This year’s 15th annual BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival is the biggest yet. As one of the largest screen and media events in the UK, the biggest names in film and television will descend upon York for five electrifying days (05-09 Nov). The programme is set to be the most exciting yet, with plans unveiled today for a brand-new series of evening events at York Theatre Royal, which will run four of the five nights of the festival run.
Entitled ‘Beyond The Frame’, the events are part of the plans for Aesthetica to evolve beyond a traditional film festival into a vibrant celebration of screen culture, live performance and fresh voices. Blending comedy, conversation, film and music into a dynamic, multi-dimensional experience, York Theatre Royal’s Main House stage will host four incredible events this November.
Kicking off the programme on Wed 05 Nov will be a fabulous comedy night- Sophie Duker & Friends: Three Brilliant Women – featuring some of the sharpest, boldest voices in stand-up. Featuring Sophie Duker (Taskmaster champion and star of Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week and Frankie Boyle’s New World Order), Eleanor Tiernan (BBC3’s Stand Up For Live Comedy, Radio 4’s The News Quiz) and Bella Hull (Comedy Central Live, ITV’s The Stand Up Sketch Show, and BBC’s Stand Up for Live Comedy). Audiences can expect an evening in the company of three fearless voices delivering sharp, witty, and unforgettable performances that capture the spirit of storytelling through humour.
Next, on Thu 06 Nov, will be a dazzling collision of classic cinema and live music as The Dodge Brothers bring their acclaimed live score to Beggars of Life (1928), a landmark American silent film starring Louise Brooks. With renowned film critic and BBC presenter Mark Kermode on double bass and harmonica, and joined by the extraordinary Neil Brand – celebrated silent film accompanist and star of BBC Four’s Sound of Cinema – on piano, this electrifying ensemble transforms a black-and-white masterpiece into a full-blooded cinematic event. Whether performing at Glastonbury, Latitude, or on screen via BBC Radio 2, The Culture Show and The One Show, The Dodge Brothers have built a cult following for their foot-stomping sound and genre-defying performances. Their live scores are hailed by critics as “a revelation,” combining academic insight and raw musical power. This is silent cinema as you’ve never experienced it — urgent, raw, loud and alive.
On Fri 07 Nov join Mark Kermode: In Conversation with Jenny Nelson. Hear from the Co-Authors of Mark Kermode’s Surround Sound about the magic of Film Music. Join Britain’s best-known film critic Mark Kermode and award-winning radio producer Jenny Nelson for an unmissable evening of cinematic insight, sharp wit and passionate debate. Together, they explore the power of film music, inspired by their new book Mark Kermode’s Surround Sound. Mark is a BAFTA member and Observer columnist. Known for his razor-sharp reviews on Kermode & Mayo’s Take and bestselling books like The Good, The Bad and The Multiplex, he brings encyclopaedic film knowledge and famously fiery opinions to the stage. Jenny produced Mark’s Scala Radio film music show for five years and brings deep behind-the-scenes expertise and a broadcaster’s ear to the conversation.
From cult classics to blockbuster scores, expect passionate discussion, revealing stories, and plenty of chances to ask questions and join the debate. This is a night of honest, hilarious, and deeply informed film talk you simply won’t hear anywhere else – from the definitive voice of British cinema.
Finally, on Sat 08 Nov, discover tomorrow’s sound at Sound & Vision: New Music Talent Stage, where ten emerging UK acts compete live, spotlighting fresh music across genres and underscoring the powerful link between music and film. Ten new artists and bands – spanning genres from indie and folk to grime, jazz, and experimental pop – will perform live throughout the day on the Main House stage. Each is in competition for industry recognition, mentorship, and the chance to make a serious mark. Audiences are invited to come and experience the future of sound – raw, bold and ready to take over.
Attendees will be able to get a Music Pass and have flexibility to attend and see the bands throughout the day.
Cherie Federico, Director of Aesthetica said: “Aesthetica is more than a film festival — it’s a cultural moment. A space for discovery, reflection and progress, ASFF is designed to elevate the creative industries through film screenings, masterclasses, networking and talent development. This year, with the launch of Beyond the Frame at York Theatre Royal, we are expanding the boundaries of what a festival can be – merging cinema, comedy, music and conversation into a bold new platform for live, interdisciplinary storytelling. It marks a pivotal step in our evolution, creating unforgettable shared experiences and spotlighting the voices shaping screen culture today.”
Paul Crewes, CEO of York Theatre Royal said, “We have been supporters of the Aesthetica Film Festival since its inception 15 years ago. We are delighted to work with them on this exciting new season of events which expands their festival programme. We are always looking for ways to bring something new to York’s cultural scene – and with the city’s designation as a UNESCO City of Media Arts, this felt like the perfect partnership. Fusing comedy, conversation, film and music into one incredible line-up of events, we are excited to welcome audiences in for something entirely new this Autumn!”
All events go on sale today (14 Jul) from 1pm – tickets are available from the York Theatre Royal Box Office (01904 623568) or online at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.
York Theatre Royal will also be a venue for the ASFF 2025 line-up of film screenings and masterclasses (05-09 Nov). More details on booking festival passes can be found on the Aesthetica website.
