Aesthetica Short Film Festival (ASFF)

Wednesday, 05 November 2025 until Sunday, 09 November 2025

The 15th edition of the Aesthetica Film Festival will run from 5-30 November 2025 in York, UK. We will deliver a hybrid experience, with in-person events from 5-9 November and the On Demand digital platform running from 5-30 November to complement the festival’s live experience. The Industry programme will include masterclasses, panels, networking, pitching and an opportunity for you to get involved. You can submit to 12 genres as well as VR Projects, 360 Films, Games, Narrative and Documentary Features.

Selected films will screen in competition and be eligible for our coveted awards, including Best in Category and the Best of Festival Award. The festival is BAFTA-Qualifying for short films and £5,000 of cash prizes are up for grabs.

Aesthetica is one of the UK’S leading film events, recognised by the BFI as a Festival of National Significance and being both BAFTA and BIFA-Qualifying for short film.

All films selected will screen in competition and will be eligible for our Best in Category Awards which are decided by a jury of industry experts.

In addition to the Best in Category awards, Aesthetica presents a number of special awards which offer project support, services as well as a combined total of £5000 in cash prizes.

Special Awards:
- Best of Festival – all selected films eligible
- Best Cinematography – all selected films eligible
- Best Director – all selected films eligible
- Best Editing – all selected films eligible
- Best Screenplay – all selected films eligible

Category Awards:
- Best Advertising Film
- Best Animation
- Best Artists' Film
- Best Comedy
- Best Dance Film
- Best Documentary
- Best Drama
- Best Experimental Film
- Best Family Friendly Film
- Best Game
- Best Music Video
- Best Thriller
- Best VR, Immersive & 360 Project
- Best Narrative Feature
- Best Documentary Feature

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Aesthetica Short Film Festival (ASFF)