Back for its eighth year, the Aesthetica Short Film Festival has just revealed details of its 2018 line-up.
And anyone who loves movies will want to be there. Described by organisers as having largest and most diverse programme to date, the November event features more than 300 films and 80 events across five days.
- Wed Nov 7 – Sun Nov 11
- Various
- More details
And for the first time not all the films will be that short. ASFF is expanding its selection to longer-form stories, screening narrative and documentary feature films.
Inspired by alumni who have gone on to achieve further success, such as BAFTA-nominee Francis Lee (God’s Own Country), the festival provides an opportunity to see the next generation of talent.
Studio stars
Top movie talent will be in town as part of the screen fest.
They include Alice Lowe. The actor and screenwriter – and creator of the blackly hilarious horror comedy Sightseers – will be talking about the changing film industry and how to take an idea from script to screen.
Aardman Animation, home of Wallace & Gromit and Early Man will be represented by director Merlin Crossingham.
He will reveal insider knowledge of Aardman’s instantly recognisable style, character profiles and stop-motion technique – and give advice on achieving animated success.
Screenwriter Matt Greenhalgh (Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool, The Look of Love, Nowhere Boy, Control) will discuss his art, including how to bring realistic characters to life and pen engaging dialogue.
And one of the people who created the stunning effects for films including Solo: A Star Wars Story, Ready Player One and Transformers: The Last Knight, Julian Foddy, VFX Supervisor for Industrial Light & Magic, will explore visual movie effects.
ASFF 2018 will also see the launch of a Virtual Reality Lab in partnership with London College of Communication. Running alongside the lab, daily discussions consider the challenges of VR filmmaking in the 21st century.
With so much on it almost makes you want to wish the summer away. Find out more on the festival website here.