The 7th Aesthetica Short Film Festival (ASFF), a BAFTA-recognised celebration of short filmmaking, took place from 8–12 November 2017 across the historic city of York, UK. Over five days the festival expanded its programme to include 300 films, more than 30 industry-led sessions and events hosted across 18 venues, offering a wide-ranging showcase of contemporary short film work and independent storytelling.
ASFF’s 2017 edition presented films across 11 categories: advertising, animation, comedy, dance, documentary, drama, experimental, fashion, music video and thriller. Each screening competed for awards including Best of Category, People’s Choice and Festival Winner, alongside the Northern Film School Award for Best Screenplay. The festival’s varied programme aimed to reflect the diversity of short-form cinema, presenting UK premieres and new work from emerging and established filmmakers alike.
For a sense of the festival’s tone and scope, the official ASFF 2017 trailer captured highlights from the line-up and programme events:
ASFF’s 2017 jury brought together experienced professionals and educators from across the film and creative industries. Jury members included Adam Gee (Little Dot Studios), Andrew Fryer (Leeds Beckett University), Christine Morrow (Northern Ireland Screen), Gisli Snaer (London Film School), Isabelle Croissant (HOME), Lydia Beilby (Edinburgh International Film Festival), Matimba Kabalika (BFI NET.WORK), Philip Ilson (London Short Film Festival), Philip Sindall (Association of Camera Operators), Robbie Gibbon (Editor), Sarah Ahern (ADIFF) and Stephen Whelan (Pulse Films). These jurors assessed entries across categories and helped determine the festival’s award winners.
The festival also attracted notable on-screen talent, with appearances and screenings featuring BAFTA winners and nominees as part of wider events and special presentations. That year’s guests included actors such as Martin Freeman (known for Sherlock and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey), Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake, the Harry Potter films), Idris Elba (Luther, Thor: Ragnarok) and Toby Jones (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Berberian Sound Studio). Other high-profile attendees included Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Game of Thrones, Headhunters) and beloved comedic performers Rob Brydon (The Trip, Gavin & Stacey) and Tamsin Greig (Episodes, Black Books).
Festival director Cherie Federico commented on the expanded five-day format:
“For the first time in seven years, ASFF will run across five days presenting us with even more opportunities to showcase the incredible talent that is constantly reinventing the art of filmmaking. The festival is well known for its aim to expand and engage audiences’ perceptions of independent storytelling and I’m looking forward to welcoming festival goers to the seventh edition, which is bursting with fantastic events and screenings.”
Screening passes and event tickets were available to book online and collected from the ASFF Hub at Visit York, 1 Museum Street, York, YO1 7DT from 7 November. The festival’s central hub served as an information point for schedules, ticketing and industry sessions throughout the event.
Highlights of the ASFF experience included curated strands of programming, panel discussions with industry professionals, workshops and masterclasses, and networking opportunities designed for filmmakers and film fans. The festival’s combination of competitive screenings and industry-led sessions made it a focal point for short-film discovery and professional development in the UK festival calendar.
For reference, the festival worked with a range of partners and cultural organisations to deliver its programme and awards. The festival homepage and partner listings provided detailed schedules, line-ups and submission information for filmmakers and audiences planning their visits.
A Full List of Festival Partners – http://www.asff.co.uk/partners
The Festival Homepage – http://www.asff.co.uk/
Aesthetica Magazine Homepage – http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/
You can also follow Aesthetica and ASFF on social media for programme updates and festival news.