12/08/2011

Issued by Aesthetica Short Film Festival (ASFF)

Incorporating creative programming and alternative venues, the Aesthetica Short Film Festival (ASFF) is the latest addition to the British film festival circuit. ASFF offers a unique experience within the festival landscape, bringing new and innovative cinema to visitors in one of Britain's best-loved cities, using its iconic, public and hidden spaces as a backdrop.

ASFF is a celebration of independent film from across the world with 150 films being screened from 30 countries. Occupying the same territory as festivals such as Branchage and Encounters, the organisers of ASFF hope that visitors will leave with a greater awareness and appreciation both for independent film and the centuries of history in York. Surprisingly, ASFF is the first film festival ever to be hosted in the city of York.

The full programme will include a series of master classes and workshops which support and champion short filmmaking - complimenting the region's drive towards innovation in media and the creative arts, such as: From Shorts to Features with Ivana MacKinnon (Associate Producer of Slumdog Millionaire) and Screening writing with Matt Greenhalgh, (Control and Nowhere Boy) and pitching with Channel 4.

Taking place in 14 diverse locations, York's medieval halls, tourist destinations and contemporary art spaces will be transformed into one-off, site-specific venues that will allow visitors the opportunity to explore the city and experience film in an accessible and unique setting. The screenings will cover a wide variety of genres and filmic styles, including narrative films, documentary, animation, music video and artists' film amongst others.

Sally Joynson, Chief Executive, Screen Yorkshire, comments: "Screen Yorkshire is very excited to be working with Aesthetica on such a great festival. In a time of uncertainty over future funding it is heartening to see fresh and energetic projects making good things happen, adding a new and vibrant experience to the Yorkshire and UK festival scene."

Cherie Federico, Director of Aesthetica Magazine and ASFF says: "I am delighted to introduce ASFF to the UK's film festival circuit. Showcasing the very best in independent cinema, with a diverse range of innovative master classes, and events, ASFF brings a new experience to the boutique festival. Using, the beautiful city of York as its backdrop, ASFF will host screenings in a range of venues from Medieval Halls, City Walls and indie film outlets. ASFF brings a new enthusiasm to cinema and the overall festival experience. It's one not to miss!"

Gillian Cruddas, Chief Executive of Visit York comments: "York's first short film festival will attract thousands of new visitors to the city and raise the bar of the city's cultural offering still further. It is such a coup to have top class producers such as Ivana MacKinnon taking part in the festival and we offer our full support to this dynamic and innovative event.'"

Professor David Fleming, Vice Chancellor of York St John University added:
"We are delighted to support the ASFF and to encourage the development of film in the city. We look forward to welcoming film makers and enthusiasts to the master classes hosted at York St John, where some of the most well-renowned names will provide expert guidance and share their experience at the heart of the film industry."

ASFF 2011 - presented by Aesthetica Magazine - will be launched on the 3 November at City Screen, York's only venue for independent cinema.

Highlights from ASFF 2011 include:
• Master classes from Ivana MacKinnon, Associate Producer of Slumdog Millionaire, Alex Williams from Escape Studios, Europe's leading provider of 3D animation services, Saeed Taji Farouky, a documentary photographer, filmmaker and writer and TED Senior Follow and Matt Greenhalgh, screenwriter of Nowhere Boy, the celebrated John Lennon biopic and Control, the biographical film about Joy Division frontman, Ian Curtis.
• Talks from SXSW's short film programmer, America's premier film, digital and music festival, and the Senior Commissioner from Channel 4.
• Explore the historic Merchant Adventurers' Hall for an evening event with a difference, film screenings will be accompanied by live music and VJs.

Additional Information:
• ASFF is produced in partnership with Visit York, York Theatre Royal, City Screen, National Railway Museum, Jorvik and York Barbican, amongst others.
• The festival is presented in association with Aesthetica Magazine and supported by Creative York, York St John University, East Coast Trains and Coles Solicitors.
• Aesthetica is a bi-monthly international art and culture publication, with a combined audience of 100,000+. Aesthetica is a respected voice in contemporary art and culture and is stocked through WH Smiths nationally, major galleries including Tate Modern, ICA and the Serpentine as well as being exported to 20 countries worldwide. www.aestheticamagazine.com
• ASFF: THURSDAY 3 NOVEMBER - SUNDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2011

For further information visit www.asff.co.uk and images please contact:
Bethany Rex, T: 01904 479 168, E: bethany@aestheticamagazine.com