a blissful summer's afternoon, neighbours Becky and Jake offer each other a safe haven from life at home, escaping into a playground of chips, ball games, vows and Shakespeare.
127
Content Warning: Flashing Lights, Swearing
WAYS OF BEING
12
FASHION
How do culture, place, movement, memory and the people around us shape our sense of self? This programme features films that explore identity through fashion, the body and personal expression. Across different worlds and perspectives, something recognisable emerges: our desire to express who we are, where we come from, and who we might become.
01
02 PRONTO | WEAR YOUR NEXT STORY Dimitri Yuri Qatar, 2025, 7:30 A strange and unexpected job interview at an emerging fashion start-up leads a young woman to improvise, deciding to create cinematic stories about each new outfit that is presented to her.
FASHION
MADE IN X Sofia Ivanova-Kozhevnikova UK, 2025, 5:03 Blending gritty, documentary realism with surreal dreamscapes, MADE IN X follows a young immigrant who is navigating life on the margins of a society that sees her as a label before a person.
128
03
04
CRUMBLE
YELLOW PAGES
Isabella Hoffmann Germany, 2025, 2:23 A woman drifts between dream and reality. When she meets the child she once was, she sees that healing is not something given by others. It begins when she has the courage to face herself.
Tom Oliver UK, 2025, 1:34 Yellow Pages is a study of duality, pulling viewers into the greasestained office of a lesbian-run garage, an in-between space where microwaves hum and the hiss of drills bleed through thin walls.
05
06
ABJAD HAWAZ
FEARLESS FLIGHT
Hadi Moussally Lebanon, 2025, 5:00 Abjad Hawaz takes its name from the traditional ordering of the Arabic alphabet. Through the physical body of Salma Zahore, each letter is danced and embodied in the ruins of Barcelona.
Jonathan David Edwards USA, 2026, 0:40 In a short film that explores the multiple facets of masculinity, this narrative emerges as an ode to the tales of Greek mythology that once shaped our history. This film was part of a GQ editorial.
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
City Screen 3 11:30-12:30
Friargate 15:30-16:30
YSJU 20:30-21:30
07
08
TOM FORD PRIVATE COLLECTION
SELF-MIMETIC
Edward Lee USA, 2025, 0:21 Behind closed doors, the gaze turns inward. Featuring renowned Spanish actor and model Jon Kortajarena, this film offers a raw, voyeuristic glimpse into the quiet world of the Private Collection.
Christophe Chudy France, 2025, 3:05 Through a carefully interwoven beauty and fashion narrative, Self Mimetic unfolds as a bold philosophical introspection on the perception and projection of our own image in modern society.
FASHION
09
10
QUIETUDE
IN THE HEART OF THE FLOWER CITADEL
Krystyna Leonova Ukraine, 2025, 2:11 Two women's clothes mirror their surroundings of stone, ice, and wind, revealing the true luxury of silence in a world overwhelmed by noise and the innate human desire to connect with nature.
Adam Muscat UK, 2025, 4:48 A known world fractures into sublime encounters as odd tricksters vault and somersault across a celestial cityscape, their pounding feet carrying the viewer toward moments of both awe and terror.
11
12
FAME
MY KANGA AND ME
Federico Nickl, Andrea Bolzoni Italy, 2026, 3:55 Set entirely inside a theatre, where desire, tension, anxiety and exhaustion are told through the body. In fragments of mirrors, breath and skin, the protagonist chases a flawless performance.
Izzy Mana UK, 2026, 5:00 Guided by spoken word and intimate interviews, My Kanga and Me follows three young wanderers wrapped in East African kanga as they move through Brixton and into the open fields beyond.
129
Content Warning: Flashing Lights, Swearing
WAYS OF BEING
12
FASHION
13
14 KAADIKI - POOL PARTY Jordan Harvey Canada, 2026, 2:18 At a sun-drenched hideaway, a group of very chic, dangerously attractive criminals lounge at a pool party. In the bushes, two young feds meant to be surveilling them become captivated.
FASHION
THE UNSPOKEN SECRETS BEHIND BARCELONA’S HAPPINESS Victor Claramunt Spain, 2026, 1:12 There are stereotypes of residents of Barcelona: that it’s the city where people speak the least, or that they eat churros every day. But behind these stories lies a different truth: Barcelona is fashion.
130
15
16
WHEN THE WIND BLOWS
PRYVID
Gigi Yang Hong Kong, UK, 2025, 8:43 After undergoing a routine procedure, Birdy wakes to find herself stranded in a dimension that feels eerily familiar. As the night falls, Birdy is abruptly transported into a rave like dimension.
Jan Bujnowski Poland, 2025, 4:34 The film explores Polish tradition, which is slowly fading. Rural landscapes have been supplanted by post-industrial images of the Polish countryside, interpreting a new cultural identity.
17
18
AMBERSTICHE
WITHIN
Victoria Juemei Gong UK, 2025, 5:20 Four hybrid beings, part human and part animal, enact their final moments before becoming suspended within amber, a luminous substance that can both preserve and immobilise a creature.
Valentina Khodnevich UK, 2026, 2:29 A London-based vocal ensemble of six women transforms human stories into an improvised experience sound and movement. This is an intimate exploration of voice, vulnerability and connection.
19
20
FUTUR SHOK
THE STREETS MOVE AS ONE
Adam Hayes South Korea, 2026, 1:45 Futur Shok was originally a cutting edge fashion shoot produced in Seoul. The director collaborated with a group of avant-garde Korean fashion designers to create a futuristic film campaign.
Joshua Ellis Brazil, 2026, 1:20 This project considers how a diverse range of people engaging in sports activities within the urban environment are interconnected, blending sportstyle and streetwear into one overriding narrative.
21
22
HELLO
À LA FOLIE, PAS DU TOUT
Pete Wylde France, 2026, 3:14 A phone call between two women descends into a bizarre, looping exchange where comprehension slips just out of reach and drifts into a conversation that repeats, fragments and resists resolution.
LUTZ Brazil, 2026, 1:56 À la folie, pas du tout is a film about adornment as a way of being transported. Not jewelry as decoration or status, but as something that opens an entire imaginary life inside the person wearing it.
23
24
AKIN
THE GESTURE
Pelin Terzi Germany, 2025, 8:40 One protagonist describes feelings, whilst three figures appear as mirrors of her inner state. In a world that demands perfection, everyday life continues even when inside we are overwhelmed.
Andrea Martínez Mares Mexico, 2026, 1:58 Four moments are embodied by four garments and four dancers. As new women gradually enter the space, gestures are observed, repeated and transformed, creating a collective choreography.
131
Content Warning: Flashing Lights, Mental Health
SHIFTING REALITY
PG
MUSIC VIDEO 1
Reality slips seamlessly between dreamscapes, imagined characters and the everyday in this inventive and thought-provoking collection of shorts. Across a variety of visual styles, from animation to movement-driven works, these bold creative projects explore both personal and collective transformation through the subtle art forms of music, movement and image.
01
02 LUCY DREAMS - CODE TO MY MIND Monika Jungwirth Austria, 2025, 3:07 Lucy Dreams' unique brand of "SonicWaveArtPop" enters a fresh new visual era with Code to My Mind, introducing a world beyond reality where humans, machines and emotions combine together.
MUSIC VIDEO
DOOM Chamberlain Staub USA, 2025, 5:50 A man celebrates his brother's birthday but is soon forced to relive childhood trauma. As he claws through his subconscious, he’s faced with the reality that his brother died a long time ago.
132
03
04
PÔT-POT: THE LIGHTS ARE ON
TAMARA FLORES - CHIGONA
Cheryl Gelover, Tom Murray USA, 2025, 4:16 Duo Tulipomania scanned, printed and photographed an eclectic array of objects, alongside clay model lips and their own hands, in order to create the stop-motion for pôt-pot's The Lights Are On.
Rupert Höller Austria, 2025, 3:15 Tamara Flores moves with determination through the colourful streets of Acatlán, Mexico. Bursting with colour, rhythm and dance, Chingona is a bold visual anthem about carving your own path.
05
06
GLANCE - WHITEISLANDS
RAIN
Cameron Perry UK, 2025, 2:57 When two former lovers cross paths after a breakup, memories of joy and heartbreak collide in this dreamlike, neon, Wong Karwai-inspired journey. Starring David Jonsson and Honor Swinton.
Jasper de Bruin Netherlands, 2025, 6:15 Escaping the hustle and bustle, Immen parks at the forest, where she improvises a comforting song on her guitar. Her singing wakes up a mysterious, dormant forest spirit called the Reed Wanderer.
Wednesday
Saturday
Sunday
Friargate 17:30-18:30
YSJU 19:00-20:00
YSJU 12:00-13:00
07
08
OTHER I
CHRISTMAS AMBULANCE
Alina Popescu France, 2025, 02:55 Set in a vast cathedral devoted to an otherworldly deity, a young girl offers up gifts that begin as harmless tokens but escalate into brutal sacrifices of her own body. Other I is a haunting allegory.
Nina Celine Gantz UK, 2025, 4:25 For some people, Christmas can be weird. It's especially strange if you are teetering somewhere between this world and the next. This is the premise for Saltend Recovery's Christmas Ambulance.
MUSIC VIDEO
09
10
THE 3RD
BECOMING
Lauren Taylor Gee UK, 2025, 4:13 An experimental music video for South London singer-songwriter Hillarynx. The piece is inspired by Ousmane Sembène's seminal black-and-white directorial debut Black Girl, released in 1966.
Shelley Hopkins UK, 2025, 4:48 BECOMING transports us to a realm where an angelic chorus of synth and suggestion underscores an ever-changing landscape – an unknowable abstract universe swirling towards its next stage.
11
12
ROUND CORNERS - SUCH A FOOL
WET LEG - POKEMON
Elias Papastamatiou Greece, 2023, 4:03 Set against a backdrop of serene coastal landscapes, the video for Round Corners' Such a Fool showcases the band's blend of indie and dream pop, infused with the lingering spirit of 70s rock music.
Elliott Arndt UK, USA, 2025, 3:36 A fitting entry into the ever-surreal Wet Leg archive, Pokemon tells story of a person, played by Alice Longyu Gao, who enters into an unusual relationship with a giant egg – which eventually hatches.
133
Content Warning: Flashing Lights
MOVING FORWARD / LOOKING BACK
12
MUSIC VIDEO 2
From lost loves to imagined futures, these films trace longing across time and space. An eclectic mix of musical genres carries us between worlds, traversing distant coastlines, domestic spaces and dreamlike landscapes. There is also a palpable tension between conformity and freedom, with many of these shorts operating as a rallying cry to embrace your true self.
01
02 HEART WIDE OPEN Lauren Luxenberg UK, 2025, 4:28 In Madame Gandhi’s Heart Wide Open, the energetic movements of a group of Black and Brown femmes and queer dancers pulse in conversation with an instrumental swell of drums, sax and bass.
MUSIC VIDEO
GIRL IN RED - HEMINGWAY Isak Jenssen Norway, 2025, 3:27 In an attempt to avoid reality, Marie finds herself sitting at a bar late at night. We follow her journey back home, before she is – yet again – confronted with the sad truth about her relationship.
134
03
04
SEA, TAKE IT AWAY
YOU ARE AN IDIOT
Raia Vasileva, Masha Rodicheva Georgia, 2026, 3:13 Sea, Take it Away is a stop-motion music video for the independent singer-songwriter menya zovut masha. It reflects on ideas of exile, belonging, the pull of the sea, growing up and accepting change.
Inari Sirola UK, 2025, 2:50 "A cathartic anthem for the absolutely mad times we are living in", You Are An Idiot features Sirola's signature animation style: comedic, surreal and filled with flawed but lovable characters.
05
06
IVANA JUNE - AROUND (MUSIC VIDEO)
EL FILM
Hogarth Coote UK, 2025, 2:00 This film is shot on Bolex 16mm film for R&B artist Ivana June's single Around. The song itself blends bossa nova, neo-soul and pop influences, exploring themes of memory, love and pain.
El Mehdi Canada, 2025, 2:24 El Film is a conceptual musical short exploring identity, shame, the sacred and nostalgia. The film unfolds in a world that polices who gets to exist freely – where queer Arab visibility is fraught.
Wednesday
Saturday
Sunday
YTR Studio 21:30-22:30
City Screen 2 12:00-13:00
Friargate 19:00-20:00
07
08
CHARLATANS
FISHBOWL
Tess Martin USA, 2026, 4:45 In this abstract music video for Mutual Shock, oil, water and other elements form unstable chemical landscapes – filmed in macro – that evoke central themes of seduction, distortion and collapse.
Jonah Moshammer, Maria Donjacour USA, 2025, 4:38 This evocative, dance-driven piece explores the curated identities we construct online, and the obsession that can follow. The piece celebrates the release that comes from shattering these façades.
MUSIC VIDEO
09
10
GO SLOW
BAMBIE THUG - REDRUM (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)
Tom Oliver UK, 2026, 4:33 In Western culture, and particularly across the UK, rituals around death are often confined to the sombre formality of the funeral. In Go Slow, Mr Bruce finds himself at the limits of these traditions.
Jake William Ringsell UK, 2025, 3:39 Irish singer-songwriter Bambie Thug's REDRUM is a visceral descent into a world of coercion and control, exploring the struggle to preserve identity in the face of forced conformity.
11
12
VALKYRIE
HAVE YOU NEVER SEEN BIRDS?
Alfred Benjamin Wright UK, 2026, 8:45 Bandi, in the pursuit of knowledge and a deeper understanding of his own identity, embarks on a pilgrimage under the guidance of a distant figure who watches him plunge into the depths of his soul.
Jessica Fecteau, ROB Canada, 2025, 2:32 The narrative of Have You Never Seen Birds? unfolds against the tension between authority and mysticism: a quest for freedom in the face of the control imposed by a Catholic private school.
135
x Content Warning: Drug Use, Flashing Lights, Mental Health, Sex, Suicide, Violence
MY RIDES HERE
18
THRILLER 1
thursday
Friday
Saturday
Friargate 10:00-11:30
City Screen 2 11:30-13:00
City Screen 1 19:00-20:30
Taxis, yellow cars, technology and a heavy dose of morality bring the fear factor in this collection of shorts that makes us think about where we are now, how we are being affected by modernity, and what may soon come to pass. What choice would you make if someone else's fate was in your hands? Can we ever truly separate our actions from our surroundings?
01
02 EVERY TIME I SEE A YELLOW CAR Matt Chandler UK, 2025, 14:12 After a violent act shatters the lives of two brothers, Olly tries his best to articulate a fractured and repressed truth, whilst his older sibling Liam spirals between feeling guilt and seeking revenge.
THRILLER
BLACK CAB James Arden UK, 2026, 15:00 In the near future, Harry, a third-generation cab driver in London, struggles to find his place and purpose in a fast-changing world. He seems tirelessly optimistic, but can his enthusiasm really last?
136
03
04
MAXXED OUT
4 MINUTES BEFORE FOREVER
Milo Miller UK, 2025, 16:00 An insecure and isolated young man embarks on a twisted self improvement journey guided by his online hero, Brad, a popular "looksmaxxing" influencer with hidden and sinister intentions.
Yoann Zak UK, 2026, 13:49 What starts as seemingly harmless fun with their phones turns into a countdown to destruction, when an algorithm predicts the downfall of the couple's relationship with terrifying precision.
05
06
CODES
ANON
Eleanor Rhode UK, 2025, 10:34 What if you had to kill a person to save the world? Only four days ago, Jasper was appointed as Deputy Prime Minister. Today, he's in a bunker being asked to save the country from annihilation.
Dylan Brady UK, 2026, 14:00 A brief encounter between a closeted taxi driver and young male passenger leads to a truly frightening exchange with life-altering consequences, in this exploration of anonymous hook-up culture.
Content Warning: Drug Use, Mental Health, Swearing
THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT THRILLER 2
Wednesday
Saturday
Sunday
City Screen 2 13:30-15:00
Yorks. Museum 20:30-22:00
Yorks. Museum 10:00-11:30
15
From serial killers to hitmen and trauma, the young people in this collection of films all find themselves in physical and psychological danger. They ask the audience to consider: What would you do to fix the situation if you found yourself in a similar situation? And more importantly, what would you do if you happened to discover a severed head in an old suitcase?
01
02
BRUISED SKY
ADULT MALE BLOND
Gary James Kent UK, 2025, 18:00 1970, Halstead, Essex. George meets Tommy in a basketball court. After sharing a joint, George invites Tommy to his dealer's house to get more weed. But the night becomes something unexpected.
Harry Quinlan Australia, 2025, 14:57 A man is told to collect his employer’s girlfriend and take her to a party. As night falls, the woman realises he has been sent to kill her. The only chance to escape is a test he makes his victims take.
THRILLER
03
04
BUNDLE
SMALL SPACES
Carlo Milillo UK, 2026, 13:12 Will heads to a party to meet his brother, but when he gets there, something isn't right. Chaos follows and Will's world collapses around him. This is an aggressive, symbolic tale of grief and loss.
Jona Headon UK, 2026, 7:56 When a mysterious stranger offers to cure his claustrophobia, a sceptical man agrees to her bizarre treatment, only to learn that the most dangerous spaces are the ones you walk into willingly.
05
06
BLIND MAN'S BLUFF (SUBTITLED)
SUMMER PROJECT (SUBTITLED)
João de Souza Aranha Toldi Brazil, 2025, 12:00 Home alone while their parents are out, four cousins play "gato mia" (blind man's bluff). Their fun ends when two of the kids get into a heated argument, which escalates to sinister circumstances.
Yuki Hara Japan, 2025, 15:00 A lonely school boy discovers a human head inside a suitcase by the river. What begins as a strange “summer research project” with his peers gradually reveals the darker side of childish curiosity.
137
Content Warning: Flashing Lights, Mental Health, Strong Language, Swearing
I'M EVERY WOMAN
15
THRILLER 3
wednesday
Thursday
Saturday
Friargate 19:00-20:30
City Screen 2 17:00-18:30
City Screen 3 10:00-11:30
In these short films, women are forced to confront dilemmas in both their professional and private lives. The basic tasks of navigating life's challenges and experiences – like walking home in the dark, going for a late-night swim and online dating – coincide with more major problems. In one instance, a character finds themselves at the end of the world as we know it.
01
02 A DIRGE Petros UK, 2026, 15:00 Beth and Nel seek redemption in the wake of a traumatic event. This short film is an eerie exploration of who we become when anger turns into delusion and when love becomes desperation.
THRILLER
MEAT Jacob Hopewell UK, 2026, 15:00 What happens when the male gaze is suddenly turned back on itself? A young woman walks into a men’s support group, telling the tale of an awful night, when the hunter becomes the hunted.
138
03
04
INTERTIDAL
LUCKY
James Morgan UK, 2026, 15:00 After encountering something strange during a swim, a woman is confined to a forensic tent on a remote beach where a government agent offers her reassurance – and a different version of events.
Ryan Malloy, Michael Langan USA, 2025, 11:34 Tess is on a blind date when the world suddenly collapses. Should she accept Sebastian’s offer to escape to his remote island and leave her entire life behind? She’s only got six minutes to decide.
05
06
PLEASURE-SEEKING
DATE 3
Michaela Holmes Australia, 2025, 14:20 Suffering from intense loneliness, Sasha spends her days chasing a constant stream of dopamine – until a bizarre physical malady and a persistent neighbour unearth her unravelling mental state.
Cristabel Sved Australia, 2025, 15:48 Haunted by an abusive relationship, Ella tries to psych herself up for her third date with Harry. But she is uneasy, as almost imperceptible things have been happening around her home.
Content Warning: Swearing
HORRORS OF SELF (SUBTITLED) THRILLER 4
thursday
Saturday
Sunday
Friargate 19:00-20:30
Friargate 17:00-18:30
City Screen 1 15:00-16:30
15
Descend into the depths of the unknown in this chilling anthology of pschological horror films that bring together unique and unsettling creatures, mythical dark storylines and ominous settings. Double check your sweets too, because that humbug you are sucking might not be exactly what you think it is. This collection is classic, spine-tingling thriller at its best.
01
02
THE PIGS UNDERNEATH
BREADSONG (SUBTITLED)
Charlie Dennis UK, 2025, 12:36 Residents from one tight-knit working-class town are constantly forced to fulfill a brutal quota just to survive. If they fail to meet it, they are punished with a fate that is far worse than death itself.
Katariina Aule Estonia, 2025, 16:00 Breadsong follows the story of a 19th century rural family, who discover a catchy song that is somehow broadcasted from far in the future through the children after they are fed mouldy bread.
THRILLER
03
04
FOREIGN BODY (SUBTITLED)
HOLLOW (SUBTITLED)
Mathieu Mortelmans, Cécile Delberghe Belgium, 2025, 16:33 In the middle of the night, a police detective is called to a crime scene in a monastery on a remote island. Left alone to examine the body, she slowly realises that it may not actually be human.
Jesper Jönsson Sweden, 2026, 12:27 In the forests of southern Sweden, a poor farmer makes a horrific discovery – a dormant creature and a nugget of gold. When the gold is taken, something awakens that shouldn't be disturbed.
05
06
DON'T GO IN THE GARDEN
THE HUMBUG
Adam El-Sharawy UK, 2025, 18:52 After an accident whilst trimming down her overgrown garden, Lily begins to sense a sinister presence is growing under the soil. She feels she has no choice but to confront the monster beneath.
Cole Paviour UK, 2025, 9:09 Vera’s carehome routine is disrupted when her friend offers her magical mint humbugs – sweets that promise intense pleasure, as long as one rule is obeyed: save the middle for "the Humbug."
139
x
PICK & MIX 1
PG
Thursday YTR Main House 10:00-11:00
ANIMATION
These six stories showcase the boundless possibilities of animation techniques, from hand-painted poetry in Wildkind, to underwater stop-motion with Deep End. Plus, they also hold up a mirror to what it is to be human: characters come face-toface with themselves in Trading Cards, Acid City navigates the metropolis, whilst Making a Mother considers parenthood.
02 ACID CITY
Radheya Jang UK, 2026, 14:58 The past, present and future collide when a man confronts his younger self over a game of trading cards. An exploration of identity, nostalgia and the erosion of childhood innocence.
Jack Wedge, Will Freudenheim USA, 2026, 12:30 Acid City documents life in an isolated city. It is composed of real interviews conducted across NYC, ranging from regular people on the street, to water scientists and emergency responders.
PICK & MIX
01 TRADING CARDS
140
03
04
WILDKIND
DEEP END
John McDaid UK, 2025, 7:18 Voiced by three generations of one family, WildKind is a poem to awaken the senses, a fluid journey of hope and healing. It is a universal bedtime story, a call to nurture a life wild and kind.
Puzhen Zhang UK, 2026, 7:38 A shy young girl overcomes her intense fear of swimming – and of connection – when she develops an unexpected and magical summer bond with a bold classmate in the deep end of the pool.
05
06
IN THE BEGINNING
MAKING A MOTHER
Ala Nunu Poland, Portugal, Spain, 2026, 10:50 Legless birds of paradise, the great hamster cull and tardigrades on the moon. A surreal story inspired by real events, which looks at humanity's desire for preservation by controlling the narrative.
Emily Downe UK, 2026, 4:05 This animation explores matrescence, the deeply personal but unseen metamorphosis of becoming a mother, calling on ancient wisdom to give voice to this drastic yet invisible transformation.
x
PICK & MIX 2
Thursday YTR Main House 11:30-12:30
DRAMA, DOCUMENTARY, DANCE
PG
Three genres collide in one exciting collection of shorts. Martin Freeman stars in drama Little Bug, in which we meet a dog who is about to go into orbit. Maia. A Mother of Nations traces a woman's journey across the seas, as told through the medium of dance. In documentary, Acts of Protest shows ordinary people who are speaking up against injustice across the world.
01
02
SEASONS
MAIA. A MOTHER OF NATIONS
Renee Nabinger USA, 2026, 5:46 Shot on 16mm and VHS, Seasons is a love letter to the director's home in Vermont. The film drifts through fragmented memories of home, family as well as the quiet heartache of time passing.
Sara Dos Santos UK, 2025, 10:56 This dance film traces a woman’s journey across oceans – carried by faith, resilience and hope. The elegant account of a single experience considers unexpected alliances and inherited fates.
PICK & MIX
03
03 04
LITTLE BUG
ACTS OF PROTEST
Matt Branston UK, 2025, 9:00 In 1957, the Soviet Union sends a dog into space. The night before, a scientist (Martin Freeman) takes her home to meet his daughter (Alexandra Barredo), and hopefully help repair their relationship.
Zebedee Parkes Australia, 2025, 7:42 Acts of Protest considers the huge emotional spectrum of protest amid ongoing global crises, offering a sensory experience that explores the contested right to dissent in today’s turbulent world.
05
06
ON A SUNDAY AT ELEVEN
AS IT SHOULD BE
Alicia K. Harris Canada, 2024, 9:00 Seven-year-old Angel arrives at ballet class, to discover she is the only Black girl in her lesson. She escapes to a dream world where Black ballerinas with bold, elaborate hairstyles dance around her.
Edwin Lai Hong Kong, 2026, 11:58 During a Lunar New Year reunion dinner in Hong Kong, Megan returns home from overseas to celebrate with her family. A film about love, and how acceptance arrives in the gentlest of ways.
141
x
PICK & MIX 3
PG
Friday YTR Main House 10:00-11:00
DRAMA, DOCUMENTARY, DANCE
Across drama, dance and documentary, six stories ask what it means to carve out an identity and exist in a world that seems to be one unprecedented and destabilising event after another. A swimmer reflects on their gender expression; Ho'olono looks at our relationship to the land; a woman deals with the loss of her sister; and a dancer processes shared trauma.
02 BRUTA
Maddie Dai New Zealand, UK, 9:30 Fish The Moon follows a writer who begins getting calls from a government-appointed censor: a woman called Jasmine. As he attempts to write, she now has front row seats to his every move.
Sulian Rios France, 2026, 9:51 Bruta tells the story of a world where seriousness and absurdity coexist. Three protagonists carry these two forces in their bodies and gestures, until they turn against a mysterious masked man.
PICK & MIX
01 FISH THE MOON
142
03
04
HO'OLONO (TO LISTEN DEEPLY)
LIMBES (NO DIALOGUE)
Samantha Ramirez-Herrera USA, 2026, 19:08 Ho‘olono is an exploration of our enduring relationship to land and self, inviting audiences to remember that the path through ecological crisis may also prove to be a route back to ourselves.
Karl Cannone France, 2025, 5:32 Limbes unlocks a window into both the dreams and nightmares of a young man. Between paralysis and release, it reflects on our collective fears, shared traumas and the long path toward healing.
05
06
THE PIGEON
RETUN TO WATER
Chloe Culpin UK, 2025, 11:36 A bereaved young woman believes that her late sister has been reincarnated – as a pigeon. This film follows as she bonds with the bird, learning about grief and coping mechanisms along the way.
Kate Malyon UK, 2025, 5:10 A swimmer reflects on how water is a space for self-discovery. As the tides shift and the pool appears and disappears, so too does their gender identity – sometimes opaque, sometimes clear.
VR & IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES LAB The potential of 360° cinema knows no bounds. These immersive formats put audiences into the heart of the story, allowing them to explore both real-world and fantastical environments. By placing viewers at the centre of the action, immersive storytelling creates new opportunities to connect with characters, places and perspectives that goes beyond traditional filmmaking. Now in its eighth year, our 360° Cinema and Immersive Experiences Lab returns to push the boundaries of storytelling. The Lab runs at NCEM on 4-7 November 10.00-21.30, and on 8 November between 10.00-18.30. Pre-registration to the VR Lab is recommended. We are also hosting daily panel discussions that explore urgent questions in emerging tech, from ethical considerations to the art of how to create emotionally driven narratives. These conversations offer an opportunity to hear from artists, filmmakers, innovators and industry leaders who are working at the forefront of immersive media today. This is an invitation to step into someone else's shoes and see the world through their eyes – to experience how human innovation continues to influence the different ways we tell stories. Free with your Festival Pass and Pre-registration is recommended. asff.co.uk
01
02
IMMERSIVE ELLUR
DIATRIBES
Tom Sefton UK, 2026, 25:00 A pioneering fully interactive and immersive experience with the music artist Ellur. Filmed in York Minster for a live performance and at the recording studio where she mastered her latest album.
Veronica Graham USA, 2024, 20:00 Diatribes explores the internal conflicts that arise when we’re confronted with the reality of climate change. Audiences must navigate through anxiety in an obstacle course of distractions.
143
VR LAB
4-7 November
8 November
NCEM 10:00-21:30
NCEM 10:00-18:30
These pieces use immersive technology to take us to different worlds and moments in time. These experiences allow us to step into another realities, encouraging us to slow down and take in our surroundings, whether that's floating on the wind or listening to the words of Emily Dickinson. They're an opportunity to step out of our reality for a moment of brief reprieve.
02 REALITY LOOKS BACK
Adriaan Lokman France, 2023, 15:00 Flow invites audiences to float with the wind on what seems, at first glance, to be a day like any other. It is a portrait of night in the life of a woman, painted by the ebb and flow of air currents.
Anne Jeppesen, Omid Zarei UK, 2025, 20:59 When you watch a particle, it acts like a particle. But when you look away, it does a whole other thing. This story explores modes of experiencing the strange quantum basis of our everyday life.
VR LAB
01 FLOW
144
03
04
ITO MEIKYO
KNAPWEED 360
Boris Labbé France, 2024, 20:00 Interior and exterior; transparency and opacity; exhibitionism and voyeurism; feminine and masculine; all of these varying notions oppose or unite in the labyrinth that seems to have no real exit.
Rebecca Goldsmith UK, 2023, 3:34 Viewers are transported to a dreamlike space of calm reflection, where family, memory and the cyclical nature of life are quietly revealed through words, connected themes and gentle movement.
05
06
EARTHS TO COME
TERRA ULTIMA, FIELD NOTES FROM LATENT SPACE
Rose Bond USA, 2024, 13:00 A virtual journey into the profound depths of a love poem. Painterly images interweave with original vocal music to find vastness and insularity in an 8-line poem by Emily Dickinson.
Richard Vijgen Netherlands, 2026, 8:00 Step inside the mind of a generative AI, where the memories and stories we share online are compressed. This data-driven VR experience examines how AI models extract our visual culture.
VR LAB
4-7 November
8 November
NCEM 10:00-21:30
NCEM 10:00-18:30
Documentaries have always given us the opportunity to step into someone else's shoes, but with VR, this is taken to the next level. These six projects open the door to a different reality, engaging audiences in major world history, like the Chernobyl disaster or the worsening consequences of climate change, as well as the intimate inner lives of a single individual.
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CRAFTING CRIMES
INSIDE CHERNOBYL
Chloé Rochereuil France, 2025, 20:00 This immersive, mixed-reality true crime series allows audiences to reconstruct history’s most infamous crime scenes and unsolved murders, guided by host and miniaturist Carol Rasaphangthong.
Jonathan Wells UK, 2026, 7:00 This 360º documentary brings viewers inside the Chornobyl site, recreating scenes from 1986 alongside interviews with people who worked there, including those who witnessed the accident.
VR LAB
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LIVING IN WATER
ALONE AT NIGHT
Ana P Santos Philippines, 2026, 15:00 In Isla TIbaguin, Philippines, rising seas arrive quietly as creeping water levels. Nearly every day, flooding submerges homes and turns the streets into rivers. This is climate change in slow motion.
Beata Harju Finland, 2026, 12:16 This is an empathy-provoking journey through a seemingly safe city, told through the wary eyes of a young woman, Emma, who sees everything on her nighttime walk as a heightened.
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MIRAGE
THE CROWN WITH A SHADOW & THE SEARCH FOR SELF!
Naima Karim Bangladesh, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia 2025, 8:00 A young girl struggles with depression and anxiety. Set in a desert landscape, the audience embarks on a VR journey through the girl’s mind, encouraged to support her through her challenges.
Jasbir (JB) Singh Ghuman USA, 2026, 17:10 A 4D 6K VR colour-therapy film where elements of wind, scent, colours, deep breathing and floating motion each play a role. A powerful story that aims to inspire global compassion and unity.
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VR LAB
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8 November
NCEM 10:00-21:30
NCEM 10:00-18:30
These six immersive animations offer us the chance to step into a piece of art. Their narratives take us on a journey through imagined worlds and help visualise familiar concepts from new angles. Here is an unique opportunity to become one with the forest, interact with an elusive monster and recontextualise the psychological theory of Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
02 HAUNTS
Kris Hofmann, Andreas Wuthe Germany, 2026, 10:00 Our weather is getting angrier. Out of Nowhere gently explores how preserving alluvial forests, marshes and wetlands can help us face the challenges of an ever angrier, unpredictable climate.
Tom Chetwode-Barton, Lucy Hammond UK, 2026, 13:00 It’s 2006. In a small town in North Wales, 16-year-old Morgan stands on the edge of his future, guiding us through the haunts, hangouts and nights that linger long after the last bus leaves.
VR LAB
01 OUT OF NOWHERE
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THE BIG CUBE
THE DOLLHOUSE
Menghui Huang Belgium, China, Finland, Portugal 2025, 6:43 A world is made of cubes. The creatures there follow instructions and push the cubes numbly. Yet, when one of them chooses not to follow the instructions, something truly unexpected happens.
Charlotte Bruneau, Dominic Desjardins Canada, Luxembourg, 2026, 20:00 The Dollhouse is an unfolding paper world where nine-year-old Juniper untangles feelings of guilt around how her family treated Magnolia, a woman who came from far away to work as a cleaner.
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EDDIE AND I
GLUTTONY VR
Maya Shekela France, Germany, Israel, 20:00 An 8-year-old deaf child is scared of his first camping trip. To calm him, his mother tells him, in sign language, the story of “Eddie the Camper”, a hairy, monster who grew up in the forest.
Nenad Katic Canada, 2025, 10:00 Organised into five acts, based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, each stage is a different interactive environment that viewers can enter, touch and feel, guided by a powerful orchestral score.
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VR LAB
4-7 November
8 November
NCEM 10:00-21:30
NCEM 10:00-18:30
These five narrative VR projects are rooted in reality, representing a remarkable evolution in human-led storytelling. They feature real people, real environments, real experiences – but they're accessible to audiences in an entirely different time and place. Each one expands our worldview and deepens our understanding of what filmmaking has the power to become.
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SILIQ
RUBBERS - 360 IMMERSIVE VERSION
Te-Hsing Lu Taiwan, 2026, 20:00 In the near future, SILIQ, an advanced drone, crosses Taiwan to deliver secret cargo. On its way, it gathers data to speculate its own understanding of spirituality, consciousness and the world.
Cat Davies UK, 2026, 10:39 In this dark comedy, a neurodivergent woman who struggles to form personal relationships explores her private passion for stationery in order to unlock her explosive, fantasy world.
VR LAB
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MOMENTS APART VR
PLAY LIFE
Mohammed Mamdouh UAE, 2026, 7:20 As Alzheimer's erodes his own sense of time, place and self, a man navigates a reality where love is the only thread holding his world together. If memory can fade, will love remember what remains?
Naujokas, Petrauskas, Pronckus, Ulvydas Lithuania, 2026, 25:00 Play Life invites viewers into the vibrant world of Algis Kriščiūnas’ paintings, where art transforms into living, breathing stories. This poetic film explores love, memory and the slow passage of time.
05 THE GREAT ESCAPE Joren Vandenbroucke Belgium, 2025, 25:00 Three moody geraniums are trapped on the windowsill of a sad, bare living room. They take control over their fate and plan their escape from the windowsill they spent their entire, boring life on.
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EXPLORE THE GAMES LAB Video games are an essential pillar of modern entertainment and pop culture. This year, we’re excited to present the fourth edition of our fully interactive Games Lab, where festival-goers in York are invited to experience a curated selection of indie games across genres including adventure, puzzles, 2D platformers and more. Games now offer a truly immersive experience and we view them as an essential medium for exploring the evolution of storytelling. We’re celebrating every aspect of game culture, design and development, with both hands-on play sessions and insightful panels and talks taking place as part of our masterclass programme. The Games Lab features over 50 titles, which span PC, console, VR headsets and mobile devices, meaning there’s something that both adults and children are guaranteed to enjoy. Expect striking visuals and fun-filled gameplay loops. The Games Lab is at the National Centre for Early Music. Free with pass and pre-registration recommended. 4-7 November 10.00-21.30 8 November 10.00-18.30
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4-7 November
8 November
NCEM 10:00-21:30
NCEM 10:00-18:30
02
SIRE
AS LONG AS YOU'RE HERE
heartcase Netherlands, 2025 SIRE is about dealing with the death of a parent, and the whirlwind of emotions that follow. The players combine cards to explore a darkly comedic, surreal world of both personal loss and learning.
Autoscopia Interactive Denmark, 2025 What if you lost all your memories? This is a family drama seen through the eyes of a woman with Alzheimer's disease. Inspired by real stories and made with care by a small team of developers.
GAMES LAB
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04
A TALE IN THE GARDEN
LET ME SEE THE SEA
Dream Outpost UK, 2025 In this short, slow-paced, narrative-driven point-and-click game, you can follow Filomena, as she prepares her garden for a local competition and awaits the arrival of her young grandchild, Frida.
Katharina Faller Germany, 2026 A point-and-click adventure about the longing for the sea and the experiences it inspires. Guided by a woman recalling her last trip, an ordinary morning unfolds into a memory-filled journey.
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ASCEND
ATUEL
Miami Avalon UK, 2025 Attempt to decode ancient puzzles, collect tarot cards, complete the zodiac trials and use their magical Time Turner to climb the mountain and save their people in Ascend, a 3D puzzle adventure.
Matajuegos Argentina, 2022 Atuel is an award-winning surrealist documentary game in which players explore beautiful, dreamlike landscapes inspired by the topography and wildlife of the Atuel River Valley in Argentina.
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GAMES LAB
07
08 ROUTINE Lunar Software UK, 2025 Set on an abandoned lunar base designed around a 1980s idea of the future, this first person sci-fi horror allows players to explore their surroundings as they try to survive against unknown threats.
GAMES LAB
CRIMSON RAIN Square Zero UK, 2026 A noir-detective puzzle game where every character is identical. Crimson Rain addresses the stereotyping and bias that is rooted in classic mystery fiction, and its perpetuation in sleuth games.
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10
ADORABLE ADVENTURES
THERE ARE NO GHOSTS AT THE GRAND
Wild Sheep Studio France, 2026 Boris, a curious baby boar, must learn how to use his nose across rolling meadows, sun-dappled forest paths and rocky highlands to reunite with his family, who were separated after a forest fire.
Friday Sundae UK, 2026 Inherit an old crumbling English hotel and restore it by day, while battling ghosts by night. With a sardonic cat, a talking power tool and a supernatural plot, this is a musical mystery unlike any other.
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TOROA: SKYCALL
BLUEBERRY
Atawhai Interactive New Zealand, 2025 Soar, swoop and glide across the vast ocean as Toroa. Fly as an albatross on an epic journey to reunite with their family in this relaxing, atmospheric flight game grounded in the Māori world.
MELLOW Games Germany, 2026 Blueberry is a story-driven puzzle that takes players deep into a woman’s mind. Ascend her Tower of Life, relive her key memories, and collect fragments of her self to unlock her mysterious past.
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4-7 November
8 November
NCEM 10:00-21:30
NCEM 10:00-18:30
14
THE LONESOME GUILD
FISHBOWL
Tiny Bull Studios Italy, 2025 Embark on an adventure as Ghost, a spirit who wakes to find they hold no memories. The whole world is shrouded by loneliness and the mist just keeps spreading, corrupting everyone in its path.
imissmyfriends.studio India, 2026 Fishbowl is a narrative-driven game about dreams, grief and hope. Rediscover memories and reveal the correct way into the present in this intimate experience where slice-of-life meets the surreal.
GAMES LAB
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REGGIE & HIS COUSIN
MY CANNIBAL FAMILY
degoma Netherlands, 2026 The fate of the entire universe is in Reggie's hands. Unfortunately, Reggie is just an ordinary person from the 16,000 th century, who must now must stop an enormous disaster of colossal dimensions.
Wolf & Wood UK, 2026 Players are the lurking terror in My Cannibal Family. Design and build a twisted theme park, then use traps and stealthy attacks to harvest guests within a deadly sandbox of your own creation.
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THE AMUSEMENT
LOOKING FOR FAEL
Curvature games Germany, 2026 Sent by her mother to check in on her late father’s abandoned amusement park, Samantha is faced with childhood memories, as she uncovers and solves mysteries hidden within the rides.
Swing Swing Submarine France, 2026 A narrative puzzle game in which the player sets out to find their roommate. Explore a maze of apartments equipped with a retro game console to solve the enigmatic puzzles Fael left behind.
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GAMES LAB
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20 WAX HEADS Patattie Games UK, 2026 Chat to quirky record store customers with unique tastes, explore a handcrafted record collection, fall in love with bands, or simply slack off with colleagues – whatever gets everyone’s groove back.
GAMES LAB
BEYOND THE PLASTIC WALL Motvind Studio Sweden, 2026 Hal, a young Scavenger, finds a box of letters written by a woman he doesn’t know. She lives within the walls of the last city at the end of the world, so he sets off on a journey to search for her.
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LESBIAN SIMULATOR
ELECTRICAT
Studio Biarritz Netherlands, 2025 Lesbian Simulator holds up a mirror to society, highlighting the many blind spots in relation to the acceptance of lesbians and other queer people. It is a colourful ode to love and sexuality.
Shuyi Chen / Shuyi Wu UK, 2026 In this game, players need to control a cat and interact with the environment through electricity-based mechanics. The objective is to collect three key batteries required to unlock the final exit.
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WE ARE DEAD ANIMALS
WHIRLIGHT - NO TIME TO TRIP
Frank Bosma Netherlands, 2025 Bring animals back to life in the virtual paradise created by Tote Tiere Maarten. He collected all the animals he found in his direct surroundings and placed their corpses in his own made paradise.
imaginarylab Italy, 2026 Follow Hector, a 1960s inventor, as he discovers a "light-squeezer." His invention sends him to the 1990s, alongside artist Margaret. Together, they navigate through the eras to prevent a catastrophe.
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4-7 November
8 November
NCEM 10:00-21:30
NCEM 10:00-18:30
26
WHEN THE EMBERS WAKE
BLACK JACKET
Llamaplay Malta, 2026 A woman shares a dream she had, and players enter that dream as a red panda navigating a burning forest. The game weaves a journey that touches on loss, resilience and wildlife preservation.
Mi'pu'mi Games GmbH Austria, 2026 Black Jacket turns one of the world's most familar games into something entirely new: every suit has unique mechanics, face cards evolve and shifting table effects make each run different.
GAMES LAB
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JOURNEY II ETERNITY
REPEAT AFTER ME: IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT YOU'RE SICK
HitherYon Games USA, 2026 Based on the story by Logan Hamel as well as the record by Pixel Anthem, the game follows Molly and July, two sisters who wake in a dark forest with absolutely no memory of how they got there.
Eloise Salt UK, 2026 Repeat After Me is an autobiographical walking simulator with a narrative theme surrounding the mental health impact of living with Type 1 Diabetes, which affects 400,000 people in the UK.
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ASHES
KNUCKLE PARADISE
Plot Twist Australia, 2026 After witnessing a murder, 16-year-old skater Azar Warren seeks refuge with her estranged grandfather on his rural compound, only to suspect he may be more dangerous than her pursuers.
Flying Oak Games France, 2027 A character action game that stars Jane, a retired boxer, plus her chicken sidekick. Learn combos from a pirate seagull. Fight harder. Level up the chicken. Fight your kidnappers. Teach them a lesson.
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GAMES LAB
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32 MATELOTES La Poule Noire France, 2027 Nobody knows where Pépette, fifth of its name and Hen of the King, has gone. Players will need an adventurous spirit, lots of courage and a big stock of rum to succeed in bringing him home.
GAMES LAB
LEWIS AND THE BOOK OF SECRETS Ollie Nalder UK, 2026 A curiosity-driven 2D platformer game with eight levels, each one with its own unique and distinctive game mechanic. These are used in subversive ways to hide secrets for players to uncover.
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HOPE IN THE CITY
ROMAN CASTLEFORD UNCOVERED
Lofty Sky Games Canada, 2026 Seventeen-year-old Hope Song's future seems clear until she returns home to find her apartment ransacked and her parents missing. Hope decides to begin an investigation of her own.
One to One Development Trust` UK, 2026 Roman Castleford Uncovered is a journey into the past: a topdown exploration game that lets viewers uncover the hidden stories of Roman Castleford (Lagentium) in West Yorkshire, UK.
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OPUS: PRISM PEAK
FORGOTLINGS
SIGONO Taiwan, 2026 Eugene, a weary middle-aged photographer, becomes stranded in the mysterious Dusklands. Travelling with Ren, a girl who has forgotten who she is, Eugene journeys toward a distant mountain.
Throughline Games Denmark, 2026 An award-winning cinematic narrative adventure set in a handdrawn world of living forgotten objects. Players lead Fig and the crew of the Volare through a story of identity, unity and survival.
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4-7 November
8 November
NCEM 10:00-21:30
NCEM 10:00-18:30
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HILLTHORN
MIO: MEMORIES IN ORBIT
Fool Moon Canada, 2026 Experience a dark investigation game told entirely through cards. The story unfolds in the player's mind, where every action makes the clock tick forward, and every run can lead to new discoveries.
Douze Dixièmes France, 2026 Play as an android called MIO to explore the Vessel, an enormous technological ark overgrown with machines gone rogue. Uncover its secrets and save the spaceship and its residents from oblivion.
GAMES LAB
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PLEASE, WATCH THE ARTWORK
BUB
Thomas Waterzooi Belgium, 2026 Inspired by the works of American realist painter Edward Hopper, play as a detective who is investigating mysterious anomalies in living paintings at the Museum of Animated Modern Art (MaMA).
Paperfrog USA, Italy, 2027 An adventure game about turning your memories into art whilst you still can. Made with slashes of ink and paint and thousands of small cut paper pieces, Bub is a deeply personal, crafted world.
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UNEMPLOYMENT SIMULATOR 2018
LOOT CONTRACT
Samuel Lehikoinen Finland, 2026 This game is based on real experiences of unemployment and depression. Players complete mundane chores, whilst needing to manage their mental health to avoid literal death by boredom.
Haiyan Cheng / Cheng Fang / Larry Xu UK, 2026 This is a card-based extraction game. which is driven by a timeline resource system. It is designed to replace mana costs with a time progression to overcome the rigidity of turn-based enemy design.
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GAMES LAB
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44 LOVE & FOOLS GOLD Games with DNA UK, 2027 A Wild West romance narrative adventure, with a horror twist. Play as a bounty hunter, arriving in the town of Cortez Creek to chase a bounty, only to quickly discover that not everything is as it seems.
GAMES LAB
DEMON SLUMBER PARTY Whispered Eclipse UK, 2026 A group of 2000's teenage girls summon a demon to get revenge on Brad; the newly ex-boyfriend of Rae. But their new demonic companion is more keen on taking four souls rather than just one.
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GATA GURESSI
HYDRA
Elliot George Mann UK, 2026 Learn how to communicate with the people of Hierre by speaking their languages. Use translation skills to navigate Kallay Tirridor, uncovering its secrets, while solving your brother's disappearance.
Seokwon UK, 2026 The aim of the game is simple: draw the line and the blue agents will follow. Stay away from the red lines at all costs, they'll infect you. Players are encouraged to develop their own strategies.
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REAL VAMPIRES
FAMILY REUNION
Those Eyes Denmark, Poland, 2025 Real Vampires is a darkly humorous game based on 500 years of documented vampire cases from Slavic Eastern Europe, with traces and similarities reaching as far as Canada and Denmark.
waibinin Argentina, 2027 Take on the role of a young child sitting at the family dinner table, wanting to be anywhere else. Players must rely on imagination, conversation and exploration skills to make the time pass faster.
4-7 November
8 November
NCEM 10:00-21:30
NCEM 10:00-18:30
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MOUSE & CRANE
THE EIGHTFOLD PATH
Those Eyes Denmark, Canada, 2024 Help friends Mouse and Crane to repair, build and explore their handmade world through solving small, tactile puzzles. This cute game is based in a setting inspired by real harbour environments.
Friendly Llama Chile, 2024 The path of a Buddhist monk is a path of enlightenment. Find your way through the mystical forest and encounter beautiful creatures, magical places, evil spirits and puzzling challenges.
GAMES LAB
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POCKET PUTT
MIDNIGHT MOMENTS
Field Of Vision UK, 2026 Pocket Putt is a calm, seated mixed reality mini-golf game created for natural hand tracking. Line up precise shots, sling the ball with intuitive gestures and play compact courses right where you are.
Happy Volcano Belgium, 2026 A small, cyberpunk diorama-building game where players create cozy rain-soaked backstreets, glowing apartment blocks, or quiet neighbourhood corners. At your own pace. No goals. Just vibes.
52 THE HERMATIGE One to One Development Trust UK, 2025 Rumour says priceless treasure and the ghosts its guardian monks still linger in the locked Hermitage buried beneath an abandoned hospital Play as a paranormal investigator searching for answers.
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DISCOVER OUR BRAND NEW PODCAST LOUNGE Discover the UK’s first dedicated Podcasting Lounge at Aesthetica Film Festival – an innovative space where audio storytelling takes centre stage. Curated to spotlight dynamic voices in film, art, tech and culture, this lounge offers the chance to pause and take time out to well and truly listen. It's a new chapter in how stories are shared and heard. At Aesthetica, we embrace every way of telling stories, and podcasts are a powerful part of our daily lives. From true crime to creative deep-dives, audio is reshaping media. The Podcasting Lounge celebrates this shift, giving audiences and creators a space to engage with ideas beyond the screen. The Podcast Lounge is in the City Screen Basement. Free with a Festival Pass. 4-7 November 10:00-21:30 8 November 10:00-18:30
Content Warning: Swearing
CONNECTION PODCAST 1
4-7 November
8 November
City Screen Basement 10:00-21:30
City Screen Basement 10:00-18:30
These podcasts invite us to pause and think about the ways we connect. They explore how we communicate, what it means to care for and support others and even how human prayers might look from above. The selection contains five non-fiction and one fiction podcast, each offering a different perspective on connection, compassion, and what it means to be human.
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02
PROBLEMS WITH JULIA MASLI
THE METAPHOR CONSULTANT
Talia Augustidis and Julia Masli UK, 2025, 27:40 There are so many problems in the world. For the past three years, Estonian clown Julia Masli – armed with a microphone taped to a mannequin leg – has been trying to singlehandedly solve them.
Falling Tree Productions UK, 2026, 27:43 Metaphor is at the heart of how we understand our existence. In a period of huge change, are we outgrowing them? Poet Jack Underwood is offering his services as a metaphor consultant.
PODCAST
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04
HOLDING THE LINE' FROM WRITTEN IN AIR ISSUE 1
I NEED A MIRACLE
Dennis Funk USA, UK, 2025, 9:00 In Pittsburgh, many volunteers meet outside reproductive health clinics. While anti-abortion protesters harass people seeking care, these "clinic escorts" help guide those same patients safely inside.
Wireless Theatre Company for Foggy Outline UK, 2024, 11:41 In this original audio drama podcast, every episode is a prayer. Some are granted and a granted prayer can upend the world. A miraculous yet tumultuous reality is assembled in small glimpses.
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JOURNEY THROUGH A COW
NIGHT CHORUS
Bespoken Media UK, 2026, 28:00 A farmer, a cheesemaker, a philosopher and a scientist take us on a guided tour through a cow. Told in five acts, this programme take us on a journey from the soil to the inside of the animal.
Shira Golden and Jess Shane USA, 2026, 13:34 In Night Chorus, a night walk through an Illinois marsh reveals the bigness of small things. This minature epsiode is part of a wider exploration around midsummer and the summer solstice.
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SELF DISCOVERY PODCAST 2
4-7 November
8 November
City Screen Basement 10:00-21:30
City Screen Basement 10:00-18:30
Each episode in this compliation provides a portraits of people standing in their power or just trying to figure things out. These podcasts are an ode to self-expression and following your path even when it feels impossible. This series is made up of a combination of real life and fiction, creating a collection of stories about identity, resilience and finding your own way.
02 SEE YOU TOMORROW
Grace "Gig" Ogun UK, 2024, 31:00 Journeys with Grace is an immersive and self-narrated true story of resilience, ambition and discovery, following an audacious young woman determined to build a career in music against all the odds.
Darnell Brown USA< 2026, 13:00 A married mother visits a corner store 27 times in a month – not for what's on the shelves, but for the clerk. A quirky, confessional fantasy about the cost of wanting something just for yourself.
PODCAST
01 JOURNEYS WITH GRACE
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04
TAROT AND THE ART OF CREATIVITY
THE BLACK NITE' FROM OF WRITTEN IN AIR ISSUE 1
Alexandra Quinn UK, 2026, 28:00 Lean in for a live tarot reading, as four creatives hear the hidden desires driving and affecting their work, artistic output and lives, featuring Adam Martin, Ben Okri, Jessica Knappett and Lola Kirke.
Craig Eley USA, 2025, 7:32 Before Stonewall there was the Black Nite, a Milwaukee gay bar where members of the LGBTQ community brawled with a group of homophobic sailors in 1961. This is an audio ode to the location.
05 SIREN SONG Kalli Anderson with music by melancholydi USA, Ukraine, 2024, 7:27 A singer in Ukraine turns traumatic shared experiences into music. During late night strolls in Kyiv, they harmonise to air raid sirens in order to reflect on the role of art and artists during wartime.
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MEMORY
PODCAST 3
4-7 November
8 November
City Screen Basement 10:00-21:30
City Screen Basement 10:00-18:30
Our minds all hold onto experiences, places and people differently – individually shaped by our pasts and how we view the world. These podcasts look to preserve, challenge and change memories, and in one particular case, to use them to bring back the dead. In this selection four non-fiction narratives, asking the vital question: how do memories shape us?
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02
DIGITAL GHOST' FROM WRITTEN IN AIR ISSUE 1
THE FOIL
Rebecca Nolan, Dennis Funk USA, UK, Canada, 2025, 28:00 Rebecca's dad died when she was a child and she has attempted to connect with him ever since. She uses his favourite myth, Orpheus and Eurydice, to try and bring her dad back from the underworld.
Lil Bit Productions, iHeartPodcasts USA, 2026, 38:06 When journalist Maya Kroth discovers her father has amassed a sizable YouTube following based on his newfound belief in aliens, it throws her relationship – and her beliefs – into chaos.
PODCAST
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04
ANGLIA SQUARE: THE LITTLE CITY (EPISODE 1: THE ART OF THE DEAL)
ONE MINUTE REMAINING - STORIES FROM THE INMATES
Sarah Herman UK, 2025, 32:40 In Norwich, a dilapidated 1960s development is facing demolition and regeneration. But what about the residents, the local artists losing their studio and the businesses forced to shut their doors?
Jack Laurence Australia, 2025, 32:00 Dwight Bergeron has spent 30 years in prison for child abuse, despite there being no physical evidence. His now adult children have withdrawn their statements, claiming they were coerced.
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SUBMIT PODCASTS OPENS 1 DECEMBER 2026 Find out more: asff.co.uk 161
MYSTERY
PODCAST 4
4-7 November
8 November
City Screen Basement 10:00-21:30
City Screen Basement 10:00-18:30
From musicals to horror, with a stop off at true crime along the way, these podcasts have a tale to tell, inviting you into their worlds and keeping you curious about what will happen next. The acclaimed City of Lights is about the reality of life after a crime, whilst Mark Ramsey's Detour takes inspiration from the likes of Stephen King, Guillermo del Toro and James Wan.
02 WINE NIGHT
Sair Kaufman UK, 2026, 34:00 Guardsman Boris Dragonheart and his best friend Travis are dispatched with the goal of stopping a robbery, but Boris’ world is upended when the ‘robber’ unearths something unexpected.
Julia Hoff & Katarina Hughes USA, 2025, 31:04 At a wine night, Kelen Brooks and her three besties stumble upon a murder mystery. It leads them on a Chardonnay-soaked quest, uncovering secrets about the town they thought they knew well.
PODCAST
01 THE REALITY SHAPER: A MUSICAL PODCAST
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04
TALES FROM THE SINGING PORCH: THE SALESMAN
CITY OF LIGHTS
Joe Blanchard and Maya Reter USA, 2026, 19:30 Little Klaus Apero knows that it'll be a hard winter for his village. Animals are going missing and villagers are looking for answers. When a charming salesman comes to town, everything changes.
Willy Nast USA, 2026, 37:34 In the first instalment of this six-part, three-hour long series, host Willy Nast visits Aurora, Illinois, to interview the parents of Jeff Signorelli, who was murdered in 2002 in a random act of violence.
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THE DRAGONING
DARK SANCTUM: DETOUR
Willy Nast USA, 2025, 22:38 Amanda describes multiple scenarios featuring dragon attacks by women. She’s pitching them as part of a television series that wants to hire the boyfriend of the world’s most famous dragon.
Mark Ramsey Media USA, 2024, 19:00 A man racing home to repay a debt is detoured, risking the lives of his wife and young daughter. Can he save them before time runs out? Part of Dark Sanctum, the award-winning audio fright-fest.
Cinema provides a unique space where we can step into the lives and perspectives of others. In this strand, we invite curators from around the globe to connect with audiences and share their viewpoints through specially crafted programmes. This year, we’re thrilled to feature major organisations including Aardman, BBC Comedy and The Guardian. These true trailblazers in contemporary filmmaking present narratives that expand cinematic representation, sharing stories from multiple walks of life and reflecting the human experience from new angles. These films provide a powerful opportunity to see the world through someone else’s eyes, immersing you in perspectives that challenge your own. In doing so, you’ll explore new cultures, ideas and landscapes. Sit back and enjoy the journey.
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50 YEARS OF AARDMAN ANIMATION This year, legendary British animation studio Aardman celebrates five decades of claymation storytelling. To mark the milestone, watch shorts created through its Stop Motion Foundation, a development programme led by award-winning talent. Each story showcases the skill and imagination of an up-and-coming animator. From creatures disguised as raspberries to pit ponies and canaries that talk, these films introduce characters that amuse and move in equal measure. A tour through the wonderful world of stop motion, led by the very best.
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Friday 6 November York Theatre Main House 11:30-12:30
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02
IN OUR HANDS
KUKELEKU!
Camillo Sancisi Italy, 2024, 6:08 In 1983, a Lieutenant receives an alarm that five nuclear warheads are directed towards his territory. The attack is unexpected, but the protocol is very clear: should he initiate a deadly retaliation?
Jelle Jenssen Netherlands, 2024, 3:04 After finding a squeaky toy, a young voiceless rooster, Nugget, pretends he can crow just like his brother. However, after finally achieving his goal, he learns that it is not what he truly needs.
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BAGGAGE
SHUPERT’S FAMILY SOUP COMPANY
Lucy Davidson Australia, 2024, 5:21 Three girlfriends check in their baggage at the airport, but one is carrying a little bit more than the others. As they travel along the conveyor belt to security, can she hide what’s really inside?
Henry Danielson USA, 2025, 4:07 A couple sit in their living room and watch an advertisement for a silly vegetable soup company called Shuperts, informing them of a wacky sweepstake involving a vegetable-themed cruise.
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GLOWBERRY Jessica Fisher USA, 2025, 4:44 In the Raspberry Village, creatures camouflaged as raspberries have the special ability to glow – except for Rubus Baneberry. The young mischevious berry sets off to discover how to glow.
PREY Pax Nelson USA, 2025, 3:25 Following an unfortunate car accident, Devin suddenly finds himself face-to-face with a vengeful moose on an unstoppable rampage, who will go to any lengths to try and hunt him down.
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MRI
BEFORE LONG
Dougal Vecqueray UK, 2025, 3:46 A patient named Tom goes for an MRI scan only to be transported into a wild psychedelic space odyssey halfway through, after the contrast dye he was injected with begins to spread across his body.
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PITMATIC
BLIND DATE
Ben Nightingale UK, 2026, 0:32 Pitmatic takes place 100 years ago in one County Durham coal mine, where miners speak in a distinct dialect. One man imagines the future of energy with his pit pony and canary co-workers.
Carter Bazar USA, 2022, 1:28 Blind Date offers a glimpse into the complex and ever-changing world of dating. The process is made all the more complicated when you are an insect navigating instinct, survival and attraction.
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SILICONE MURPHY VS THE ORB
CARPE
Ben Nightingale UK, 2025, 1:08 Somewhere in deep space, a down-and-out bounty hunter briefly stops on an unknown planet to fix his rust-bucket ship, again. There he suddenly stumbles upon the opportunity of a lifetime.
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Julia Schmidt Germany, 2025, 4:11 A young mother sets off to flee her country. After a dangerous escape with a baby in tow, she starts settling in but is soon faced with having to decide between her son’s and her parents’ future.
Amelia Dickson USA, 2025, 3:38 When a woman returns home with her groceries, she receives an unwanted surprise from the fish she brought home for her supper. Before long, she’s forced to take matters into her own hands.
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SNAIL AWAY
GONE QUACKERS
Juliet Campfens Netherlands, 2023, 3:15 An intermittent beeping keeps a man awake all night. When he looks out of the window and sees a snail on the ledge, he makes a sudden decision to leave the hectic city behind for the country.
Annie Buckeridge UK, 2026, 4:22 An oddball farmer with a passion for taxidermy encounters three orphaned ducklings. Following some initial resistance he decides to take them into his home, only to meet a twisted end.
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STILL LIFE Fiorella Bittar Paraguay, 2026, 3:50 An artist, her cat and a studio. When an inevitable event disrupts their routine, the thin line between absence and presence blurs, asking: how can one being become entirely at one with another?
I’M HAVING SECOND THOUGHTS IN MY GREAT AUNT’S BATHROOM Alyssa Morrell USA, 2026, 3:56 Liss visits her great aunt with an ulterior motive in her mind. Her mission seems to be simple, to ask her aunt for money, but is thrown off by the peculiarity of great aunt Petunia’s house.
15 HOT DOG Kate Scott Australia, 2026, 3:05 A hot dog seller discovers that his annoying customer has left a terrified dog behind. He brings her inside his eerie hot dog factory, where a sausage dog has every reason to fear the worst.
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10 YEAR’S OF THE GUARDIAN To mark 10 years of its award-winning strand, Guardian Documentaries presents a screening of four coming-of-age films. Spanning the UK, US and Australia, they follow young people grappling with the world they’ve inherited – from the climate emergency and social media exploitation to mental health and caring responsibilities – placing their lived experience at the centre of the story. In a current moment when young people often receive negative headlines, these films are vital in placing authentic voices at the centre of this narrative.
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Saturday 7 November City Screen 2 13:30-15:00
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PRISON LETTERS
IS MUM OK?
George MacCallum UK, 2026, 19:00 Teenager Max struggles with climate anxiety, and decides write to imprisoned activists. He’s eager to know the people behind direct action, and why so many climate protesters are in prison.
Rosie Morris UK, 2026, 15:00 Aiden has been a carer for his mum for over half his life. Every few weeks, Aiden and other young carers like him get to enjoy a rare night off thanks to tenacious council worker, Satvinder.
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GIVE ME SHELTER
PRESSURE AND RELEASE
Tom Silverstone USA, 2025, 19:00 Tina Frundt is a top specialist in protecting children from sex trafficking. She works with law enforcement, social workers and parents help America’s vulnerable children to feel safe again.
Pete Ward Australia, 2024, 27:00 An Australian community has been devastated by the suicides of several young Aboriginal people. Professor Juli Coffin uses her horses to create connections between animal and human.
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RADICAL LISTENING: NEW SCORES TO SILENT FILMS Silent cinema was never truly silent. Early film screenings were often accompanied by live musicians, improvised sound and audience participation. With this commission, Aesthetica and Audible invite composers and sound designers to rediscover that tradition and bring it into the modern era. As part of the Listening Pitch 2026: Radical Listening, this open call asked artists to create inventive new scores for pre-1925 silent films. Each selected artist received a £1,000 grant to create their score, transforming early cinema into something for the contemporary age that celebrates the harmony of film and music.
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Friday 6 November York Theatre Royal Studio 14:30-16:00
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RYTHMUS 21
SYMPHONIE DIAGONALE
Bowen Wu UK, 2026, 2:59 Rythmus 21 is a black-and-white silent film from Dadaist Hans Richter. It centres around the movement of forms across space, rhythm, and the relationship that is created by that movement.
Théo DG UK, 2026, 7:28 Taking inspiration from electronic, neoclassical and cinematic music, this reimagined score creates a unique soundscape that follows the subtle changes of shape and mood of the visuals.
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OPUS I II III IV
ANÉMIC CINÉMA
Amelia Lingard UK, 2026, 11:43 Lingard’s experimental sound design brings together sampled pianos and violins that work alongside the visual movement of the 1921 film, Lichtspiel Opus, made by Walther Ruttmann.
Chloe Simmons UK, 2026, 6:23 Anémic Cinéma is a 1926 surrealist French experimental film from Marcel Duchamp, constructed by filming nine rotating cardboard disks with spirals drawn on them inscribed with puns.
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THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY
BALLET MÉCANIQUE
Aidan Steele UK, 2026, 13:44 Live instrumentals and found sounds are blended together to accompany what is considered to be the first ever narrative film, The Great Train Robbery, directed by Edwin S. Porter in 1963.
Fintan O’Hare UK, 2026, 16:30 A self-playing mechanical instrument, consisting of sixteen motors on a free standing vertical frame, will perform a live score to the 1924 film by Fernand Léger, Ballet Mécanique.
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LISTENING PITCH: FILM PREMIERES Now in its sixth year, Aesthetica x Audible’s The Listening Pitch is a cinematic exploration of what is unheard. For the 2026 edition, we are considering listening as a radical act. Funding was awarded to three visionary filmmakers: Duncan Cowles, Hermione Spriggs and Tobi Kyeremateng & Sofia Cissé Akel. We will also screen one of the previous winning projects from last year, Voice Shift by Roberto Duque. A filmmaker Q&A will follow the screenings. Friday 6 November. Venue: City Screen, YO1 9QL. Arrival from 18:45 I Screening starts at 19:00 Free with Festival Pass, but booking is essential DJ, Drinks and Networking from 21:00
VOICE SHIFT Roberto Duque UK, 2025 2025 Listening Pitch winner Voice Shift follows trans femme individuals as they seek a voice that reflects their gender identity. Guided by a trans vocal coach, the film weaves together stories from different stages of their journeys. This is a story of identity, resilience and the wider social and political weight of a person’s voice.
WORM GRUNTING Hermione Spriggs UK, 2025 “Charming”, “grunting”, “fiddling” or “rooping” is a method of luring earthworms up from the ground using sound and vibration. In the UK, the practice has taken a competitive turn. Worm Grunting plunges the audience into the sensory world of worms, who have no eyes or ears but listen instead through their whole-body cochlea. 172
Friday 6 November City Screen YO1 9QL 19:00-23:00
NIBCLOUT Duncan Cowles UK, 2026 A filmmaker discovers a 1964 casette recording of his great-grandfather reciting a Scots poem, but the thick Scots dialect makes it difficult to understand. Curious to decipher the audio, he travels to Blyth Bridge, where the poem was first written. There, he plays the cassette to residents, who are invited to interpret what they can hear.
CISSÉ-CEESAY Tobi Kyeremateng, Sofia Cissé Akel UK, 2026 Historian Sofia Cissé Akel travels to Southern Senegal to trace her family through traditional musical storytelling. Touré, a village elder, introduces Sofia to a Griot who can help her recall the lineage of her family name, Cissé. The process reconnects a family that was once disconnected across historic colonial borders.
LIVE DJ PERFORMANCE Sound & Beats City Screen Prepare to be swept away by a wave of sonic magic as a live DJ turns City Screen into a pulsating playground of rhythm and movement. This immersive experience invites you to dive deep into a rich tapestry of sound where every beat, drop and melody will awaken your senses and elevate your night to unforgettable heights. 173
Content Warning: Swearing, Abuse, Violence
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your introduction to the next generation of filmmakers
SIX STORIES OF SELF DISCOVERY We all look for answers to questions big and small: from what we’ll eat for dinner to the meaning of life. Sometimes, travelling through the world or reflecting on our own experiences can lead us towards the solutions – but they may not be the ones we hope to find. This conundrum is at the centre of these six films, which examine what it means to look inwards and ask ourselves who we are, what we value and what we want from life. Each one is a profound opportunity to step into another person’s shoes and see the world from a entirely different perspective.
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Wednesday 5 November City Screen 2 12:00-13:00
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IDIA
REALITY
Winifred Iguwa UK, 2026, 22:16 After being ridiculed for wanting the principal role in a dance performance, an aspiring dancer tries turning to her cultural heritage to find the full strength needed to pursue her dreams.
Kiera Atkinson UK, 2026, 2:53 Join May in an animated interview that explores derealisation, taking viewers on a deeply personal visual journey through her mind, revealing the emotional realities behind the experience.
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RACING THE ODDS
HOOK, LINE AND SINKING
Matthew Birtles UK, 2026, 12:20 Former professional cyclist Harry Tanfield shares his journey to the elite level of the sport, and how British Cycling both did and didn’t help, with calls for change often falling on deaf ears.
Naomi Younger UK, 2026, 5:36 Left alone in the vast expanse of the Arctic, a lonely polar bear embarks on a pilgrimage across frozen landscapes in search of something he cannot find beneath the endless ice sheets – fish.
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FACES
THE LAST PLACE ON EARTH
Luke Headland UK, 2026, 10:01 A young girl retreats to the English countryside to escape her troubled past, only to find that her trauma comes back to haunt her in more ways than one, with truly unsettling consequences.
Harley Gregory UK, 2026, 5:42 Ellie faces the horrors of living through her 20s. Her relationships with the people around her are pushed to their very limits, whilst she attempts to break free from the confinements of mundanity.
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your introduction to the next generation of filmmakers
IT’S TIME TO MAKE A CHOICE In these thought-provoking, funny and visually striking short films, students at Regent’s University London present their characters with pivotal choices. Some decisions might make their lives better – others, worse. There are individuals who must choose whether get out of a difficult situation, or get into a stickier one. Others are picking between career advancement, or a job change. Some have the bright idea to cover up a terrible mistake. Or perhaps they should do deal with a demon? Sometimes the best option isn’t the most obvious one.
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Thursday 6 November City Screen 2 12:00-13:00
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APARTMENT 666
NINO
Joey Blanco UK, 2026, 13:50 Down, depressed and double-crossed, Jamie is given a book that summons Dylan, a demon who will smite anyone Jamie pleases. The two become embroiled in a toxic relationship.
Aurelien Attinger UK, 2026, 5:20 A troubled but talented young songwriter decides to battle his Obsessive Compulsive Disorder through music, but as the song develops his compulsive behaviours begin to take over.
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DEAD SILENT
MORYOW
Simão Baroseiro UK, 2026, 11:15 When their infant daughter is found dead in her cot, Christian and Daisy face unrelenting grief. As the truth surfaces, it becomes clear that the tragedy may not be as accidental as first appeared.
Ted Wilkes UK, 2026, 15:23 A recovering addict, desperate to escape her past, finds herself on a cursed fishing boat headed into a Lovecraftian nightmare, where the depths of the ocean feast upon her darkest sins.
05 SOFT BLOWS Lucia Diaz Losantos UK, 2026, 13:00 Porn actress Lola injures her co-star in a pillow-fighting scene. She has to attend a health and safety class, where the instructor sees potential for Lola to become a champion pillow-fighter.
MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS HEAR FROM WORLDCLASS INDUSTRY SPEAKERS. This year’s festival features an exciting selection of thought-provoking panel discussions and masterclasses. All sessions take place in person from 4-7 November. Masterclasses are included with your In Person Festival Pass, but online pre-booking is required for all events. Please note: single screening tickets do not grant access to masterclasses. To ensure you don’t miss out, we recommend booking your masterclasses in advance due to high demand and limited availability. Book at asff.co.uk/events. Education group tickets are valid only for specific, pre-booked itineraries.
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INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS
WEDNESDAY TUESDAY
Framestore: The VFX Behind PROJECT HAIL MARY Framestore is an Academy Award-winning visual effects house that has worked on some of the biggest film releases of recent times. Their recent credits include titles such as Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Wicked and the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. In this masterclass, Virtual Production Supervisor Connor Ling and Realtime Supervisor Michael Zaman will take a deep dive into the 1,100 visual effects shots Framestore produced for Project Hail Mary. This is a chance to learn about Framestore’s signature style of character animation – a delightful blend of CG and puppetry.
Date & Time: 4 November | 10:30
Venue: Yorkshire Museum
Michael Zaman / Connor Ling
Finding Your Directorial Voice: Filmmakers in Conversation Our favourite directors all have a signature style. Whether it’s colour palettes, framing, soundtrack choices, or the way they handle genre. So, how do you find your own unique voice? Meet Aisha Boudjillouli, Benedict Cohen, Chi Thai, Lisa Kenney and Varun Raman as they talk about the process of cultivating a unique filmmaking identity that sticks. Learn how they have honed their own style over multiple projects. Plus, gain key advice across shorts and features. This panel is chaired by Professor Steve Rawle, from York St John University.
Date & Time: 4 November | 10:30
Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio
Steve Rawle / Lisa Kenney / Benedict Cohen Chi Thai / Aisha Boudjillouli / Varun Raman
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WEDNESDAY
In Other Worlds: Film and Future World-Building Join curator Luke Kemp for a masterclass exploring In Other Worlds, Liam Young’s ambitious immersive exhibition at the Barbican that brings together film, speculative design, climate science and futurethinking. The session will unpack how world-building can become a powerful storytelling tool, shaping perspectives on technology, society and the environment. Discover how cinematic narratives, soundscapes and speculative futures can inspire creatives to move beyond dystopian thinking and imagine possibilities for tomorrow.
Date & Time: 4 November | 12:00
Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio
Luke Kemp
The role of the Camera Operator Andor. The Mandalorian. The Night Manager. Wuthering Heights. The Association of Camera Operators works across feature film, TV drama and commercial production. Here, five members come together to explore what it takes to work behind the camera. The session focuses on various aspects of cinematography, such as staging action, choreographing complex scenes, composition and framing. They will also examine the organisational side of the role, plus technological developments that are reshaping the industry.
Date & Time: 4 November | 12:00
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Venue: Yorkshire Museum
Association of Camera Operators
INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS
WEDNESDAY
What it Takes to Make a Ridley Scott Film Alien. Blade Runner. Gladiator. Ridley Scott has created some of the most beloved and iconic films ever made. Hear directly from members of Scott's production team as they dive into what makes a Ridley Scott film, offering insight into how some of the biggest scenes in cinematic history were created. Meet some of the awardwinners involved in different elements of the process, as they reveal what it's like to work behind the scenes on the biggest productions, charting the challenges and the successes from concept to screen.
Date & Time: 4 November | 12:00
Venue: York Theatre Royal Main House
Jim Campbell
From Broadcast to Streaming: Producing TV in the UK Today The way we watch TV has shifted, from appointment-based viewing to on-demand streaming. Meet the producers of the most-watched shows of recent times. Rachelle Constant joins us from Clerkenwell, the company behind Baby Reindeer and The Death of Bunny Munro. She speaks with Sam Tipper-Hale, of Raw (Three Identical Strangers, Trainwreck), Aileen Flanagan at Big Talk Studios (Can You Keep a Secret?, Ludwig) and Tom Thorpe-Moran, Sony (Outlander, Lord of the Flies). They discuss what it takes to get shows made and seen.
Date & Time: 4 November | 13:30
Venue: Yorkshire Museum
Aileen Flanagan / Rachelle Constant Chris Curley / Sam Tipper-hale / Tom Thorpe-Moran
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WEDNESDAY
Storytelling in Games: Crafting Narrative across platforms The line between films and games is becoming increasingly blurred. But developing interactive stories needs a specific skillset, including anticipating diverging narrative pathways and the player's decisions. In this session, you’ll discover how indie gems and AAA titles are redefining storytelling. This masterclass features Jamie Stefton from Game Republic; Adonis Emmanuel, Rocksteady Games (Batman: Arkham Asylum); Alrissa Sia, Lucid Games (Star Wars Jedi: Survivor) and Katherine Bidwell, from State of Play Games (Lumino City).
Date & Time: 4 November | 13:30
Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio
Adonis Emmanuel / Matt coward-gibbs Alrissa Sia / Katherine Bidwell / Jamie Sefton
Film4: From Shorts to Features Film4 is Channel 4's feature film division, dedicated to developing and co-financing bold, original work from the most distinctive voices in UK and international cinema. Across four decades, it has supported many of the most ground-breaking and successful UK films, including Poor Things, Zone of Interest, The Banshees of Inisherin and All of us Strangers. Join Development Executive Alice Whittemore in conversation with Sion Thomas (Mauled by a Dog), as they discuss the process of taking films from short to feature-length.
Date & Time: 4 November | 13:30
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Venue: York Theatre Royal Main House
Alice Whittemore / Sion Thomas
INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS
WEDNESDAY
Meet Commissioners from BBC, Channel 5, ITV and Sky What are commissioners really looking for? This is an opportunity to get insights from the UK’s leading broadcasters, who create, fund and distribute TV shows, films, documentaries and entertainment. They will explore what it takes to get a “green light”, from delivering a standout pitch to understanding the trends driving the industry forward. Hear fascinating insights from Benedetta Pinelli (Sky), Paul Testar (Channel 5), Alice Ramsey (BBC) and Callum Dziedzic (ITV). Session chaired by Caroline Cooper Charles of Screen Yorkshire.
Date & Time: 4 November | 15:00
Venue: Yorkshire Museum
caroline cooper charles / Paul Testar Callum Dziedzic / Alice Ramsey / Benedetta Pinelli
Driving Inclusion at ITV: Diversity, Equity and Representation How do you turn commitment to inclusion into industry change? Nahrein Kemp, DEI & Talent Lead at ITV, has spent over 20 years doing exactly that. She leads on pioneering programmes such as Amplify, Step Up 60 and Fresh Cuts – the BAFTA-nominated strand giving underrepresented creatives their first broadcast credits. In this masterclass, Kemp unpacks how these initiatives are built, what meaningful structural change looks like, and what it takes to move from intention to measurable impact within a major broadcaster.
Date & Time: 4 November | 15:00
Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio
Nahrein Kemp
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WEDNESDAY
Making Puffin Rock: Crafting Animation for Young Audiences The animated children's series Puffin Rock was streamed on Netflix for more than 26.7 million hours in 2024. It follows a young puffin named Oona and her brother Baba. Narrated by Chris O'Dowd, and set on a beautiful Irish island, the show explores nature, friendship and family. We are joined by John McDaid, Creative Director at Dog Ears and Producer of the programme, for a masterclass in making animation for young viewers. Learn more about Puffin Rock ’s lush visual style, gentle storytelling and roots in Kilkenny and Derry.
Date & Time: 4 November | 16:30
Venue: Yorkshire Museum
John McDaid
Inside Podcasting: Cutting Through the Noise Global podcast listenership is rising, with audiences expected to reach over 650 million by 2027. Yet with around 4.5 million podcasts available the landscape is more competitive than ever. So how do you cut through? Our panel of industry experts – awardwinning producer Meera Kumar, Nicky Anderson (Stak) and Millie Chu (Mindhouse) – will be joined by chair Holly Newson to discuss the current state of podcasting: where it’s headed, how to develop an idea, what makes an engaging host, and how to grow an audience.
Date & Time: 4 November | 16:30
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Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio
Holly Newson / Meera Kumar Millie Chu / Nicky Anderson
INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS
THURSDAY
Truth on Screen: How to make a standout documentary Demand for documentaries skyrocketed 44% between 2021 and 2023. In a world of misinformation, nonfiction films and docu-series cut to the truth, giving access to people and places often off-limits. Chaired by Hannah Bush Bailey, Doc Society, this panel welcomes Poonam Odedra (Blast Films), Steff Boulton (DSP Films), Samantha Fernandes (Nutopia) as well as Tom Porter (Britespark). They discuss: what makes a great piece of non-fiction media? Why do viewers keep coming back for more? Have we now reached the saturation point?
Date & Time: 5 November | 10:00
Venue: York York Theatre Royal Studio
Hannah Bush Bailey / Poonam Odedra Samantha Fernandes / Steff Boulton / Tom Porter
NEal Street Productions: The Making of award-winning stories Neal Street Productions is one of the UK's most respected production companies, set up by Sam Mendes (1917, Skyfall), Pippa Harris and Caro Newling. This session is about how to bring a film to life. Chaired by Director Nick Brown, and drawing on their adaptation of Enid Blyton's The Magic Faraway Tree, the panel features producer Danny Perkins (Former CEO of Studiocanal UK), Ann Maskrey (Costume Designer) and Ruslan Borysov (VFX Supervisor). They will speak on everything from the creative process to development and finance.
Date & Time: 5 November | 10:00
Venue: Yorkshire Museum
Ann Maskrey/ Danny Perkins Ruslan Borysov / Nick Brown
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THURSDAY
A Shared Vision: The Craft of Collaborative Filmmaking We’ve all heard the phrase “no man is an island”, and it’s as true of film as it is any other creative discipline. Every shot is the product of collaboration, exchange and compromise. This panel features five Official Selection filmmakers Ian Bruce, Kofi Ntiforo, Makenna Guyler, Millie Chen and Tom Oliver. They will speak about how to balance your vision with the practicalities of getting the job done: when to say yes, when to say no, and how to meet in the middle. Chaired by award-winning artist, director and actor Pamela Jikiemi.
Date & Time: 5 November | 11:30
Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio
Pamela Jikiemi / Millie Chen / Kofi Ntiforo Makenna Guyler / Tom Oliver / Ian Bruce
Idea to Greenlight: Bringing Your Story to lIfe How do you take your project from a script to screen? This panel discussion breaks down the process of getting your film off the ground. You will hear from four of the UK’s leading production companies, working across both film and TV. This session brings together Channel 4’s Danyele Seigornet; Lola Oliyide of Neal Street Productions (Hamnet, 1917, Revolutionary Road ) and Laura Timms from Studio Lambert (The Traitors, Gogglebox, Race Across the World ). Chaired by Chris Curley (Head of Nations and Regions, Pact)
Date & Time: 5 November | 11:30
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Venue: Yorkshire Museum
Chris Curley / Laura Timms Danyele Seigornet / Lola Oliyide
INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS
THURSDAY
Games in Focus: Inside a Rapidly Evolving Industry Ubisoft, EA, Altered Gene and Activision are two of the most recognisable companies in gaming, whilst BFI is a key name in film – now embracing video games as screen culture. Aesthetica brings them together, for a discussion with York St John University’s Jack Denham. Hear from Tom Knights (Senior Narrative Design, Ubisoft Reflections), Des Gayle (Founder of Altered Gene), Caroline Trujillo of Criterion (Battlefield 6) and Anna Mansi (Director of Video Games & Certification, BFI), as they discuss the evolving world of games.
Date & Time: 5 November | 13:00
Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio
Anna Mansi / Jack Denham Caroline Trujillo / Tom Knights / Des Gayle
BBC Film: THe NExt Generation BBC Film is known for making British films with range and ambition, including major recent releases such as Hamlet, My Father’s Shadow and Sentimental Value. Alongside collaborating with some of the industry's most revered writers and directors, BBC Film is committed to finding, nurturing and developing new talent. Anu Henriques, Development Executive, sits down with a panel of today’s rising directors to discuss their inspirations, current projects and hopes for the future. A chance to discover insights from the stars of tomorrow.
Date & Time: 5 November | 13:00
Venue: York Theatre Royal Main House
Radha Bhandri
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THURSDAY
The Producer's Role: Shaping Stories Behind the Camera Join us for a peek behind the curtain, and discover what producers do to make projects happen – creatively, logistically and financially. Learn from four industry experts who will guide you through their roles. Meet Damian Jones, DJ Films (The Iron Lady, Lady In The Van); Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, Joi Productions (Dreamers, Blue Story); Lucy Drury (Senior Production Executive, Element Pictures); and Pinky Ghundale, Producer of Academy and Turner Prize-winning artist and director Steve McQueen. Chaired by Lorianne Hall, University of York.
Date & Time: 5 November | 13:00
Venue: Yorkshire Museum
Damian Jones / Lucy Drury / Lorianne Hall Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor / Pinky Ghundale
A Directing Masterclass: In Conversation with Mark Jenkin Mark Jenkin’s 2019 breakout, Bait – hailed by Empire Magazine as “a rare find that is a truly original feature by a British director” – established him as a defining voice in contemporary cinema. Since then, the director has released two further features, developing his own strand of haunting folk horror in Enys Men and this year's Rose of Nevada. A prolific maker of short films, he often serves as cinematographer and editor on his own projects. The session will be chaired by director and 2026 Aesthetica award winner, Bec Evans.
Date & Time: 5 November | 14:30
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Venue: York Theatre Royal Mainhouse
Mark Jenkin / Bec Evans
INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS
THURSDAY
The Future of XR: Entertainment and Beyond When VR headsets arrived in the mid-to-late 2010s, it was believed they would be as common as TVs. Whilst that hasn’t happened, we are seeing XR technologies being adopted for a number of equally mindblowing purposes – not only in gaming and entertainment, but for education and healthcare, too. Join experts Richard Nockles (Sky), Stacia Pfeiffer (Targered3d), Alia Sheikh (Freelance Immersive Experiences Consultant) and Max Dennison (Cinesite). This session is chaired by Ana-Despina Tudor (London College of Communication).
Date & Time: 5 November | 14:30
Venue: Yorkshire Museum
Max Dennison / Ana-Despina Tudor / Alia Sheikh / Richard Nockles / Stacia Pfeiffer
Sync Licensing: A Creative and Practical Guide An introduction to the world of sync licensing from Beggars Group, one of the world’s largest independent label groups. Sync enables creatives to use copyrighted music across commercials, film, video games and television. Hosted by Cat Corrigan, Sync Manager at Beggars’ Group, this panel welcomes Tammy Tinawi (Director, Creative Licensing & Producer at Cavendish Music), Karanvir Dayal (Director of Creative Sync for Film & TV) and Kaylee Siegfried (Synchronisation Licensing Manager, Domino Publishing).
Date & Time: 5 November | 14:30
Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio
Cat Corrigan / Kaylee Siegfried Karanvir Dayal / Tammy Tinawi
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THURSDAY
The Art of the Short Writing for screen with Justine Hart Script consultant Justine Hart has worked with filmmakers and writers across the development process. In this practical masterclass, Hart shares what makes a strong short film concept, and how to chart convincing character shifts within a limited time frame. She will also rethink the traditional feature-length three-act structure for a mini-movie format. The session introduces The Pitch’s new paid writing opportunity, offering five writers £2,500 each to develop a short film screenplay. Attend to sharpen your screenwriting.
Date & Time: 5 November | 16:00
Venue: Yorkshire Museum
Justine Hart / Luke Walton
Introducing the New Wave of British Cinema We are excited to welcome back four Aesthetica Film Festival alumni for a celebration of emerging filmmaking talent. This panel includes BAFTA, BIFA and Emmy winners and nominees: Baz Sells (Two Black Boys in Paradise), Manjinder Virk (Out of Darkness), Matt Houghton (This Is Endometriosis) and Ruth Pickett (Quiet Life). They will discuss what it took to make their acclaimed projects, which span animation, comedy, drama and documentary. Hear the lessons they learned along the way and what’s next for a new generation of British talent.
Date & Time: 5 November | 16:00
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Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio
Baz Sells / Matt Houghton / Ruth Pickett Manjinder Virk / Penny Lee Taylor-Brown
INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS
THURSDAY
AI is Here: What Happens Next? AI has arrived. What happens next? The use of Artificial Intelligence in the creative industries is a major talking point, raising questions around authorship, ethics and environmental impact. Hear from Hugo Riley, Executive Director of The AI in Media Institute, the UK’s independent, sector-led organisation advancing responsible, human-centred AI adoption across the media. He’s joined by Guy Gadney, CEO of Charismatic.ai, whose work includes Emmy and BAFTA-nominated productions for Warner Bros. and DreamWorks.
Date & Time: 5 November | 17:30
Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio
Guy Gadney / Hugo Riley
Global TV, Regional Context: HEar from Derry Girls Producer Brian J. Falconer Derry Girls is a history-making TV show. The comedy from Lisa McGee follows five students during the Troubles in the early 1990s. It was Channel 4's biggest comedy series premiere in 14 years, and the winner of numerous awards, including multiple BAFTAs and an Emmy. In this talk, hear from the Producer, Brian J. Falconer, whose other credits include How to Get to Heaven from Belfast and Ordinary Love. He will discuss what it takes to bring regional stories like these to life, in a way that resonates with massive audiences far and wide.
Date & Time: 6 November | 10:00
Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio
Brian J. Falconer
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INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS
FRIDAY
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY to WUTHERING HEIGHTS: A masterclass in sound design Film might be a visual medium, but sound is equally vital in shaping narrative and emotion. From dialogue and score to sound effects and foley, carefully crafted audio builds immersion and guides the audience through a story. Academy Award-winning Nina Hartstone and Emmy-winning Louise Burton are both sound editors who have collaborated on major productions including Bohemian Rhapsody, Saltburn and Wuthering Heights. Here, they will draw on their shared experience to explore how audio can be used to bring stories to life.
Date & Time: 6 November | 10:00
Venue: Yorkshire Museum
Nina Hartstone / Louise Burton
Writing the Future: Inside the pitch's £2,500 Writing Commission The Pitch’s new paid writing commission offers five writers £2,500 each to develop an original short film screenplay responding to the question: how is AI changing relationships? Join AI ethics researcher Nathan Mladin and industry guests to explore the ideas behind the brief, from friendship, intimacy and grief to wider ideas of identity and mortality. The discussion will consider how enduring stories about human nature, including examples from the Bible, might offer inspiration. Attend to discover what the The Pitch is looking for.
Date & Time: 6 November | 11:30
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Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio
Nathan Mladin
INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS
FRIDAY
A Look Inside the Actor-Director relationship Some of the most genre-defining films of all time are remembered for their standout performances. This session will explore how the foundations of such work are built, and how collaboration between actor and director shapes unforgettable screen moments. Meet Pamela Jikiemi, an award-winning actor, artist and director who has appeared in shows such as Ted Lasso (Apple TV) and Supacell (Netflix). She will explain how actors and directors establish trust, navigate feedback and work together to build believable characters.
Date & Time: 6 November | 11:30
Venue: Yorkshire Museum
Pamela Jikiemi
The Final Cut: What Happens in the Edit Step inside the cutting room with two acclaimed editors. Hear from Mick Audsley, a BAFTA-winner whose projects include Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Murder on the Orient Express and Dangerous Liasons. He is joined by Justine Wright, whose credits range from drama (The Last King of Scotland ) to documentary (Touching the Void ). This talk, chaired by Holly Newson, offers a behind-thescenes look at how standout stories are crafted, from assembling narratives from hours of raw footage to collaborating with directors.
Date & Time: 6 November | 13:00
Venue: Yorkshire Museum
Holly Newson / Justine Wright / Mick Audsley
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INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS
FRIDAY
Celebrating 50 Years: Behind the scenes at aardman 2026 is Aardman’s 50 th anniversary. In 1976, Co-Founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton moved to Bristol to work on their very first professional production, for which they created Morph. They never left the city. Since then, the studio has become synonymous with stop-motion – and a cast of characters who have entertained and charmed the world. Join Will Becher, Director and Creative at Aardman to celebrate five decades of beloved characters – from Wallace and Gromit to Shaun the Sheep and Feathers McGraw.
Date & Time: 6 November | 13:00
Venue: York Theatre Royal Main House
Will Becher
Calling the Shots: Women Driving Production Meet the women shaping the future of media production. This panel foregrounds trailblazing professionals working across film and TV, including BAFTA-winning Fiona Lamptey, Angela Moneke (Vice President Film Production, Working Title), Gail Egan (Founder, Potboiler Productions) and Rupinder Downie (Filmnova). They join Annabel Grundy (Sheffield Doc Fest) to discuss how they broke into the industry and built careers. Find out how they manage teams, make big decisions and the lessons they've learned along the way.
Date & Time: 6 November | 13:30
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Venue: City Screen 2
Annabel Grundy / Angela Moneke Gail Egan / Fiona Lamptey / Rupinder Downie
INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS
FRIDAY
Making UK Films: In Conversation with Head of Ridley Scott Associates Features Kate Myers, Head of Features at Ridley Scott Associates, has more than two decades’ experience in the UK and Europe, in particular in working with directors and writers to bring projects to the screen. Her recent credits include Sony / SF Studios’ A Man Called Otto; previous projects include Birth for Jonathan Glazer and Snatch for Guy Ritchie. In this moderated talk, she discusses the process and practicalities of making films in the UK as well as the role of a producer and invites the audience to bring questions and thoughts.
Date & Time: 6 November | 14:30
Venue: Yorkshire Museum
Jim Campbell / Kate Myeres
Brief to Screen: Working with Brands From Nike to SKY We are surrounded by branded content every day – on social media, on television, and in cinemas. Our attention is pulled in countless directions. So what makes a campaign truly stick? We welcome Patrick Craig of Blink Productions (Microsoft, Toyota, Vodafone), Laura Abrahams of BBC Storyworks, Daniella Manca, Somesuch (HBO, Nike, Sky) and Erin Graham (Freelance Strategist) to answer these questions. They will join chair Penny Lee Taylor-Brown, in discussion to examine how creatives can stay true to a brand’s brief.
Date & Time: 6 November | 13:00
Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio
Daniella Manca / Penny lee Taylor-Brown Laura Abrahams / Erin Graham / Patrick Craig
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INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS
FRIDAY
Writing for Television: Neil Forsyth in Conversation Attend a screenwriting masterclass with BAFTA and Royal Television Society Award-winner Neil Forsyth. His most recent project, Netflix’s Legends, stars major actors Tom Burke, Steve Coogan and Hayley Squire. Previous credits include Guilt, widely regarded as one of the greatest Scottish TV dramas of all time; BBC hit The Gold, one of the broadcaster’s biggest drama launches of 2023; and Eric, Ernie and Me, about writer Eddie Braben. In conversation with fellow writer Alex Mathias (BBC Pilot Scheme), Forsyth reveals the craft of TV drama.
Date & Time: 6 November | 14:30
Venue: York Theatre Royal Main House
Neil Forsyth / Alex Mathias
Icons of Television Meet the BBC Comedy Team BBC Comedy has been fully dedicated to making people across the country - and around the world - laugh for generations, and does so by nurturing brand new creative voices, as well as working with the most established household names. Its recent shows include Amandaland, Am I Being Unreasonable?, Black Ops, Dreaming Whilst Black, Mandy, Man Like Mobeen and Smoggie Queens. This panel, chaired by Commissioning Editor Navi Lamba, reveals how the best comedies get made and how they hold up a mirror to the nation.
Date & Time: 6 November | 16:00
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Venue: Yorkshire Museum
Navi Lamba
INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS
FRIDAY
How to make a short: Insights from filmmakers How does a great short film come together? In this session, you’ll meet Charlie Dennis, Jona Headon, Luke Bather, Sara Jade AlfaroDehghani and Sophia McDonnell, whose short-form projects are screening as part of this year’s festival programme. They’ll break down what it takes to make the most of a limited timeframe. From a clear script to a tight edit, this is a craft that requires laser-focused vision, scheduling and resource management. Chaired by Danyele Seignoret, Development and Production Executive at Channel 4.
Date & Time: 6 November | 16:15
Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio
Charlie Dennis / Luke Bather / Jona Headon Sara Jade Alfaro-Dehghani / Sophia McDonnell
BBC Writers: What Makes a great script Development Executive Simon Nelson has over 20 years’ experience as an editor, storyliner and producer. He’s part of BBC Writers, which provides advice, resources and development opportunities for emerging and established writing talent across the UK. Nelson supports new figures as they develop their voice and navigate the demands of the small screen. Embedded within the BBC’s Television Drama Commissioning department, the initiative has helped launch writers on series such as Daddy Issues, Ludwig and The Responder.
Date & Time: 6 November | 17:30
Venue: Yorkshire Museum
Simon Nelson
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INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS
FRIDAY
Music Supervision: how to craft a film soundtrack Jen Moss is an award-winning music supervisor with over 15 years’ experience. Her credits include the acclaimed I, Tonya and Saint Maud, and she has four films due for release this year, including the horror Victorian Psycho and the award-winning documentary The Siege of Paradise. Here, Moss shares her passion for storytelling through music by breaking down her roles and responsibilities. She offers behind-the-scenes look at the creative and practical realities of collaborating with filmmakers on unforgettable soundtracks.
Date & Time: 6 November | 17:30
Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio
Jen Moss
Telling Someone's story: Documentary Producers in conversation What does ‘truth’ really mean in non-fiction filmmaking? To what extent are documentaries influenced by the person behind the camera? And how do we balance storytelling with responsibility? This panel brings together The Guardian’s Head of Documentaries Lindsay Poulton; Irene Carter, formerly of Mindhouse, Marguerite Gaudin, AMOS Pictures and Dan Kendall from Windfall Films. They will join chair Lorianne Hall, University of York, to explore the ethics of representation, authorship and accountability in documentary.
Date & Time: 7 November | 10:30
200
Venue: York St John De Grey Lecture Theatre
Irene Carter / Lindsay Poulton Dan Kendall / Lorianne Hall / Marguerite Gaudin
INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS
SATURDAY
Scoring to Picture: In Conversation with Anna Rice Multi award-winning composer, lyricist, arranger and producer Anna Rice has worked with acclaimed performers including Lang Lang and Ronnie Wood (The Rolling Stones), and has experience across film (Re-Creation, Our Blue World ), TV and games. Rice is joined by Kathryn Rodger, Head of Film & TV at Wise Music, who also has nearly 20 years in the industry, pitching and clearing composers and catalogue music for projects such as Day of the Jackal, Amy and The Crown. A chance to hear two experts dissect their field.
Date & Time: 7 November | 10:30
Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio
Kathryn Rodger / Anna rice
How to market your film: Publicity for Film and tv There’s more than one way to market a film. From Smile’s unsettling real-world stunts, to Barbie’s high-end brand partnerships and the viral campaign that launched The Blair Witch Project, smart publicity can go a long way in shaping a release’s reputation. This session, led by Julie La'Bassiere of DDA Global, focuses on what happens after a film is finished. How do you get people to watch it? La'Bassiere will offer promotion advice, from trailers, posters and press kits, to securing reviews and using social media to get audiences talking.
Date & Time: 7 November | 12:00
Venue: YSJU De Grey Lecture Theatre
Julie La'bassiere
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INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS
SATURDAY
Meet Lorna Mugan: Award-Winning Costume Designer Join Lorna Mugan as she breaks down the key elements of costume design for screen. Mugan is a BAFTA and Emmy nominee, with experience across film, theatre and TV. Her credits include Conversations with Friends, Normal People and Peaky Blinders. Discover how costume can shape character, and explore the processes designers use to create iconic looks. Mugan will also discuss the role of clothing in worldbuilding, showing the power of garments to immerse audiences in a particular time and place.
Date & Time: 7 November | 12:00
Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio
Lorna Mugan
Funding Your Film: How to Finance a Project This panel hosts Chloe Charles, Harvey John, Naomi Abel-Hirsch, Paul Oh and Raphaela Wagner from this year's Official Selection. They’ll talk about funding sources: where you can find them, and how they might influence factors like ownership rights or future opportunities. They’ll give their accounts of how to get your work in front of wider audiences – whether that’s working with a sales agent, handling self-distribution, or exploring newer models like online releases. Session chaired by Alex Crowton, York St John University.
Date & Time: 7 November | 13:30
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Venue: YSJU De Grey Lecture Theatre
Alex Crowton / Chloe Charles / Harvey John Raphaela Wagner / Paul Oh / Naomi Abel-Hirsch
INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS
SATURDAY
The Future of VFX: Technologies Shaping the Industry What does the future of visual effects look like? In this forwardlooking masterclass, leading creatives will explore the tools, technologies and workflows transforming the industry, alongside the opportunities and challenges they present. Chaired by Ben Louden, Viridian FX (House of the Dragon), this conversation welcomes Jen Filchenkova, Dimension Studios (Wicked); Tiago Faria, BlueBolt (Wuthering Heights, Nosferatu) and Mattieu Sinisi, Dupe VFX (Sentimental Value) and Lizzie Hill, Lola Post Production.
Date & Time: 7 November | 13:30
Venue: York Theatre Royal Studio
Ben Louden / Lizzie Hill Jen Filchenkova / Mattieu Sinisi / Tiago Faria
Secrets from Programmers: How to get your film into festivals Thinking about launching your film on the UK festival circuit? This is your go-to guide to submissions. Learn what top programmers are looking for when selecting films to screen at the biggest events. This panel features programmers from Aesthetica Film Festival (Marbelle), London Short Film Festival (Philip Ilson) and Sheffield Doc Fest (Mita Suri). They provide an insider’s look at how to get your film noticed, how selections are made and what it takes to put together a standout festival line-up that will engage audiences.
Date & Time: 7 November | 15:00
Venue: YSJU De Grey Lecture Theatre
Marbelle / Philip Ilson Mita Suri / Ted Wilkes 203
INDUSTRY: MASTERCLASSES & PANEL DISCUSSIONS
SATURDAY
Meet the Aesthetica New Music Stage Jury Welcome to the New Music Stage. This panel featuring Jury members Rob Cannell (Beggars Group), Sally Bryant (Futuresound Group), Nicolas Tyrell (Culture and Music Journalist), Arusa Qureshi (Writer and former Editor of The List) and singer Rachel Croft will take a dive into the music industry, unpacking the structures that shape how emerging talent is discovered and supported. The Jury will discuss the practical realities of working in music today and the roles of labels and publishers inbreaking acts to wider audiences.
Date & Time: 7 November | 12:00
Venue: York Theatre Royal Main House
Arusa Qureshi / Rob Cannell Sally Bryant / Nicolas Tyrell / Rachel Croft
BBC Introducing: Championing Breakthrough Artists Every week, thousands of listeners across the UK tune in to BBC Introducing on Radio 1 – a show hosted by Jess Iszatt, dedicated to championing brand new artists that are breaking through across the nation. It gives up-and-coming names broadcast opportunities alongside the chance to perform at major festivals. Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, Raye, Sam Fender, Aitch, Olivia Dean and Tom Grennan all received BBC Introducing support. In this session, Iszatt speaks about her career, and the importance of nurturing new talent.
Date & Time: 7 November | 17:00
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Venue: York Theatre Royal Main House
Jess Iszatt
aesthetica & audible LIstening Pitch Join us at the Film premieres Friday 6 November, City Screen | 19:00-23:00 The Listening Pitch funds stories that reveal how listening helps us understand new points of view. Join us for the premiere of new work from Duncan Cowles, Sofia Cissé Akel, Tobi Kyeremateng and Hermione Spriggs. , as well as screenings of previous projects, a filmmaker Q+A, DJ and drinks at the After Party. 205
INDUSTRY WORKSHOPS TEST OUT YOUR IDEAS. LEARN SOMETHING NEW. This year we are running a series of practical workshops designed to help you expand your skills and understanding of film, television and VR, in collaboration with world-leading organisations including BBC Writers, Film London, RADA, The Pitch Film Fund, Film Hub North, Spotlight as well as Scottish Games Network and Rocksteady. These sessions are essential for anyone looking to experiment with cutting-edge technologies and learn directly from leading industry experts in person. Hone your writing skills, learn how to adapt historical materials or take a first step towards a career in interactive media. Sessions last between 60-120 minutes. Free with Festival Pass. Pre-booking is essential.
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INDUSTRY: WORKSHOPS
WEDNESDAY
The Power of Playful Thinking With the Scottish Games Network Scottish Games Network is the focal point and community for the rapidly evolving games industry in Scotland. Its More Than Games initiative connects with other creative sectors, from film, TV and animation to theatre, publishing, music, visual arts and fashion. In this session, you’ll explore how the tools, technologies and “playful thinking” of the games world can offer innovative solutions for real-world challenges. Discover how cross-sector collaboration opens up new audiences and opportunities – whatever your background.
Date & Time: 4 November | 10:30-11:30
Venue: Spark Capacity: 60
Scottish Games Network
Filmmakers' World Café: with the Visionaries of Our Official Selection The Filmmakers’ World Café is a space for dialogue, connection and practical guidance. Participants move between six round tables, each hosted by a representative from a different area of the industry. Ben Price of Motion Post will lead conversations around Postproduction, whilst Dartmouth Films' Matt Hird brings expertise in Distribution. Steff Boulson of DSP Films will offer advice on Development, and Screen Yorkshire’s Jo Schofield and Charlotte Carrick will share insights into Production & Talent. Ted Wilkes (UCA) dives into all things writing. Please note, this event is by invitation only.
Date & Time: 4 November | 12:00-13:30
Venue: Spark Capacity: 60
Official Selection Filmmakers
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INDUSTRY: WORKSHOPS
WEDNESDAY
The Pitch: learn about adaptation Join us for an enlightening workshop about adaptation in filmmaking, designed for writers, directors and film lovers interested in the art of transforming source material into screen stories. This session will delve into the intricate process of adapting books and real-life events into films. Through case studies, discussions and exercises, you will gain insights into the delicate balance between fidelity and innovation. In this session The Pitch will focus on the ancient text of The Bible – an enduring source of inspiration – as an example.
Date & Time: 4 November | 14:00-15:00
Venue: Spark Capacity: 60
The Pitch Film Fund
Roundtable: Film Hub North Got a burning question about filmmaking, production, or career development? Put it to BFI Talent Executives and the filmmaking team behind a BFI-supported short. This is an opportunity to get guidance and exchange ideas with industry and fellow filmmakers. This event requires prior registration via the Film Hub North website, but there also may be a chance for sign-ups on the day. The session is free to book on to and does not require a valid festival pass. Places are limited so please only sign up if you can attend.
Date & Time: 4 November | 16:00-17:00
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Venue: Spark Capacity: 60
Film Hub North
THURSDAY
How to Attract top Actors to Your Short or Feature Project How do you find the perfect actors to bring your script to life? And how do you get them to say yes? The session is ideal for directors and producers looking to navigate the casting process. Whether you're trying to attract established talent to a short film, or wondering how the casting playbook changes when scaling up to a feature, this workshop has the answers. Hosted by Spotlight and led by Sam Claypole, a Casting Director with credits including the award-winning and BAFTA-nominated BBC comedy Smoggie Queens.
Date & Time: 5 November | 11:30-12:30
Venue: Spark Capacity: 60
Sam Claypole
BBC Writers Pilot Scheme: Breaking into Screenwriting BBC Writers is known for discovering, developing and championing writing talent across the UK. As part of this, its Pilot Scheme gives promising screenwriters the opportunity to write the first episode of a potential original series for the BBC. Every two years, the Pilot cohort partners with independent production companies, working with established TV professionals to develop their scripts. We welcome members of this year's scheme to deliver an insight into what they have learned. This is a practical session on taking steps toward a screenwriting career.
Date & Time: 5 November | 13:00-14:00
Venue: Spark Capacity: 60
BBC New Writers Mentees
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INDUSTRY: WORKSHOPS
THURSDAY
Roundtable: Careers in Interactive Media Discover the creative possibilities of new, interactive media in this roundtable all about the gaming industry. The session will be led by Adonis Emmanuel (Rocksteady Games), as well as representatives from Investigate.Games as well as our Official Selection developers. Hear how these creatives began their journeys, what skills studios are seeking from new talent, and how you can navigate a path into this fast-evolving field. With space to ask your own questions, you’ll gain insight into one of the most compelling art forms of our times.
Date & Time: 5 November | 14:30-15:30
Venue: Spark Capacity: 60
Adonis Emmanuel Investigate.Games
FRIDAY finding Adaptable IP: From idea to screen This workshop, delivered by Film London, explores how to identify “adaptable IP” and assess whether a concept could become a film, TV series, game, or podcast. Participants will examine commercial viability and what makes a story market-ready across different platforms. The session also unpacks the fundamentals of development, including how ideas evolve into compelling pitches and how projects are shaped from early concept to optioning. You’ll gain clarity on IP ownership in collaborations – who owns what and why it matters.
Date & Time: 6 November | 10:00-11:00
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Venue: Spark Capacity: 60
Film London
FRIDAY
Inside the Virtual Studio: Voices from the Creators of our Official VR Selection Step inside the minds shaping VR at our Official Selection Roundtable. Hear directly from the creators behind this year’s standout interactive experiences as they share insights into their process, how they got started and the challenges of building immersive worlds. Whether you're a curious newcomer or seasoned creator, you’ll gain fresh perspectives on virtual storytelling – from innovative interaction models to pushing boundaries in XR. Join a dynamic conversation with the voices driving the next wave of immersive media.
Date & Time: 6 November | 11:30-12:30
Venue: Spark Capacity: 60
Official Selection Filmmakers
Directing/Working With Actors for Screen This dynamic workshop, led by acclaimed director and RADA tutor Victor Villar-Hauser, offers a rare opportunity to explore the interplay between actor and director in screen storytelling. Focusing on technique, communication and creative vision, the session is designed for those interested in both sides of the camera. Participants will gain insight into the nuances of performance, blocking, and scene interpretation, while developing a deeper understanding of the collaborative language that brings scripts to vivid life.
Date & Time: 6 November | 13:00-14:30
Venue: Spark Capacity: 60
Victor Villar-Hauser
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KIDS' MEDIA WORKSHOPS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION We believe in the transformative power of film, both for today’s generation and those to come. York is a UNESCO City of Media Arts, and we’re passionate about encouraging children and young people to create and explore their own potential. That’s why we’re offering 7-14 year olds the opportunity to learn how to direct their own films, develop their own games, create animated shorts and act in their own stories. They’ll have the chance to be both in front of and behind the camera, gaining insights into the magic of filmmaking and games design. Led by the expert teams at Animation Nation, Computer Xplorers, Investigate.Games and Pauline Quirke Academy. Pre-booking is essential. All workshops take place at YSJU Creative Centre.
Book your place at: asff.co.uk/tickets. Sessions £20.
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Workshop
Saturday 7 November
Sunday 8 November
Do You Want to Be a Filmmaker (7-10yrs)
10:00-12:00
14:00-16:00
Do You Want to Be a Filmmaker (11-14yrs)
14:00-16:00
10:00-12:00
How to Make a Game (7-10yrs)
10:00-12:00
14:00-16:00
How to Make a Game (11-14yrs)
14:00-16:00
10:00-12:00
Screen Acting for Kids (7-10yrs)
14:00-16:00
10:00-12:00
Screen Acting for Kids (11-14yrs)
10:00-12:00
14:00-16:00
How to Make a Stop-Motion Animation (7-10yrs)
14:00-16:00
10:00-12:00
How to Make a Stop-Motion Animation (11-14yrs)
10:00-12:00
14:00-16:00
Do you want to be a Filmmaker? Discover the magic of cinema behind the scenes in our hands-on workshop for kids. Through engaging activities and practical experience, budding directors 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 their very own short film.
7-10yrs 7 November | 10:00-14:00 8 November | 14:00-16:00 11-14yrs 7 November | 14:00-16:00 8 November | 10:00-12:00 YSJU Creative Centre
How to Make a Game 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 the perfect place to start with coding, enabling children to create their own digital stories, games and animations.
7-10yrs 7 November | 10:00-14:00 8 November | 14:00-16:00 11-14yrs 7 November | 14:00-16:00 8 November | 10:00-12:00 YSJU Creative Centre
Screen Acting for Kids In this practical workshop, participants devise and create an original super short film from scratch, combining scripting, acting, choreography and filming. Young storytellers explore development and performance on camera, brainstorming imaginative plots and crafting compelling characters while working collaboratively in groups. They learn what it takes to bring an idea to life behind the camera.
7-10yrs 7 November | 14:00-16:00 8 November | 10:00-12:00 11-14yrs 7 November | 10:00-12:00 8 November | 14:00-16:00 YSJU Creative Centre
How to make a stop-motion animation Dive into the enchanting world of stop-motion animation in our engaging workshop for kids. Working in pairs or small groups, depending on whether they attend alone or with friends, children will learn the essentials of stop-motion animation. Each group will work together to brainstorm ideas, create their own models, characters, and props using modelling clay, before bringing their creations alive.
7-10yrs 7 November | 14:00-16:00 8 November | 10:00-12:00 11-14yrs 7 November | 10:00-12:00 8 November | 14:00-16:00 YSJU Creative Centre
Meet the Music Industry Discover new Creative Possibilities
5 NOVEMBER, 20:00-21:00 | HOUSE OF TREMBLING MADNESS Beggars Group invites you to a Meet the Music Industry takeover for drinks and collaboration, to explore shared opportunities and spark new creative partnerships across sectors. Meet the 214
people shaping these industries, share ideas and discover where music can take your project.
NETWORKING Build relationships, seek out collaborations and make lasting memories. Our Networking and Pitching Sessions make up a key part of the festival, and are places where connections are made and opportunities discovered. The 2026 Networking events are attended by leading organisations who will advise you on how to master visual effects on a budget, pitch to distributors, and connect with audiences through powerful screenwriting. Here, we offer in-person attendees the opportunity to meet and interact with representatives from some of the world’s leading organisations, from Viridian VFX, Film Hub North and The Pitch.* Read more about these events in the following pages, and be sure to book where necessary. *Guests are subject to change at any time.
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Networking Session 1
VFX for Indie Filmmakers: Making the Impossible work on any budget 4 November | 12:00-13:30 | York Theatre Royal Upper Foyer Visual effects often feel like something reserved for big-budget productions, yet they play a crucial role in bringing stories to life. York-based Viridian FX is a collective of VFX artists and storytellers focused on developing practical, creative workflows that scale to any production size. Their experience ranges from supervising effects on independent shorts to contributing to major productions such as HBO’s House of the Dragon, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, and Amazon’s Citadel. Join them for this informal session to explore how to plan VFX, integrate them into production, and use them as a storytelling tool.
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Networking Session 2
Story Exchange: Ideas in Motion With Film Hub North 5 November | 12:00-13:30 | York Theatre Royal Upper Foyer A relaxed networking session, lead by Film Hub North, which brings together creatives working with narrative across film, television and digital media. Story Exchange: Ideas in Motion is designed as an open space for conversation around storytelling, scripts, and early-stage concepts. Whether you’re developing a feature, shaping a short, or exploring a new idea, this session invites you to meet others working with story in all its forms and stages. There are no panels or formal structure – just an opportunity to talk through ideas, share creative interests and discover potential collaborators in an informal setting.
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Networking Session 3
Bring Your IDeas: Meet the Pitch Commissioning team 6 November | 13:00-14:30 | York Theatre Royal Upper Foyer The Pitch is commissioning five writers to develop new original short film scripts responding to AI, human relationships and what it means to be human. Join The Pitch team following their commission briefing at York Theatre Royal Studio to ask questions, share early ideas and find out more about the paid writing and development process. This informal networking session is open to screenwriters, writer-directors, producers and filmmakers at every stage. You do not need to have a finished pitch. Come and start the conversation.
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Networking Session 4
Powering Creativity: Pushing the Creative Industries Further 6 November | 16:00-18:00 | York Theatre Royal Upper Foyer This event, held in partnership with York Business School, bridges creativity and commerce, welcoming professionals from diverse sectors. Meet outside the De Grey Rooms (YO1 7HB) at 16:00 and experience the highlight of the year – the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO – where businesses from design, film, games and media across the region come together. Then, at 17:00, head to York Theatre Royal and enjoy a free drink, whilst exploring fresh strategies for innovation, expansion and sustainable growth. Gain valuable insights and build collaborations that will help to drive the creative industries forward.
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Networking Session 5
Sync in Focus: Connecting Music and Moving image 7 November | 15:45-16:45 | York Theatre Royal Upper Foyer This session is an introduction to sync licensing and the power of creative collaboration between sound and screen, bringing together three talks from leading figures across the industry, including representatives from Universal Music, Rough Trade Records and Domino Recording Company. Together, they’ll share insights into how music is placed within film and television. Following the talks, attendees will have the opportunity to connect in an informal networking session to spark conversation, exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations. Taking place as part of the Music at Aesthetica programme.
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Networking Session 6
Last Chance Encounters with aesthetica 8 November | 11:00-12:00 | City Screen Basement As the festival draws to a close, Last Chance Encounters offers a final moment to connect with filmmakers, creatives and professionals. Hosted in the Podcast Lounge at City Screen, this session provides a welcoming space to reflect on the week and continue conversations sparked during Aesthetica Film Festival. Whether you’re developing a new project, looking to meet potential collaborators, or extending the relationships formed during the festival, this session is designed to support meaningful exchange. It’s a chance to look back on your highlights from Aesthetica, whilst opening the door to what comes next.
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PITCHING SESSIONS SHARE YOUR NEXT BIG IDEA. Have a bold film idea? Pitch your project to the people who can make it happen, and bring your story to the screen. Selected participants have been matched with a Development Executive from a leading production company for a 20-minute, one-to-one session. Applications were open to Unlimited Access Pass holders. The focus of these sessions is on development and professional advice, and funding is not guaranteed.
Channel 5 (Scripted Television Drama) Channel 5 Commissioning is responsible for developing and commissioning distinctive, accessible programming across drama, factual and entertainment. Working with a range of both UK and international producers, the team champions popular, character-led storytelling with strong audience appeal. Recent projects include The Inheritance, The Feud, All Creatures Great and Small, and Riches.
Date 4 November Malmaison Time 12:00-14:00
Film4 (Narrative Features) Film4 is Channel 4 Television’s feature film division, developing and co-financing bold and original films from the UK and around the world. Their Academy Award-winners include Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things, Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest and Martin McDonagh’s The Banshees of Inisherin. Recent acclaimed releases include All of Us Strangers, Saltburn, The Kitchen, Rye Lane and Femme.
Ridley Scott Associates (Narrative Shorts) RSA Films is a global production company founded by visionary directors Ridley and Tony Scott. Celebrated for its creative excellence, craft and production expertise, RSA has consistently delivered award-winning campaigns for leading brands and agencies for over 50 years. Its acclaimed short films include distinctive, Oscar-winning work from bold voices across narrative, commercial and experimental film. 222
Date 4 November Malmaison Time 15:30-17:30
Date 4,5 & 6 November Malmaison Time 4 Nov: 15:00-17:00 5 Nov: 10:00-12:00 6 Nov: 10:00-12:00
CONNECTIONS: PITCHING SESSIONS BBC Film (Narrative Shorts) BBC Film is at the forefront of UK independent filmmaking, developing and co-producing distinctive feature-length productions. By championing emerging voices, as well as collaborating with leading writers and directors, it continues to shape the future of British cinema. BBC Film holds a BAFTA for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema. It has an ambitious slate featuring today’s most exciting names.
Date 5 November Malmaison Time 10:00-12:00
ITV (Scripted TV Drama) ITV’s commissioning teams shape some of the UK’s most widely watched original programming, spanning drama, factual, entertainment and comedy. With a main focus on emotionally resonant, high-profile storytelling, they work with both established and emerging producers. Recent commissions include Mr Bates vs The Post Office, The Tower, Liar and Trigger Point, reflecting ITV’s scale and impact.
Date 5 November Malmaison Time 12:00-14:00
THE PITCH (narrative shorts) The Pitch specialises in narrative stories that reimagine and reinterpret classical narratives. They offer financial support for emerging talent in the film industry, providing unique training and development opportunities. Each year, The Pitch have also awarded production funds of up to £35,000 to short films that adapt the timeless stories from one of cinema’s most enduring sources of inspiration – The Bible.
Date 5 November Malmaison Time 12:00-14:00
Out of Orbit (Narrative Shorts) Out of Orbit is a production company behind distinctive, character-driven storytelling for TV and film. Best known for the cultural phenomenon Derry Girls, the company has helped bring sharply observed, irreverent comedy-drama to global audiences. It continues to develop bold scripted projects with writers across the UK and Ireland, focusing on originality, strong voices and stories with humour and heart.
Date 7 November Malmaison Time 11:00-13:00
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CONNECTIONS: PITCHING SESSIONS Doc Society (Documentary shorts) The BFI Doc Society Fund supports and develops storytellers across the UK, backing documentaries with bold cultural and social ambitions. Founded in 2005, it is committed to supporting fact-based films and connecting them to audiences worldwide. Recent projects include Kim Hopkins’ Still Pushing Pineapples, Shiori Itō’s Black Box Diaries, and the Berlinale-winning Dahomey by Mati Diop.
Date 6 November Malmaison Time 10:00-12:00
Neal Street Productions (Narrative shorts) Neal Street Productions is one of the UK’s most respected production companies, known for acclaimed film (Empire of Light, 1917), television (Informer, Britannia, The Third Day) and theatre. Founded in 2003 by Sam Mendes, Pippa Harris and Caro Newling, it recently celebrated over 20 years of storytelling excellence. Neal Street continues to create distinctive, award-winning projects with international impact.
Date 6 November Malmaison Time 14:30-16:30
BBC Writers (Scripted television drama) Simon Nelson is a Development Executive at BBC Writers, who oversees writer development across TV, radio and digital platforms. He leads various UK-wide initiatives, programmes and events to discover and nurture emerging screenwriting talent. With extensive experience in scripted development across multiple genres, Simon specialises in helping to shape the future of storytelling across the BBC.
Date 6 November Malmaison Time 15:00-17:00
Ink Factory Films (Scripted Television Drama) The Ink Factory is an independent studio founded by Stephen and Simon Cornwell to produce bold, authored stories for global audiences. With a focus on high-end film and television, the company is best known for adapting the work of English author John le Carré, including The Night Manager, The Little Drummer Girl and The Pigeon Tunnel. A recent title is The Plotters, a Korean-language thriller.
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Date 7 November Malmaison Time 11:00-13:00
CONNECTIONS: PITCHING SESSIONS Guardian Docs (Documentary shorts) The Guardian Documentaries is an award-winning strand showcasing short films by independent filmmakers worldwide. Recent highlights include Fox Chase Boy, exploring trauma through stand-up comedy, and No Man Is an Island, chronicling the UK’s gay rights movement. These films exemplify The Guardian’s commitment to impactful storytelling that resonates with global audiences.
Date 7 November Malmaison Time 15:30-17:30
Goldfinch (Documentary shorts) First Flights is an incubator for debut feature directors and producers, empowering emerging creatives to craft commercially viable films and build international careers. With a sharp eye for new talent, the First Flights team supports each filmmaker from script to screen. The initiative has collaborated with Anjelica Huston, Bill Nighy, Gary Oldman, Sam Riley and rising talents across the indie screen.
AESTHETICA
SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
2027
Date 7 November Malmaison Time 15:30-17:30
SUBMIT YOUR
SHORTS, VR & 360
GAMES & PODCASTS
OPENS 1 DECEMBER 2026 Find out more: asff.co.uk 225
MEET THE MAKERS SOCIAL GET TO KNOW THE CREATIVES AT THE HEART OF #ASFF2026 7 NOVEMBER, ROSE WITHIN THE WALLS (Y01 9WD) | 20:00-23:00 Meet the Makers is your opportunity to get to know the creatives at the heart of Aesthetica 2026. It’s for everyone, whether you are a filmmaker, developer, podcaster or someone passionate about storytelling. Complimentary glass of wine upon arrival. We’ll see you there! 226
1:1 FEEDBACK SESSIONS EXCLUSIVE INDUSTRY ADVICE. 1:1 Sessions offer an equally valuable opportunity to present your project to a representative from a major production organisation. These tailored meetings, pre-arranged via application, are designed to provide constructive feedback, expert guidance, and insight to help you refine your work and move it forward.
stak (Podcasting) Stak is a UK-based podcast production company creating original, host-led audio series across sport, culture, comedy, and entertainment. Its slate includes The Big Cruise Podcast, The Football Ramble, and F1: Beyond The Grid, with a focus on personality-driven formats, long-term audience growth.
dartmouth Films (Documentary Features) Dartmouth Films is a pioneer of independent documentaries, championing socially engaged storytelling through innovative funding and distribution models. Recent releases include The Stimming Pool, Big Star: The Nick Skelton Story, Children of the Cult and The Sinking of the Lisbon Mauru.
Dog Ears (Animation) Dog Ears focuses on strong design, humour and emotionally engaging narratives for family and younger audiences with global reach and appeal. Best known for the internationally successful series Puffin Rock, the company develops character-led storytelling with a warm, playful visual style.
Date 4 November Malmaison Time 12:00-14:00
Date 4 November Malmaison Time 15:00-17:00
Date 5 November Malmaison Time 10:00-12:00
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CONNECTIONS: PITCHING SESSIONS
Cinesite (VR & Immersive) Cinesite has been a cornerstone of VFX and animation since 1991, consistently bringing stories to life. Its talented team crafts visuals that captivate audiences worldwide, with recent credits including The Witcher, Warfare, Kaos, Michael, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Spiderman: No Way Home.
Date 5 November Malmaison Time 11:00-13:00
BBC comedy (writing for comedy) BBC Comedy is the home of British humour, commissioning fresh shows across BBC platforms. The team champions new creative voices and works with household names. Recent releases include Death Valley with Timothy Spall, Smoggie Queens, and animated comedy series The Golden Cobra.
Ubisoft (Games) Ubisoft Reflections has over 40 years of experience making video games; it is the longest-lasting studio of its kind in the UK. Its team has contributed to many of Ubisoft’s iconic IPs, both leading and co-leading projects such as The Division, Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.
Date 6 November Malmaison Time 11:00-13:30
Date 6 November Spark Time 15:00-17:00
Celebrate New Cinema. Join us at this year’s awards ceremony. Sunday 8 November, Yorkshire Museum | 16:30-19:00 Our 16th Edition closes with an award ceremony where we recognise films from each genre, as well as our Best of Fest and Special Guest Awards. Be part of the celebration. Join us atnd enjoy the festival after party at Thor’s Tipi in the museum gardens to wrap up an year of incredibel work with a free drink on arrival.
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229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
We transform spaces through
music and more imagesound.com 244
245
246
247
FILM FESTIVAL
2027 OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS 1 DECEMBER 2026
248
THE MAKERS’ INDEX
Advertising Blue & Yellow
animation 76
Petr Vlček Bystander
76
Ian Roderick Gray GWM - The Calling
75
74
74
75
76
76
75
74
74
75
76
75
76
74
Katerina Lagoda, Valentin Savin
83
Death’s Peak
81
Deep End
83
Dough + Me
81
Eyeliner
83
If/When
78
In the Beginning
82
I was kidnapped
81
Les Vieux
82
Axelle, Boris, Fanny, Lucile, Jérémy, Lauren, Maëlys, Manuel 75
Natasza Cetner Yves Salomon - Rocketman
Daughters of the Late Colonel
Dhananjay Barangule
Nicolee Tsin WWF - Nature Needs Us Now
83
Ala Nunu
Alice Fassi The World of Boa City
Dance of the Spirits
Courtney Westbrook
Mohamed Maged The Testimonial
80
Aisha Boudjillouli
Lore Loyens THE SILVERADOS
Carla and her legs
Cecile Fountain-Jardim
Sandy Matta The Power of Live
78
Puzhen Zhang
Max Blustin That Little Voice
Ball Face
Willy Fair
Sewra G Kidane Story Tree
79
Elizabeth Hobbs
Laís Sambugaro Onward momentum
Hell
Andreea-Lorena Florea
Anna Rozhetskaya Not Just a Break
79
Christoph Büttner
Michail Mess
El Cuerpo de Cristo
Laurence Thérien
Toru Katori LIVE YOUR MYTH IN GREECE
82
Parker Croft
Valentin Savin, Katerina Lagoda LIGHT HOLE
A Little Death
Bea Lema
Ilanna Barkusky Les Airelles Courchevel
82
Leto Meade, Jonathan Rockefeller
Riyan Durrani Don’t Stay Bottled Up
Acid City
Jack Wedge, Will Freudenheim
Little Shrew (Snowflake)
79
Kate Bush 74
Living with a Visionary
81
Stephen P. Neary
251
THE MAKERS’ INDEX Lost Touch
80
Justine Klaiber Making a Mother
80
Dhikr
83
Don’t Touch the Artwork
78
Forms of Circulation #3 (Middlesbrough Football Club)
80
Material River
81
No Before or After: Notes on a Film
82
Ode to a Nightingale
79
One
80
One day the sun will only shine for you
Emily Downe Making It Fit
Mariana Leal Me, Myself and Mary
John Michell Once in a body
María Cristina Pérez González On Saint Nicholas’ Eve
Emy Mirel Ivașcă Pickled
Fanny Capu Small Hours
Oscar Wyndham Lewis Susurros
Artists’ Film
86
Tommy Creagh 85
Maya de Almeida Araujo
Pillar
78
Sinkholes
85
84
Ciril Zupan 85
Karen Russo SRS (Silk Road Songbook) film
83
85
Emily Richardson
82
This Is Not a Memoir
86
Fiona Sinéad Brehony
The Fall
Ella Rose Corrieri
86
Paul Stewart, Sarah Perks
Gjert Rognli
The Last Time I Saw You
84
Shams Uz Zuha Mansur
Pewinski, Lombard, Reignier, Pluchard, Francillon, Parmentier
Christine Rebet
84
Mengyun Han
84
Millie Chen, Arzu Ozkal
Josh Earle The Hall Trading Cards
79
Jingru (Cyan) Cheng, Chen Zhan, Mengfan Wang
78
Lily Tiger, Nina Maria Allmoslechner
84
Radheya Jang Tŷ Unnos Tsunami
86
Maria Pulido You Told Us To Talk About the Weather Virgin Fandango
80
Harry Tomlin
81
comedy
Marcy Page Viscera
Hristina Iankova
Ketchup What’s Next
79
86
87
Tjeerd Dam
Cristiana Apostol And what do the pigs think? Wildkind
78
87
Edith Jorisch
John McDaid Asking4it
Emma Rose Jesse
252
89
CONTACT DETAILS IN PRINT VERSION ONLY
Baby on Board
88
Jamie Luke Milligan Back to Tadou
88
Jean-Nicolas Bertouille Blais Breezeblock
92
92
90
90
88
88
91
92
88
89
92
91
Henry Carson
The Crab Cake Kid
The Dream is a snail
The Social Aspect
Time’s Up, I’m Afraid
Youthful Indiscretions
dance A Sad WOmen
90
89
87
87
87
91
88
93
Leïla Macaire, Romane Piffaut 91
A Lion
93
Nastassia Winge Tan 92
Håkon Anton Olavsen Like Rabbits
Tell Your Face
89
Evie Ward-Drummond, Amber Gadd Let’s (not) talk about the snake
Selflove
91
Lizzie Hart, James Newman Laundreams
90
Domenico Cicerone
Varun Raman, Tom Hancock Kitty
Posers
James Button
Hannah Mamalis Into the Betaverse
91
Sander August Dahl
Jess O’Kane In Between
Nobody Barks
Thien An Nguyen
Sara Jade Alfaro-Dehghani Hey Sexy
90
Kirill Teslia
CC Wade Hair!
My Wife Doesn’t move anymore
Jill Worsley
Tim Hamilton Gobbl
89
Nik Azad
Theodore Matza F**k Face
Mirco Bangs
Alexander O’Loughlin
Jan Naszewski Faux Amis
87
Júlia Coldwell Serra
Vegard Dahle Exam
Lucky Liam
Rui Wang
Jordon Scott Kennedy Ego
90
Iris Breward
Melanie Spencer Dynamite Dealer
Love Interest
Thomas Hefferon, TJ Hundtofte
Andre Balbuena Dug. Or, The Moral Of The Story Is
92
Tanya Lialina
Thomas Bernon, Julien Gamarde Bus
Little Problems
Chris de Krijger
Bruta
94
Sulian Rios 89
Comb
95
Rongfei Guo
253
THE MAKERS’ INDEX Dayshift
93
Zéré Turlykhanova Days Without End
95
95
94
94
93
95
93
94
93
94
95
Every Grain of Dirt
Forgotten Spaceman
Glacier’s Requiem
Han’s Call
Ho’olono (To Listen Deeply)
94
Marrparang
95
MŌDOR
Natasha Audtin-Green
documentary
Mother’s Influence
98
98
Rahemur Rahman, Lily Vetch
97
96
98
97
99
101
My Friend, Kev
101
Prettier in Whittier
98
Joe Kowalski 99
Audrey Lane Body of Our Own
100
Colin Peppard
Parsifal Elviro Gomez A town called needville
97
Meg Wriggles
Zebedee Parkes An Ambulance for Gaza
101
Tom Murray, Minitja Marawili
Jia-jing Wu
Acts of protest
254
Even You, Comrade
Samantha Ramirez-Herrera
Nailong Song War _ n _ ing
101
Paul Van der Stegen
Mikki Sindhunata Unspun Flesh, Unspun Shell
Deep Plate
Saddiq Abubakar
Alex Leggatt The Gift
100
Elham Ehsas
Florence Peyrard, Max Gozy The Dancing Plague
Call Me Maeve
Aya Chouaib, Julie Mallat
James Pearson-Howes The Blood Quarter
96
Giorgio Dinello
Thuthuka Sibisi Taller the Hat, Closer to Heaven
Body to Heart
Daria Pyshna
Abe Abraham Sonder
96
Jack O’Malley
Parmida Hamdollazadehkive River of Ink
Five Minute Brides
Jenny Barruol
Alicia K. Harris Once upon a time in Stockholm
98
Jacqueline Maxted
Sara Dos Santos On A Sunday at Eleven
Don’t Bother with The outside world
Elliott George
Karl Cannone Maia. A Mother of Nations
99
Paul K. Oh
Chung-Wei Huang Limbes
Correspondence
Push The Machine
97
Max Ward 101
Retun to Water
Kate Malyon
96
CONTACT DETAILS IN PRINT VERSION ONLY
Rose’s House
98
Naomi Abel-Hirsch Seasons
100
Renee Nabinger Tamashi
99
97
96
100
99
100
Broadcast
Celeste & the Cyan Sun
Chicken Jazz
Claonadh
96
Closedown
100
Close Your Eyes Hind
Amir Zaza
drama
Control Line
115
114
115
107
106
113
Mark Chapman
Degree of Certainty
117
Drops from the Sky
108
Duvet
104
Echoes
110
Embodied
103
Eyes Wide
108
Elliot Bloom 114
Camila Pineda A Woman of GOod Abilities
118
Chanelle Eidenbenz
Milli Bhatia A Whole Life
105
Alex Lanipekun
Edwin Lai Aunty Ji
110
Bel Parker
Kate Graham As it should be
102
Marcus Anthony Thomas
Lewis Rose Blue Hour
113
Simon Schneider
Dhiwangkara Seta Beshert
102
Kofi A. Ntiforo
Shian Denovan aLPa
106
Michael Spicer
Aeyliya Husain
Alone
118
Ciara Ní É
Shu Lin Yad (To Remember)
Birdhouse
Imanol Ruiz De Lara
Claudia Owusu Tsingtao–Qingdao
110
Claire Jamison
Lindsay Nyman This is the House: If I Don’t See You, I Love You
Beyond Silence
Ewan Pollitt
Elisa Baccolo THEY CALL ME THE TATTOO WITCH
112
Moritz Valero
Raginie Duara The Veil of Senses
Between Day and Dawn
Marine Blok
George Louis Tsougriani The Climb
111
Lore Loyens
Ashima Shiraishi, Jess X. Snow The Art of Seeing
Being Billy
Ian Puleston-Davies
Fathers & Daughters
105
Luke Alexander 118
Fish the Moon
108
Maddie Dai
255
THE MAKERS’ INDEX F minor
106
Josh Litman Folds
103
117
118
105
117
107
114
109
116
117
112
105
109
111
112
112
Emma-Jane Heaton
256
105
Nowt
103
Peckerhead
103
Peter
110
Pour Me
113
Pulse
106
Reborning
116
Roastin
104
Safari
108
Jack Holden 112
Matt Branston Lone
Nostaljia
Sue bynn Bae
Hendrik Ehlers Little bug
116
Alanna MacNamee
LIU QING LIN, YE HAN LING Just a Thought
Noise & Neighbours
Sam Nutt
Shadi Soheili Jumah
108
Jesse Lewis-Reece
Jesse May Fisher Joonè Delam
Molly & The Robot
Hannah Van Der Westhuysen
Sara Louise Engeli Jellyfish
113
Ante Pask
Kristina Pringle I Promise
Moderation
Milda Baginskaitė
Luke Bather In Dreaming
104
Pierre Audouin
William Simmons How to Wash a Body, How to Cleanse a Soul
MeatMylk
Liza Ludick
James Murray Helping Hand
111
Táine King
Kardo Shiwan Gumball
Mayflies
Benedict Cohen
KAROLINA FRONIK, MARTA KOWALSKA Gulala
109
Lucy Luscombe
Aram Atkinson Greetings from Sumatra
Marriage Test
Lydia McNulty
Aashna Singh Green Grass
116
Sara Nourizadeh
Pippa Lore Feldberg Collins Goddess of Wealth
Mama
Santiago Ponce de León
Mark Pluck Gobstopper
103
Hoàng Quỳnh Nguyen
Katya Skakun Geronto
Loss of Altitude
See You Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow
109
Desdemona Chiang 104
Shush, Now
Craig Austin Reynolds
107
CONTACT DETAILS IN PRINT VERSION ONLY
Signal
110
Zak Jarvis Sister of Mine
115
107
114
106
102
109
111
113
110
114
115
Chloe Culpin
116
103
117
113
114
XY
102
123
Isabelle Edi, Mariama Sow, Kim Sanou 118
5 Unusal Stories About Human Needs
122
Filippos Kordalis 105
æ - III wholeness and body
122
Reiko Yonezawa 102
A Significant Development
120
Jackson Lapsley Scott 118
Freddie Fox The Pigeon
Woman Land
A Black Fairytale
Maïa Descamps The Painting & The Statue
White
experimental
Mu Wang The Lobster
Vote Gavin Lyle
104
Thomas Bennett The Girl is taken by aliens
Useless
111
Chi Thai The Galley
Turtleneck
Alice Gadbled
Ben Bovington-Key The Emancipation of Megan or How To Eat A Chocolate Bon Bon
112
Yasmin Yassin
Lisa Kenney The Easy Way Out
Trance
Navroz Shaban
Dean Wei The Department of They
116
Aneil Karia
Alice Johannessen The Apple Doesn’t Fall
TO Run is to Return
Ariel Heller
Olga Navalón, Bea Hohenleiter The Acres
111
Laurie Fahy
Max Davies That which feeds me
TONY SPITERI
Jona Schloßer
Sophie King Sunny Oaks
103
Precious Wura Alabi
Renée Marie Petropoulos Still Life
To Build a Fire
Daniel Rands
Logan Graham Greene Souvenir
109
Lorenzo Puntoni
Amanda Sandberg Fætten Sophie
The Tide
Anne-Marie Scragg
Mikolaj Piszczan Smooth Summer
106
Kasandra Baruch
André Vaara Slap!! (subtitled)
The Stories we tell ourselves
A Walk in Porcelain
119
Veronica Gonzalez Vanek 104
Ballyman
123
Faruq Adigun
257
THE MAKERS’ INDEX Bees and Beasts
121
Maria Garcia BETWEEN WATER AND ROOF: STORIES OF BLACK
122
120
Games
121
Adorable Adventures
Maya Yoncali Burning Lies
123
123
119
119
121
122
119
122
120
120
123
120
119
Eva Blackwell-Rogelj
258
152
Black Jacket
153
Blueberry
150
Bub
155
Crimson Rain
150
Demon Slumber PArty
156
Electricat
152
Family Reunion
156
waibinin 121
Tove Bornhøft Rusalki
Beyond the Plastic Wall
Shuyi Chen / Shuyi Wu
Libby Bove Rules
149
Whispered Eclipse
Stephen Cornford Rituals of the roadway
Atuel
Square Zero
Gillian Katungi Occlusion
149
Paperfrog
Hebe Wang Metamorphosis
A Tale In The Garden
MELLOW Games
Kwan Q Li It Girl
149
Mi’pu’mi Games GmbH
Ting-Kin Chan Infinite Replica
As Long As You’re Here
Motvind Studio
Mohamed Mussa Ghost Noon
153
Matajuegos
Eric Perriard For Sharon
Ashes
Dream Outpost
Ruben Arede Ennui
149
Autoscopia Interactive
Fagamou Fama Ndiaye Deconstruction of an Individual
Ascend
Plot Twist
Aurèle Ferrier Concrete Moves
150
Miami Avalon
Chiara Lari, Joséphine Fransilja Claws
121
Wild Sheep Studio
Raviva Nsiama Choir of Catharsis
To Love what feels most akin
Annie Crabtree
Muwen Li bluebird
122
Ross Casswell
Efi Spyrou BITFLIP
Self
Fishbowl
151
imissmyfriends.studio 121
Forgotlings
Throughline Games
154
CONTACT DETAILS IN PRINT VERSION ONLY
Gata Guressi
156
Elliot George Mann Hillthorn
155
154
156
153
153
152
149
154
151
155
156
154
157
155
157
151
Thomas Waterzooi
157
The Lonesome Guild
151
The Hermitage
157
There are No Ghosts at the Grand
150
Toroa: Skycall
150
Unemployment Simulator 2018
155
Wax Heads
152
We are dead Animals
152
When the Embers Wake
153
Llamaplay 154
SIGONO Please, Watch the Artwork
The eightfold Path
Frank Bosma
Wolf & Wood OPUS: Prism Peak
151
Patattie Games
Those Eyes My Cannibal Family
The Amusement
Samuel Lehikoinen
Douze Dixièmes Mouse & Crane
149
Atawhai Interactive
Happy Volcano MIO: Memories in Orbit
Sire
Friday Sundae
La Poule Noire Midnight Moments
150
One to One Development Trust
Games with DNA Matelotes
Routine
Tiny Bull Studios
Haiyan Cheng / Cheng Fang / Larry Xu Love & Fools Gold
154
Friendly Llama
Swing Swing Submarine Loot Contract
Roman Castleford Uncovered
Curvature games
Ollie Nalder Looking for Fael
153
heartcase
Katharina Faller Lewis and the Book of Secrets
Repeat after me: it’s not your fault you’re sick
Lunar Software
Studio Biarritz Let me See the Sea
151
One to One Development Trust`
Flying Oak Games Lesbian Simulator
Reggie & his Cousin
Eloise Salt
HitherYon Games Knuckle Paradise
156
degoma
Seokwon Journey II Eternity
Real Vampires
Those Eyes
Lofty Sky Games HYDRA
157
Field Of Vision
Fool Moon Hope in the City
Pocket Putt
Whirlight - No Time to Trip
152
imaginarylab 155
family Friendly 259
THE MAKERS’ INDEX Amusement
126
Stephanie Zari Bwgan
125
126
125
125
125
125
127
127
127
127
125
126
126
127
126
Ainslie Senfuka
Fashion 260
Hello
131
In the heart of the flower citadel
129
KaaDiki - Pool Party
130
Made in x
128
my kanga and me
129
Pronto | Wear Your Next Story
128
Pryvid
130
Quietude
129
Krystyna Leonova 127
Raphaela Wagner Weeyagale
131
Jan Bujnowski
Sophia McDonnell To Catch A Siren
Futur Shok
Dimitri Yuri
Anh Tú Nguyen Tip of the Iceberg
128
Izzy Mana
Holly Louise Psaliou The Sky was Candy
Fearless Flight
Sofia Ivanova-Kozhevnikova
Ben Tobin The Jacket
129
Jordan Harvey
Danny Bourque The Curious Incident of Everett Wilder
fame
Adam Muscat
Matthew Eyre Sunspark
128
Pete Wylde
Chris Ross Safe Space
Crumble
Adam Hayes
Aaron Lucas Our Kingdom
131
Jonathan David Edwards
Róisín Leavy-Sahin Multiple Choice
À la folie, pas du tout
Federico Nickl, Andrea Bolzoni
Susan Fitzer, Brian Pimental Full Pitch
131
Isabella Hoffmann
Oona Tiirakari Flink’s Pigeon Problems
Akin
LUTZ
Max Wagenblass Shifting
128
Pelin Terzi
Antonin Niclass One More Cup
Abjad Hawaz
Hadi Moussally
Michał Cygan Into the Forest
130
Victoria Juemei Gong
Hywel Prytherch Roberts Cornfield
AMBERSTICHE
Self-Mimetic
129
Christophe Chudy 126
The Gesture
131
Andrea Martínez Mares The Streets Move as One
Joshua Ellis
131
CONTACT DETAILS IN PRINT VERSION ONLY
The Unspoken Secrets Behind Barcelona’s Happiness
130
Victor Claramunt Tom Ford PRIVATE COLLECTION
129
130
pôt-pot: The Lights Are On
130
Rain
128
Round Corners - Such A fool
Elias Papastamatiou
music Video
sea, take it away
135
135
133
133
132
City of Lights
135
134
Hogarth Coote
133
134
162
Anglia Square: The Little City (Episode 1: The Art of the Deal)
161
Dark Sanctum: Detour
162
Mark Ramsey Media 135
Digital Ghost from Written In Air issue 1
161
Rebecca Nolan, Dennis Funk 135
I Need A Miracle
159
Wireless Theatre Company for Foggy Outline 134
Lauren Luxenberg Ivana June - Around (Music Video)
135
Sarah Herman
Jessica Fecteau, ROB Heart Wide Open
133
Willy Nast
Tom Oliver Have you never seen birds?
You Are An Idiot
Podcast
Isak Jenssen GO SLOW
wet leg - Pokemon
134
Jonah Moshammer, Maria Donjacour girl in red - Hemingway
Valkyrie
132
El Mehdi Fishbowl
The 3rd
Inari Sirola
Chamberlain Staub El Film
132
Elliott Arndt
Cameron Perry Doom
Tamara Flores - Chigona
Alfred Benjamin Wright
Nina Celine Gantz Glance - Whiteislands
134
Lauren Taylor Gee
Shelley Hopkins Christmas ambulance
133
Rupert Höller
Tess Martin Becoming
132
Raia Vasileva, Masha Rodicheva
Jake William Ringsell Charlatans
132
Jasper de Bruin
Tom Oliver
Bambie Thug - REDRUM (Official Music Video)
133
Cheryl Gelover, Tom Murray
Valentina Khodnevich Yellow Pages
Other I
Alina Popescu
Gigi Yang Within
132
Monika Jungwirth
Edward Lee When The Wind Blows
Lucy Dreams - Code to my Mind
Holding the Line’ from Written In Air issue 1
159
Dennis Funk 134
Journeys with Grace
160
Grace “Gig” Ogun
261
THE MAKERS’ INDEX Anon
136
Dylan Brady Journey Through a Cow
159
Bespoken Media Night Chorus
159
161
159
160
160
162
160
160
162
161
159
Don’t Go in the Garden
Every Time I See A Yellow Car
Foreign Body
Hollow
Intertidal
162
Lucky
162
Maxxed out
Milo Miller
Thriller
Meat
137
Petros
136
139
139
138
138
136
138
Pleasure-Seeking
138
Michaela Holmes 136
Yoann Zak A Dirge
139
Jacob Hopewell
Harry Quinlan 4 Minutes Before Forever
138
Ryan Malloy, Michael Langan
Julia Hoff & Katarina Hughes
Adult Male Blond
262
Date 3
James Morgan
Sair Kaufman Wine Night
136
Jesper Jönsson
Falling Tree Productions The Reality Shaper: A Musical Podcast
Codes
Mathieu Mortelmans, Cécile Delberghe
Lil Bit Productions, iHeartPodcasts The Metaphor Consultant
139
Matt Chandler
Willy Nast The Foil
Breadsong
Adam El-Sharawy
Craig Eley The Dragoning
136
Cristabel Sved
Alexandra Quinn The Black Nite’ from of Written In Air issue 1
Black Cab
Eleanor Rhode
Joe Blanchard and Maya Reter Tarot and the Art of Creativity
137
Katariina Aule
Kalli Anderson with music by melancholydi Tales From the Singing Porch: The Salesman
Bundle
James Arden
Darnell Brown Siren Song
137
Carlo Milillo
Talia Augustidis and Julia Masli See You Tomorrow
Bruised Sky
Gary James Kent
Jack Laurence Problems with Julia Masli
137
João de Souza Aranha Toldi
Shira Golden and Jess Shane One Minute Remaining - Stories from the inmates
Blind Man’s Bluff
Small Spaces
137
Jona Headon 138
Summer Project
Yuki Hara
137
CONTACT DETAILS IN PRINT VERSION ONLY
The Humbug
139
Cole Paviour The Pigs Underneath
Play Life
139
Reality Looks Back
Charlie Dennis
Anne Jeppesen, Omid Zarei
VR Lab
Rubbers - 360 Immersive Version
Alone at Night
145
145
145
144
146
144
The Big Cube
146
The CROWN With A SHADOW & The Search For SELF!
145
The Dollhouse
146
Charlotte Bruneau, Dominic Desjardins 144
Adriaan Lokman Gluttony Vr
Terra Ultima, Field Notes from Latent Space
Jasbir (JB) Singh Ghuman
Maya Shekela Flow
147
Menghui Huang
Rose Bond Eddie and I
siliq
Richard Vijgen
Veronica Graham Earths to come
147
Te-Hsing Lu
Chloé Rochereuil Diatribes
144
Cat Davies
Beata Harju Crafting Crimes
147
Naujokas, Petrauskas, Pronckus, Ulvydas
The Great Escape
147
Joren Vandenbroucke 146
Nenad Katic Haunts
146
Tom Chetwode-Barton, Lucy Hammond Immersive Ellur
143
Tom Sefton Inside Chernobyl
145
Jonathan Wells Ito Meikyo
144
Boris Labbé Knapweed 360
144
Rebecca Goldsmith Living In Water
145
Ana P Santos Mirage
145
Naima Karim Moments Apart VR
147
Mohammed Mamdouh Out of Nowhere
146
Kris Hofmann, Andreas Wuthe
263
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