Luciano Blotta, OVUM / Thriller Finalist in ASFF 2018

Aesthetica Short Film Festival returns in 2018 with a progressive and inclusive celebration of cinema. Championing a diverse representation behind and in front of the camera, asking big questions about the future of filmmaking and presenting a development program overflowing with opportunities to further careers at all stages, ASFF, now in its eighth year, has fine-tuned a selection of films from across many genres and formats to present in some of the most idyllic and historically beautiful venues across York.

Diogo Baldaia, Miragem Meus Putos (Mirage My Bros) / Official Selection, Experimental

Kate Lefoe, Somersault Pike / Official Selection, Experimental

Jamille Van Wijngaarden, Ingejan Ligthart Schenk, Steye Hallema, Ashes to Ashes / Official Selection, VR

Carlus Fábrega, Custodia Compartida (Joint Custody) / Official Selection, Comedy

For the first time this year, ASFF has selected a series of feature length films to join the program. Keen to increase visibility of the filmmakers that the festival has supported over the years, both documentary and narrative features from some of the most acclaimed creators working in the artists today will play over the five days.

Short films as always span a vast array of genres, from the classic program of Drama, Comedy and Animation to Experimental and Dance strands, Artists’ Films and Fashion, which leans heavily into ASFF’s study of branded and commercial content at the festival this year.

María Magdalena, Integración / Official Selection, Fashion (2017)

Roxy Rezvany, Little Pyongyang / Official Selection, Documentary

Oscar World Peace, No White God / Official Selection, Music Video

June Hucko, Occupy / Official Selection, Music

Also new in 2018, a custom created The Screen School VR Lab, available to festival-goers throughout the festival. In partnership with the London College of Communication, the lab showcases a series of immersive sessions, showing that VR is beyond worries of being a fleeting trend, instead moving firmly into the future of storytelling and how we consume content.

Pablo Fala, Paradise / Official Selection, Narrative Feature Films

James Morgan, Seven / Official Selection, Drama

James Morgan, Seven / Official Selection, Drama

The Blink Fish, Start the Buzz / Official Selection, Advertising

Film enthusiasts with families can still enjoy the thrill of the festival with a whole strand dedicated to young children. The Family Friendly program is dedicated exclusively to 4-12 years olds, bringing short animations and accessible stories for younger minds, promising an exciting early relationship to cinema.

ASFF also brings back Cinema Bambino, a selection of screenings specifically for parents with babies, shown in a relaxed environment with plenty of access to pushchairs. Please be aware that films are rated with adults in mind, and sits in a different area of the program to the Family Friendly screenings.

Emma Miranda Moore, Swarm / Official Selection, Dance

Juno Calypso x GERIKO, The Salon / Official Selection, Fashion

Kevin Keck, American Letters / Official Selection, Drama

Fausto Montanari, Weird / Official Selection, Animation

Not just aware of representation in filmmaking, ASFF is attuned to who selects the films that are shown across the festival. With this in mind, a selection of Guest Programs will play throughout five day event that have been collated outside of the core programming team. Institutions and organizations such as Underwire Festival, the Scottish Documentary Institute, Iris Prize Festival and the British Urban Film Festival come forward to present themed events on subjects and identities ready to be engaged with and discussed.

Aesthetica Short Film Festival / 2018
November 7–11, 2018 / York, UK
Please visit the festival page >