AESTHETICA SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
FAMILIES AT AESTHETICA
FILMS | GAMES | WORKSHOPS
5-9 NOVEMBER 2025
families at aesthetica film festival
Aesthetica is a festival for everyone – and families are at its heart. Spend a weekend flled with creativity, discovery and imagination.
Specially curated flm screenings introduce children to inspiring stories whilst interactive workshops let young minds explore flmmaking, coding and stop-motion animation with expert support. Children can produce mini movies, design characters and spark new passions.
Beyond workshops, the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO celebrates cutting-edge art, tech and design. From VR and games to podcasts and storytelling, Aesthetica is a hands-on adventure for the whole family.
BOOK YOUR FESTIVAL PASS
One / Two Day
Kids’ One Day £25
Kids’ One Day + Workshop
Festival passes and event tickets are available www.asf.co.uk/tickets and between 5-9 November from the Festival Hub at City Screen, St Martins Courtyard, 13-17 Coney St, York YO1 9QL (opening hours 09:30-18:00) * York Residents Pass Valid for Screenings Only. Proof of residency will be required upon collection.
SCREENINGS
Our Family Friendly screenings bring stories that matter to life, ofering both children and adults a window to the world. Featuring a vibrant mix of U and PG flms, the programme highlights inspiring new animation alongside captivating tales from across the globe, sparking imagination, empathy and conversation for audiences of all ages. Explore this year’s programme of Family Friendly animations, engaging dramas and laugh-out-loud comedies for young people.
Children 4 & Under Free | Children 5-14 Years Single Screening Pass £6.00 | Kids’ One Day Pass £25 | One Day + Workshop £35.
imaginary bonds
These heartfelt flms invite audiences into imaginative worlds where courage, connection, and self-discovery take centre stage. From forest adventures and talking toys to dreamlike journeys, audience are invited to explore new worlds, face their fears and discover the joy of connection, where brave hearts shine through.
everyday adventures
These stories follow young characters as they navigate journeys flled with wonder, challenge and heart. Whether facing fears, searching for miracles or standing up for what matters, each story celebrates the courage to act, the joy of discovery and the lessons learned. These flms are a playful exploration of everyday adventures.
moments that shape us
These flms capture the emotional highs and lows of growing up, from wonder and friendship to identity, loss and self-discovery. Whether chasing imaginary creatures or confronting fears, each is a heartfelt celebration of youth, resilience and the journey toward understanding who we really are as we become adults.
kids’ workshops
Create your own mini movie. Learn how to code games. Develop your skills in stop-motion animation. Inspire your children this November. We believe in nurturing children’s creativity. This year, we are ofering 7-14 year-olds the opportunity to develop, direct and make their own stop-motion animations, games and live action flms. Workshops are delivered in partnership with Grand Central Trains, and are led by experts at Hijinx, ComputerXplorers and Pauline Quirke Academy.
Workshops take place 8 - 9 November at York St John Creative Centre. For information on timings for kids’ workshops please visit our website. Each Session £12 or Book Kids’ One Day + Workshop Pass £35.
fILMMAKING WORKSHOPS
We believe in the transformative power of flm, both for today’s generation and those to come. That’s why we are ofering 7-14 year olds the opportunity to develop, direct, and produce their own flms. Learn about flmmaking from experts at Pauline Quirke Academy.
gaMING WORKSHOPS
Calling all gamers and budding game developers. Prepare for an exciting and action-packed adventure with our dynamic Kids’ Gaming Workshops, hosted by ComputerXplorers. Step into the world of interactive storytelling and uncover the secrets of game design.
STOP-MOTION ANIMATION WORKSHOPS
From Wallace and Gromit to Coraline, countless beloved flms have been created with stop motion techniques. In these workshops, kids can get stuck in and try their hand at making their own animated movies. Led by award-winning animators Hijinks.
Special Events
In addition to our family-friendly screenings and kids’ workshops, there is so much to discover across the festival for all ages. Our VR & Games Labs at the National Centre for Early Music ofer the unique opportunity for the whole family to immersive themselves in new worlds and try out exciting, new technology. Share the joy of live performance with the New Music Stage at York Theatre Royal, featuring 10 breakthrough acts, plus Fringe performances taking place across the city. Visit the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO and try out innovative projects across art, design and technology.
Aesthetica ofers families a range of events to get involved in.
Games Lab
Games are a big part of entertainment. Our Games Lab returns for the third year. Play brand new independent games together as part of your festival experience. With projects that are suitable for U and PG audiences, the entire family can try out these immersive titles.
AESTHETICA FRINGE
Families can also enjoy Fringe activities, from comedy and art exhibitions to immersive theatre experiences, ofering unique opportunities to engage, be inspired and celebrate creativity in every form throughout the festival. Enjoy free and ticketed events across the city.
UNESCO CITY OF MEDIA ARTS EXPO
This is the destination to experience cutting-edge work happening in your city and connect with the creators making waves in the UK’s creative industries! The EXPO showcases 40 businesses across VFX, gaming, graphic design, flm, interactive design, publishing and more.
Example Itinerary | Saturday 8 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 UNESCO City of Media Arts Expo
16:00 - 17:00 | Play at the Games Lab (Pre-register)
17:30 - 18:00 | See a band at the New Music Stage (Separate ticket)
Whilst children are in workshops, parents and guardians can attend a FREE screening at the same venue. Pick up your ticket at the Hub, City Screen.
