Aesthetica Film Festival & York Theatre Royal: New Voices, New Stories

A Special screening for York Theatre Royal Members

This November, York is the meeting place for filmmakers, artists, storytellers and audiences from around the world as the BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival returns to the city.

And, as a York Theatre Royal Member, we’d love you to be part of it.

For 16 years, York Theatre Royal and Aesthetica have shared a partnership rooted in a belief in the power of new ideas, new talent and ambitious storytelling. What began as a celebration of short film has grown into one of the UK’s major screen and media events, bringing filmmakers and creative voices from across the world to York. The 2026 festival runs from 04–08 November, with more than 300 films alongside masterclasses, premieres, live music, games, VR, podcasting and immersive art.

This year, we’re inviting you to experience a specially curated selection of films as part of:

New Voices, New Stories

A collection of bold, brilliant and unexpected short films spanning drama, comedy, documentary and animation – offering a glimpse of the filmmakers and storytellers shaping what comes next.

Whether you’re completely new to Aesthetica or already know the festival well, this is an opportunity to discover a different side of York’s creative life, all from your seat at York Theatre Royal.

There’s Plenty more to Discover

The festival’s presence at York Theatre Royal stretches far beyond the cinema screen. Throughout this year’s festival, the Theatre Royal becomes a home for ideas, conversations and live experiences – from industry masterclasses offering insights from leading figures across film, television and the creative industries, to a special celebration of 50 years of Aardman, exploring five decades of British animation, storytelling and stop-motion magic.

And music takes centre stage too. The Aesthetica New Music Stage brings ten emerging artists to the Theatre Royal, alongside industry insight and opportunities to discover the next generation of musical talent. Previous artists and this year’s emerging voices have received support and airplay from BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing and Radio 6.

It’s part of a bigger picture: Aesthetica is evolving beyond a traditional film festival into a celebration of screen culture, live performance, music and new voices – something that feels particularly at home here at York Theatre Royal.

A City Built for New Ideas

York has been a UNESCO City of Media Arts since 2014, recognising the city’s strength in creativity, digital innovation and media arts. The designation reflects a thriving creative community, world-class learning institutions and a growing network of artists, makers and creative businesses.

Aesthetica is a significant part of that story. The festival brings an international creative community to York, while creating opportunities for local audiences to encounter new work, meet artists and experience ideas from around the world. It is one of the ways York’s UNESCO City of Media Arts identity comes to life — not simply as a title, but as something we can all participate in.

As a York Theatre Royal Member, You’re Part of That Story Too.

Join us and discover a new generation of filmmakers. Find a story that surprises you. See what’s being made, imagined and talked about right now — and experience a little of the creative energy that makes York a City of Media Arts.

Aesthetica & York Theatre Royal: New Voices, New Stories

A specially curated screening for York Theatre Royal Members.

Wednesday 04 November from 19:30-21:00.

Tickets are FREE for YTR Members and 16-30 Members .