Two lanyards which read 'Sunday Pass' and a programme, things that you are given when experiencing Aesthetica Short Film Festival

Experiencing Aesthetica Short Film Festival

9th November 2025 - New Experience Number 23

Jump to 'Try it yourself'

Experiencing Aesthetica Short Film Festival was something I’d never done before, despite it being in its 15th year! Deciding to give it a go and find out what it was all about, I bought passes for myself and the Other Half.

I was absolutely blown away by what a brilliant event it is, and felt so proud that this happens in my home city.

This post contains everything you need to know about visiting the festival – and why it’s such a special experience.

What is Aesthetica Short Film Festival?

Aesthetica Short Film Festival (ASFF) is a 5 day event held in the city of York, celebrating independent film.

When I say film, I don’t mean feature-length movies. Instead, the festival showcases high quality short films of extraordinary creativity

These films range from animation and documentary to drama, thriller, comedy, and even advertisements that tell powerful stories in just a few minutes. 

Alongside the screenings, there are masterclasses, workshops, labs, and networking events where you can learn from industry insiders and share ideas with fellow creatives.

The official website sums it up perfectly, saying that it is ‘shining a light on the best in moving image and digital culture’.

Challenge Fifty-Two, a white woman standing outside in a coat and scarf pointing at a banner which reads 'Aesthetica'
Experiencing the festival for the first time.

Sharing films from around the world, this is a festival supporting and championing filmmaking and it’s an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in an abundance of creativity.

It’s a big deal

If a filmmaker’s short film wins certain awards at Aesthetica, that film is then allowed to be considered for BAFTA (the British Academy of Film and Television Arts), or BIFA (British Independent Film Awards) awards.

It’s a highly respected festival that not only helps films to reach and inspire new audiences, it can also be a significant springboard for careers.

Many of the films are made by new or young filmmakers, not big Hollywood studios. So it’s a place where you can discover fresh voices, original talent and bold storytelling.

Why York?

York is the UK’s only UNESCO City of Media Arts. How cool is that?

This title recognises the city’s unique creative strengths. York is steeped in stories from centuries past, but it has also embraced technology, design, and media. Creative individuals and businesses continue to emerge from the cobbled streets, making it a hub for innovation, imagination, and ideas.

A view across a garden to York Minster. It's an autumnal day with lots of orange leaves on the trees, and the sky is blue.
York, not only beautiful, but also the only UK City to be named a UNESCO City of Media Arts

Who is Aesthetica Short Film Festival for?

One of the things I love about the festival is how it really is for anyone and is very family friendly.

Yes, it’s an important event for those working in – or aspiring to work in – the film industry, but you don’t need any industry knowledge to enjoy it.

If you enjoy films, appreciate art, love storytelling, want to soak yourself in creativity, feel inspired, or simply want to watch something a little bit different, you’ll find it all at the festival.

Close up of a colour programme for the 2025 Aesthetica Short Film Festival
There's so much going on - just look at the size of the programme!

How Passes Work - Experiencing Aesthetica Short Film Festival

In order to be part of the festival you need to buy a pass, and there are lots of options available. Whether you want to dip a toe in the water or fully immerse yourself in all of the creative wonder that’s available throughout the program, you can decide.

  • Single screening – allows you to attend one screening in person at any venue during the festival.
  • In-Person Passes – allow you to attend any of the masterclasses, workshops, labs and more in any of the venues. You can buy an in-person pass for one day, two days, or for the full duration of the festival
  • Virtual Passes – allow you access to the online platform where you can view the content from wherever you are. You can buy virtual passes which give you access to the platform for 24 hours, one week, or one month.
  • Hybrid Passes – allow you to attend in person events for one day, two days or the full week, AND give you access to the virtual content too.

Prices for passes vary, with discounts for children aged between 5 and 14, seniors, and students. 

Two passes for Experiencing Aesthetica Short Film Festival. They are one day passes for the Sunday and are on yellow lanyards.
There are lots of options for passes. We bought one day passes for Sunday.

Screenings - Experiencing Aesthetica Short Film Festival

Screenings usually consist of multiple short films in a particular genre with a common thread linking them all together.

Lasting between an hour to an hour and a half, screenings take place at venues across the city of York. It means you can stretch your legs, see the sights, and enjoy some of the local hostelries as you move between events.

A big screen for showing films. It is blank as the house lights are on. The seats directly in front of the stage are empty.
Films are shown on big screens...
Exterior view of a building at York St John university. It is twilight and there are lights glowing from within.
...at venues across the city such as this one at York St John University.

Our Experience Of Aesthetica Short Film Festival

I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that this was the 15th year of the festival and it’s the first time we’ve ever been – it’s right on our door step! We’ve really no excuse for not engaging with such a fantastic event.

We picked up a day pass which meant we could visit any screenings or events happening throughout the day.

We started with a screening of adverts, which were a far cry from the throwaway seconds of hardselling we’re used to seeing on television. Instead, we watched beautifully crafted, thought-provoking mini stories.

The comedy collection was a wonderful celebration of quirky tales and colourful characters tellingstories from unique viewpoints. There were genuine laugh out loud moments, and heart warmingly touching sequences.

A pull up banner inside a venue next to a table and chairs. The banner is for the Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025
We really enjoyed the screenings we saw

We went along to the Games Lab where we got to play some brand new computer games, showcasing amazing visual artistry and creative gameplay.

I experienced some of the most awesome VR I’ve ever seen in the VR Lab. Taking a seat and putting on the headset, we were transported to whole new worlds. The video called Silent Disco was especially brilliant, I have never experienced such an intense VR world before, it genuinely felt as though the people were making eye contact with me.

I loved being a part of the festival, even though it was for just one day. Next year we’ll be getting passes for the full week to really take advantage of the phenomenal festival, that I’m incredibly proud happens in my home city.

Challenge Fifty-Two, a white woman with dark hair. She is sitting on a high chair inside a church and wearing a Virtual Reality headset. She is experiencing Aesthetica Short Film Festival.
Experiencing some of the most awesome VR I've ever encountered.
Challenge Fifty-Two, a white woman with dark hair and wearing a headset. She is sitting inside and experiencing Aesthetica Short Film Festival
Having a go on some of the amazing new computer games.

Discovering Amazing Experiences On Our Doorstep

One of the things I love about trying fifty-two new things a year is that it encourages curiosity and helps me discover experiences I might otherwise miss.

I’ve uncovered so many incredible things happening locally simply by looking for something new to try – and the more you look, the more you find.

Want To Try It Yourself?

Cost Of Experience

  • A one day pass in 2025 cost £35. However, York residents receive a discount and we paid just under £27 each for our one day pass pass. 
  • Check the Aesthetica Short Film Festival website for the most up to date prices. 
  • You can buy your pass online, or in person at the hub in York. 

Recommendations

  • Plan ahead. There is a lot in the programme, so it’s helpful to decide what you want to see and when at the start of the day. 
  • Check whether you need to book. Whilst you can simply turn up for most items on the programme, it does indicate when you need to book a place for particular activities, so make sure you check so you can avoid disappointment.
  • Enjoy the City. Whether you’re a visitor to York or you’re a local, the festival is a brilliant way to explore the city as well as enjoy the films. 
  • Enjoy! Whatever you go to see, sit back, relax, and enjoy some incredible short films. 

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