Pupils from schools across York showcased their filmmaking talent as part of special celebration at York’s international film festival, the BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Short Film Festival.
Now in its 14th year, the Aesthetica Short Film Festival attracts audiences and filmmakers from across the world to York over a five-day period. This year, it developed the citywide Filmmaking in Schools project to nurture homegrown talent and strengthen York’s global status as a UNESCO City of Media Arts.
The project was part-funded by City of York Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, alongside support from Viridian FX and Aesthetica. The Aesthetica team delivered 40 workshops across five schools, helping 75 young people to harness their creativity and explore subjects like History and English through filmmaking. This initiative also forms part of the city’s celebrations for the tenth anniversary of York’s UNESCO City of Media Arts designation.
Students from Fulford School, Archbishop Holgate’s School, Millthorpe, York High, and Joseph Rowntree School presented a variety of film projects, covering topics ranging from the Future of AI to the history of their schools and the wives of Henry VIII.
The films, which were shown as part of the Aesthetica Festival, were shown as part of a special screening at City Screen on Sunday 10 November and included:
- The Future of AI
- Transcend
- The History of the Archbishop of Holgate's School
- The Many Wives of Henry VIII
- Tick Tock
Claire Foale, Interim Director of City Development at City of York Council, said:
We’re incredibly proud of the imagination, hard work and creativity that has gone into the media arts films.
"With Expo 2024 showcasing the huge talent, innovation and ambition the city has in VR, independent film, games and visual effects, our young people are the content creators of tomorrow and I am so excited about the future opportunities creative arts will give them.
“The Filmmaking in Schools project demonstrates the depth and interest young people have in the creative and cultural arts sector, upholding our UNESCO of Media Arts status for the world to see, and is nothing short of outstanding. The home-grown talent across the city is clearly ready, willing and more than able to continue building the city’s reputation as one of the country’s most exciting creative hubs for generations to come. We are delighted to have supported Aesthetica to inspire the next generation and look forward to seeing what comes next.”
Cherie Federico, Director of Aesthetica, said:
Setting up the Filmmaking in Schools project with five schools in York is an incredible step forward in using our UNESCO City of Media Arts designation to create meaningful educational pathways.
"By bringing filmmaking into the classroom, we're providing students with hands-on experience in a thriving, creative industry, paving the way for future career opportunities and showcasing York as a hub for innovation in the arts.”
“This project not only inspires young minds but also strengthens our city and region by nurturing local talent, empowering students to become storytellers, and fostering a community of creative growth and opportunity for years to come."
The Filmmaking in Schools project equips students with versatile, transferable skills, including storytelling, communication, project management, and leadership. Through writing, directing, and producing, they develop critical thinking, adaptability, and technical literacy—skills that are vital in the media, business, and technology sectors.
Collaboration on set fosters teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving, while hands-on experience with equipment enhances digital skills. These workshops nurture creativity and precision, preparing students for careers in diverse fields and empowering them with practical abilities for both professional and personal success.