THE seventh edition of the BAFTA-recognised Aesthetica Short Film Festival returns to York from November 8 to 12. Now extended to five days, the largest festival to date presents 300 short films, alongside a wealth of events that immerse industry attendees and film enthusiasts alike in the power and craft of independent cinema.

1. Watch the opening night films

Covering a huge range of genres – from comedy and drama to thriller and fashion – this is a fantastic introduction for those attending the festival for the first time. Not sure which screenings to attend? Get a taster at York Theatre Royal on November 10 at 10.15am.

2. Informative discussions Introducing today’s brightest filmmakers. These imaginative panels are a hotbed for ideas and conversation. Topics for this year include Building a Career in Short Film, Challenges of Originality and Get Ahead in Fashion Film. Various venues, November 9 to 12.

3. Bring all the family

ASFF’s Family Friendly screenings delight and inspire youngsters and adults alike. Calling on animation and live action works, these films spark ideas, providing lasting memories and resonating with youthful imaginations. Suitable for four to 12 years old. Various venues, November 8 to 12.

4. A beautiful film installation In association with Channel 4’s Random Acts

 ASFF offers an interactive exhibition where audiences can choose from more than 200 short films to watch at their own pace. With immersive touchscreens, this promises to be both exciting and eye-opening. At York Explore, November 8 to 22.

5. Aesthetica Motown Party Held in The Basement at City Screen.

This is a new event that brings together classics from Motown, funk and Northern Soul. Celebrate new friendships or simply enjoy the Motown label’s iconic hits with fellow attendees. November 9, 8pm.

York Press:

Emma Brewin's Spring Summer, showing at the 2017 Aesthetica Short Film Festival in York

6. Rethink comedy

These films are both accessible and deeply connective. Separated into themes, each screening touches on the absurdity of the everyday, with topics including modern families, alternate realities and bad neighbours. Various venues, November 8 to 12.

7. Andi Osho: Actor, Director, Comedian

Andi Osho’s wide-ranging credits include Psychoville, Waking The Dead, Live At The Apollo and Mock The Week. Here she discusses personal experiences from being both in front of and behind the lens. York Theatre Royal, November 10, 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

8. Eye-opening documentaries

From global politics to local communities, this genre pulls at the strings of reality and offers an emotive, responsive and hard-hitting representation of life. Leave asking more questions than when you arrived. Various venues, November 8 to 12.

9. Special screenings

See films by ASFF’s 2016’s winning filmmakers; commemorate the First World War with a screening of The Battle Of The Ancre, or immerse yourself in visual storytelling from Poland as part of the 2017 Guest Programmes, as well as a selection of LGBTQ+ films. A unique opportunity to engage with different cultures. Various venues, November 8 to 12.

10. Emotive dramas

Complicated, profound and devastatingly human, these screenings linger in the mind and trigger deeply embedded feelings through an intimate lens. Into The Unknown, Tales Of Destruction and Secrets And Lies are among the intriguing titles. Various venues, November 8 to 12.

The 2017 Aesthetica Short Film Festival runs in York from November 8 to 12. Screening passes and event tickets can be booked at asff.co.uk/tickets and collected from the ASFF Hub at Visit York, Museum Street, from November 7. Full festival details can be found at asff.co.uk, with the official 2017 programme at aestheti.cc/vy5qp