Did you know that, alongside publishing Aesthetica Magazine and curating the Aesthetica Art Prize, we also run the BAFTA Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival? From 4-8 November 2026, the 16th edition of the festival brings five days of inspiring cinema, creative exchange and new ideas across film, games, VR, music and beyond. This year’s jam-packed programme features 300 screenings, masterclasses, Games & VR Labs, a Podcasting Lounge, New Music Stage, networking, socials, workshops and much more. Aesthetica enables attendees and audiences to connect with industry, discover new ideas and experience the very best in contemporary storytelling. Today we highlight our top picks for this year’s festival.
300 Screenings | 4-8 November
Animation. Comedy. Drama. Documentary. Thriller. Aesthetica Film Festival is the home of short film. Whether your thing is laugh-out-loud humour, edge-of-your-seat tension or gritty realism, you’ll uncover a new favourite amongst our programme of over 300 stories, which have been carefully curated by genre and theme. Screenings take place in venues across York. Seating is first come first served.
Masterclasses | 4-8 November
Our masterclasses offer you insights into key aspects of the industry, the opportunity to connect with other talented creatives, and to create long lasting memories. Our 2026 speakers include representatives from leading companies, such as BBC Film, Ridley Scott Associates, Channel 5 and ITV as well as writers, directors, producers, designers and VFX specialists who have worked on award-winning titles. Masterclasses Free with Pass. Advance booking recommended.
Opening Night Ceremony | 4 November
We launch our 16th edition with a special screening of outstanding, thought-provoking and inspiring works by filmmakers from the 2026 Official Selection. Curated by Festival Director, Cherie Federico, our Opening Night introduces the breadth of this year’s film programme – spanning Animation, Comedy, Drama, Documentary and more – with a special screening highlighting what’s to come. *Separate Ticket Required*
Podcasting Lounge | 4-8 November
Aesthetica is the first UK film festival to offer a dedicated Podcasting Lounge – a space where audio is at the centre of storytelling. Curated to spotlight dynamic voices in independent podcasting, the lounge offers the opportunity to pause and take a moment to truly listen. The programme features true crime, documentary, fiction and more. Join us to sit down, discover new voices and listen to bold new stories.
Immersive Media Arts Trail | 4-8 November
Created in partnership with Audible, the Radical Listening Immersive Media Trail will bring three new installation-based artworks to York from 4-8 November. Works by Squidsoup, Steve Messam and Being Now Here will use light, sound and interactive technology to transform public spaces, with the free art trail running from Exhibition Square and York Theatre Royal and towards King’s Square.
Networking Sessions | 4-8 November
Our networking events run every day of the festival. Wednesday focuses on VFX on any budget with Viridian FX. Thursday, Film Hub North open space for conversation around storytelling, scripts, and early-stage concepts. Friday’s explores how to create a strong pitch with The Pitch Film Fund. Saturday introduces sync licensing and creative collaboration between sound and screen. Sunday’s Last Chance Encounters is a final opportunity to connect with creatives. Free with Pass. Booking recommended.
Friday Night Party | 6 November
Dusk hosts the renowned Friday Night Party, helping to carry attendees into a weekend of fun social events and inspiring cinema screenings. Located in York’s New Street, the party provides the perfect location to re-group with new friends. Grab a drink, connect and prepare for the weekend.
Games Lab | 4-8 November
This year Aesthetica hosts its fourth edition of the Games Lab, with over 40 games exhibiting. We are the first UK Film Festival to create a dedicated space for games in our Official Selection and we are proud to bring a broad range of big titles and indie developments to new audiences. Immerse yourself in the world of Games. Games Lab is Free with Pass. Advance booking recommended.
Listening Pitch Premiere | 6 November
Join us for the sixth edition of the Listening Pitch, where Aesthetica and Audible have teamed up to commission and showcase three fresh documentaries that explore the power of listening. Join us for the premiere of new work from filmmakers Duncan Cowles, Sofia Cissé Akel, Tobi Kyeremateng and Hermione Spriggs. Drinks served upon arrival with a Q&A, DJ and networking taking place after the film screening. Premiere Free with Pass. Advance booking recommended.
Awards Ceremony | 8 November
Bringing our 16th edition to a close, we invite filmmakers, delegates and audiences to our Awards Ceremony. Prizes are awarded for best film in each of our genres, as well as our Best of Fest and Special Guest Awards. Join us for a celebration of impressive achievements, followed by a drinks reception and After Party, taking place at Thors. Ceremony Free with Pass. Advance booking recommended.
4-8 November | York, UK | Book Your Festival Passes
Click Here to Download the Festival Programme
Words: Phoebe Cawley
