Aesthetica Film Festival is coming back for 2025 – and has revealed its first series of events.
The BAFTA-qualifying film festival returns to York for its 15th year from Wednesday 5 to Sunday 9 November, with plans unveiled today for a brand new series of evening events at York Theatre Royal – with guests like Mark Kermode and Sophie Duker forming part of the exciting programme.
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.
Kicking off the programme on Wed 5 Nov will be a fabulous comedy night- Sophie Duker & Friends: Three Brilliant Women – featuring some of the sharpest, boldest voices in stand-up: 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).
On Thu 6 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.
Mark Kermode will also be in conversation with Jenny Nelson on Fri 7 Nov, for an unmissable evening of cinematic insight, sharp wit and passionate debate as they explore the power of film music, inspired by their new book Mark Kermode’s Surround Sound.
Ten emerging UK acts will compete live on Sat 8 Nov, spotlighting fresh music across genres and underscoring the powerful link between music and film in competition Sound & Vision: New Music Talent Stage.
Cherie Federico, director of Aesthetica said: “Aesthetica is more than a film festival — it’s a cultural moment.
“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.”
All events are already on sale – and tickets are available from the York Theatre Royal Box Office (01904 623568) or online at York Theatre Royal’s website here.