We return to York to answer your filmmaking questions
Starts at
04 Nov 2026 16:00
Location
York
We're heading back to York for Aesthetica Short Film Festival!
Aesthetica Short Film Festival is one of the UK’s leading BAFTA and BIFA Qualifying film festivals, based in York. From 4-8 November 2026, the 16th edition will bring together filmmakers and industry leaders for screenings, masterclasses, panels, networking, pitching and more.
Join us on Wednesday 4 November for a roundtable conversation with our BFI NETWORK Talent Executives – your chance to ask questions, share ideas, and connect directly with our team and BFI-supported filmmakers. Then on Thursday 5 November we'll keep the conversation going at our filmmaker mixer – another opportunity to grow your network and find new collaborators.
Got a burning question about filmmaking, short film production or career development? Put it to our BFI NETWORK Talent Executives and the filmmaking team behind NOWT - director Milda Baginskaitė and writer Emma Doherty.
York Theatre Royal (Upper Foyer), St. Leonard's Place, York YO1 7HD
Our filmmaker mixer is an informal meet-up for creatives working with narrative across film, television and digital media. Whether you’re developing a feature, shaping a short, or exploring a new idea, this session invites you to meet others working with story in all its forms and stages. There’s no set agenda – come along, introduce yourself to someone new, and start a conversation.
We'll be joined by New Writing North and the BFI Doc Society to talk about their current opportunities and available support for filmmakers.
New Writing North's current programme offers awards, mentoring, placements with production companies, writers’ rooms, script hubs, workshops, roadshows and one-to-one surgeries. Their growing network includes those who are totally new to screenwriting, emerging television and film writers, and writers who are experienced in different forms, but are looking to move into screenwriting.
The BFI Doc Society Fund is the official delegate partner for distributing BFI National Lottery funding for UK documentary films and non-fiction immersive projects.
Lonely Dave resolves to save slacker housemate, Gary, from a VR addiction, but risks their friendship when he questions the validity of Gary’s virtual girlfriend. Directed by Varun Raman and Tom Hancock.
Nowt
Who Am I? (Drama 4)
Thursday 5 November, City Screen 1, 21:00 Saturday 7 November, Friargate, 10:00 Sunday 8 November, City Screen 2, 15:00
Nowt follows a rebellious teenager falling dangerously in love with an older boy, leading her down a path that could change her life forever. Directed by Milda Baginskaite.
