From the 5th to the 8th of November, York’s annual Aesthetica Short Film Festival returns for its fifth anniversary. With over 300 films screening, this year’s festival promises to be one to remember. Sam Love takes a look at what’s on offer.
The Films
Of course, the main pull with Aesthetica Short Film Festival is the films. This year’s line-up includes over 300 films, with advertising, animation, artists’ film, comedy, dance, documentary, drama, experimental, fashion, music video and thriller making up the eleven categories. With films from both established and emerging filmmakers, ASFF supports independent film from all over the world. This year welcomes special screenings from several guest countries: China, Brazil and Cuba. ASFF also celebrates past winners in carefully curated fifth Anniversary screenings, as well as hosting a special showing of Simon Armitage and Richard Heslop’s film The Raft. And with a dedicated family-friendly programme available, there truly is something for everyone.
Masterclasses
This year’s festival delivers a record number of masterclasses and panel discussions, across ten categories covering all areas of film. Film production, performing, journalism and the industry in general are all covered by a wide variety of speakers. The ticketed events are a steal at £8.50 each, providing rare insights in all areas from industry leaders. These include speakers from Channel 4, the Association of Camera Operators, Little White Lies, award-winning VFX giant Framestore and more.
Special Events
A variety of invited ticketed events are also taking place, including parties, networking sessions and the festival’s closing awards ceremony and after party. These events provide excellent opportunities to make new connections, both socially and professionally – especially professionally at the Meet The Film Festivals event which enables attendants to connect with programmers from such festivals as Raindance and the London Short Film Festival.
York Itself
ASFF transforms the historic city’s most iconic locations through the medium of cinema, with over 15 venues playing host to the films, masterclasses and events.
Explore York. Experience Film.
Tickets are available here: http://www.asff.co.uk/tickets/
View the ASFF 2015 Programme: http://aestheti.cc/m24ks
View the ASFF 2015 Trailer: http://aestheti.cc/trailer2015