York’s Aesthetica Film Festival 2026, 4-8 November
From Wednesday 4 November – Sunday 8 November, the BAFTA- Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival returns to York, celebrating its 16th edition. The festival brings more than 300 award-winning films, games, VR projects, music and podcasts to venues across York, with a wide range of free events and activities for residents to enjoy alongside the wider programme.
The festival attracts filmmakers, creatives and organisations from across the UK and internationally, including BBC, Film4, Ridley Scott Associates, Aardman, Ubisoft and more. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase York as a leading cultural and creative city.
As a UNESCO City of Media Arts, this is an opportunity to celebrate York’s creative identity and showcase the brilliant work happening here. We’d love your help ensuring residents in your ward know what’s happening and have the opportunity to take part.
Free Events to Get Involved With:
● The city will light up with the Immersive Media Arts Trail from Wednesday 4 November – Sunday 8 November, with three installations from award-winning artists across the centre of York. See work from Squidsoup, the acclaimed light, sound and technology pioneers; Steve Messam, whose works are characterised by colour and scale; and Being Now Here, who specialises in immersive and interactive installations. The trail runs from Exhibition Square and York Theatre Royal to King’s Square and is free to all.
● The UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO also returns for its third year, taking place Thursday 5 November - Friday 6 November at De Grey Rooms. Bringing together around 40 creative businesses from across the region, the EXPO will showcase the incredible work happening locally across film, games, design, post-production, XR and more. The EXPO is free to attend.
● There are also a series of fantastic free workshops and talks for residents to engage with, presented by York Business School. Running alongside the EXPO from Thursday 5 November – Friday 6 November, industry experts including Argonon, Creative UK, the DBT, Innovate UK, PACT, Scottish Games Network and Screen Yorkshire will offer insights into audience, intellectual property, pitching, finance and exporting. This is an invaluable professional development opportunity.
York’s Aesthetica Film Festival (@ASFFest) returns 4-8 November, bringing an exciting programme of 300 films, games, music, podcasts, kids’ workshops and more to venues across the city.
There are lots of ways to get involved, including the Immersive Media Arts Trail, which will light up the city centre with three new installations, and the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO at De Grey Rooms from 5-6 November, showcasing 40 creative businesses from across the region. These events are free to attend.
There will also be a series of free workshops and talks, offering residents the chance to hear from creative industry leaders and learn more about opportunities across film, games, XR and more.
Discover creativity, new stories and world-class talent right here in York. For those that wish to attend the wider festival there are Resident Passes & Discounts.
Find out more: www.asff.co.uk/
