Young Filmmakers Summer School .
The Aesthetica Young Filmmakers Summer School is a three-weekend programme taking place on 1–2 August, 8–9 August and 15-16 August, in partnership with Pauline Quirke Academy. It offers young people hands-on filmmaking experience, developing technical, creative and storytelling skills through collaborative, practical projects. Aligned with York’s UNESCO City of Media Arts status, the programme expands access to industry-relevant media arts education, strengthens teamwork and critical thinking, and helps create education and career pathways that support the city’s creative industries.
Who Can Participate
The Aesthetica Young Filmmakers Summer School is open to young people aged 11–16 living in York who are passionate about creativity, storytelling or film, regardless of previous experience. Participants will develop practical filmmaking skills, build confidence, work collaboratively with their peers and learn from industry professionals. The programme encourages creative thinking, problem-solving and communication, while providing an introduction to careers and opportunities within the media industries.
The Filmmaking School
Each course takes place over a Saturday and Sunday from 10:00-16:00 at York St John University Creative Centre, giving participants the opportunity to experience the complete filmmaking process. Led by professionals from Pauline Quirke Academy, young people will work together in small teams to develop a script, direct scenes, act, operate cameras and produce their own short film. There are three weekend sessions available to choose from, and participants must commit to attending both days in order to take part.
Screening Event
As part of the BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival, participants will be invited to a special screening at City Screen on 8 November, celebrating the films created during the Summer School. Young filmmakers will share their work with parents, schools and invited guests before taking part in a panel discussion reflecting on their creative journey. The event builds confidence, develops presentation and public speaking skills, and celebrates young voices within York's vibrant creative community.
Application Information .
- 18 June 2026 | Applications Open
- 5 July 2026 | Applications Close
- 1–2 August, York St John Creative Centre | Cohort 1 FULLY BOOKED
- 8–9 August, York St John Creative Centre | Cohort 2
- 15-16 August, York St John Creative Centre | Cohort 3 FULLY BOOKED
- 8 November | Screening and Panel at Aesthetica
- 8 November | Reception for Parents and Young People
Apply Now & Refundable Deposit
The Summer School is free, but a fully refundable £20 deposit is required to sign up. After purchasing the deposit, you will be emailed a sign up form to complete. Upon your child completing both days of the Aesthetica Young Filmmakers Summer School, your deposit will be refunded in full within 14 working days.