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2026 Passes
Book your pass or treat a loved one to the gift of independent cinema. Come and join us in York from 4-8 November. Visit our historic venues and experience film how it was intended – on the big screen, as part of a community. These tickets are valid in-venue only, with no access to On Demand streaming. You can attend as many film screenings as you’d like, plus masterclasses and events, although you should pre-register for these in advance. Passes are available for one day, two days or the full five days. After purchasing, you’ll receive an online receipt via email. This should be exchanged for a physical ticket or lanyard at the Hub Desk (City Screen Picturehouse, York, YO1 9QL) on arrival at the festival.
One Day In Person
Short on time but love independent film? Here is your opportunity to experience as much as you can in one day at Aesthetica 2026. You will have access to the venues 9am-11pm and you can see as much as you like within that time. You will also be able to attend events, Labs, masterclasses and workshops, but you must pre-register in advance. The ticket is valid for one day within 4-8 November. This ticket does not include access to digital content.
Two Day In Person
You have the freedom to choose two days that suit you to attend the festival. On these two days you will be able to register for events, Labs, masterclasses and workshops. This is your chance to engage with the festival at your own pace and dive into the world of independent film for 48 hours. The ticket is valid in-venue only from 4-8 November for two days of your choice. It does not include digital access, only access to in-person events in York.
Unlimited In Person
Join us for the whole festival. Get ready for an independent film extravaganza! You will have access to all the film screenings and you can register for events, Labs, masterclasses and workshops. This is your chance to fully embrace the festival and spend as much time as you would like in front of the big screen. The ticket is valid in-venue only from 4-8 November. It does not include digital access, only to in-person events in York.
Single Screening
Valid for one screening at any venue from 4-8 November. The ticket holder may attend one film screening in any venue on any day. Take your email to the festival hub, where you will be given a paper ticket. The ticket is valid for one use only and does not allow access to masterclasses. Please note that seating is first-come, first-served.
York Resident Pass
Save 25% on a One Day Festival Pass with a York Card or proof of York address. This is an opportunity for York residents to attend the festival and soak up the films. Proof of residency will be required upon collection. You must live in York to qualify for this pass. This is for film screenings only, and does not include Masterclasses.
Opening Night
Aesthetica launches its 16th edition with a screening of inspiring and thought-provoking works from the 2026 Official Selection. Curated by Festival Director Cherie Federico, our Opening Night Ceremony spans a broad range of themes, topics and genres, providing a taster of what’s to come over the week and showing the power of film.
Aesthetica Gift Card
Give the gift of independent cinema, creativity, and innovation with an Aesthetica Film Festival Gift Voucher. Recipients will enjoy access to an extraordinary programme of film screenings, masterclasses, networking opportunities, pitching sessions, and hands-on workshops, as well as our cutting-edge Games and VR Labs. As one of the UK’s most distinctive festivals and part of the UNESCO City of Media Arts, Aesthetica offers a truly unique experience.
In-Person passes for the Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2026 are available now, with Hybrid and Virtual Passes being released soon. In the meantime, the Aesthetica Gift Voucher can be redeemed against all festival tickets, passes, and merchandise, as well as Aesthetica Magazine, the Future Now Symposium, Aesthetica Anthologies, and more. Explore the full list of options here.
Merchandise
Printed Programme
We all love print. It’s a wonderful feeling to experience the tactile nature of a printed programme in your hands – to flip through and mark off all the films and sessions that you’d like to see. We all have such fond memories of doing that at festivals, and this is your way to continue that tradition. This is the ultimate souvenir of the Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025.
Notebook with Pen
Every great idea begins with a single word. The Aesthetica Notebook, Inspired by Ideas, invites you to capture thoughts, sketch projects, and chart the next chapter of your journey. Designed for elegance and practicality, it features a soft-touch cover and 96 sheets of cream, lined 70gsm paper provide an inviting surface for writing, drawing, planning or brainstorming.
Black Tote Bag
We all need to say goodbye to single-use plastic. At Aesthetica, we love a good tote bag – stylish, practical, and sustainable. This Tote Bag made its debut at the Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025 and has become a favorite among film lovers. Show your passion for independent cinema and creative culture by incorporating this tote into your daily life.