Aesthetica Film Festival 2026

The BAFTA-qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival brings independent film screenings, masterclasses and workshops to venues across York, including York St John University.

The Aesthetica Film Festival is a BAFTA-qualifying festival celebrating independent cinema, welcoming filmmakers, games developers and VR experts to York, a UNESCO City of Media Arts. The programme includes film screenings, industry masterclasses, kids' workshops and events, both in-person and online. Screenings and live events take place across 15 venues citywide, with York St John University's Lord Mayor's Walk campus among them; the university has hosted and sponsored the festival since it began in 2011.