Aesthetica Short Film Festival (ASFF) 2026

Aesthetica Short Film Festival returns to York from 4 to 8 November 2026, marking its sixteenth year. It's an international independent film festival that spreads across various venues throughout the city, so you'll be moving between different spots over the five days rather than staying in one cinema. It's BAFTA-recognised and backed by Aesthetica Magazine, York St John University, London College of Communication, and the British Film Institute.

The screenings cover a wide range of short films — animation, comedy, drama, fashion, music video, and thriller — so there's plenty to pick from regardless of what you're into. But it's more than just watching films. There are VR and games labs, a podcasting lounge, industry masterclasses, networking sessions, live performances, pitching opportunities, and the New Music Stage. The festival describes itself as 'the destination for independent cinema' and 'a gateway to the future of storytelling'.

It's built for a mixed crowd: professional filmmakers, film fans, game developers, and VR enthusiasts, but it's open to anyone with an interest in cinema and new tech. If you're more of a casual viewer, the screenings are the easiest way in; if you're working in the industry, the masterclasses and networking are where you'll get the most out of it.

The festival has been running since 2011, growing from its first edition into something that brings in new forms of screen culture alongside the films. Over those sixteen years, it's hosted big names from the industry and given a platform to emerging filmmakers. They also keep an online archive and film library showing official selections from the previous fifteen years, so you can get a feel for what's come before.

Tickets are on sale now, and you'll need to book in advance. The full programme comes out on 1 September 2026, so you can see exactly what's playing and where before you commit.