AESTHETICA SHORT FILM FESTIVAL FAMILIES AT AESTHETICA
FILMS | GAMES | WORKSHOPS
4-8 NOVEMBER 2026
families at aesthetica film festival 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 whilst interactive workshops let young minds explore filmmaking, coding, acting 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. Explore 360° cinema, virtual reality, interactive games and podcasts as we celebrate storytelling through sound, play and digital art. See York light up in the Radical Listening Immersive Art Trail. Aesthetica is an adventure for the whole family.
BOOK YOUR FESTIVAL PASSes adults
Children
One Day £39 One Day £30 Two Day £65 Two Day £50 Unlimited £120 Kids Workshops £20 York Residents* £29.25 York Residents* £22.50 Single Screening £8.50 Single Screening £7 Family Pass (2 Adults & up to 2 Children) £99 / Residents* £74.95 Festival passes and event tickets are available www.asff.co.uk/tickets and between 4-8 November from the Festival Hub at City Screen, St Martins Courtyard, 13-17 Coney St, York YO1 9QL (opening hours 09:30-18:00) *Please Note: For York Resident Pass, proof of residency will be required upon collection.
SCREENINGS Our Family Friendly screenings bring stories that matter to life, offering both children and adults a window to the world. Featuring a vibrant mix of U and PG films, 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. Child Single Screening Pass £7.00 | Child One Day Pass £30 Family Day Pass £99 / York Resident Family Day Pass £74.95*
Friendship, Belonging and Big Adventures Across these six films, brave heroes, curious dreamers and unlikely friends discover the power of kindness, teamwork and imagination. From rescuing kingdoms and building magical worlds, to helping strangers and finding a sense of belonging, these stories celebrate friendship, courage and the adventures that bring us together.
Finding Your Place How do we discover who we are in a world full of surprises? In these imaginative and heartfelt films, young people embark on journeys of courage, creativity, friendship and self-discovery. These six stories empower us to find our voice, to embrace our uniqueness, and to grow through life’s unexpected adventures.
Growing Up, Looking Forward In this powerful reel, we follow young people as they navigate grief, friendship, identity, ambition, heritage, and first promises. These films capture the challenges, hopes and discoveries that shape the path to adulthood, taking audiences from magical landscapes and fairytales to football pitches, exam halls and childhood dreams. *Family Day Pass is valid for two adults & up to two children.
kids’ workshops We believe in nurturing children’s creativity. This year, we are offering 7-14 year-olds the opportunity to develop, act in, direct and make their own stop-motion animations, games and live action films. Workshops take place 7 - 8 November at York St John Creative Centre. Kids’ Workshops require a separate ticket and each session is £20. fILMMAKING WORKSHOPS Through engaging activities and practical experience, young directors will begin developing an understanding of how the filmmaking process works. Those taking part will learn the fundamentals of camera operation, sound design and direction. Led by 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.
SCREEN ACTING WORKSHOPS Create an original film in a single shot, combining scripting, acting, choreography and filming. Explore story development and performance on camera, brainstorm plots and characters. Learn how to bring an idea to life on screen. Led by Pauline Quirke Academy.
STOP-MOTION ANIMATION WORKSHOPS From Wallace and Gromit to Coraline, countless beloved films 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 experts from Animation Nation.
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 offer the unique opportunity for the whole family to immersive themselves in new worlds and try out exciting, innovative technology. Share the joy of live performance with the New Music Stage at York Theatre Royal, featuring 10 breakthrough acts, plus the Radical Listening Art Trail lights up the city. Visit the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO and try out innovative projects across art, design and technology. Aesthetica offers families a range of events to get involved in. VR & Games Lab | 4-8 nOVEMBER Enter new and immersive worlds at our Games and VR Labs at the National Centre for Early Music. Play independent games and experience cinema in 360 degrees. These interactive labs will transport you into the heart of the story, immersing audiences of all ages.
radical listening: art trail | 4-8 november Three new art installations light up York. See work from Squidsoup, the acclaimed light, sound and technology pioneers; Steve Messam, whose works are characterised by their colour and scale; and Being Now Here, who specialises in immersive and interactive installations.
UNESCO CITY OF MEDIA ARTS EXPO | 5-6 November 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 businesses across VFX, gaming, graphic design, film, interactive design, publishing and more.
Example Itinerary | Saturday 7 November 10:00 - 12:00 | Screen Acting for Kids (Separate ticket) 13:30 - 14:30 | Watch a Screening – Family Friendly 1 15:00 - 16:00 | Play at the Games Lab (Pre-register) 16:00 - 17:00 | Explore the Radical Listening Art Trail 18:00 - 18:30 | See a band at the New Music Stage Whilst children are in workshops, parents and guardians can attend a FREE screening at the same venue. Pick up your ticket at YSJ Creative Centre.