Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, is welcoming industry leaders to York this week as the city celebrates the 15th anniversary of the Aesthetica Film Festival. The Mayor will take part in several events across the festival programme, including the UK Film Production Company Summit on 6 November, highlighting the importance of creativity, collaboration, and innovation for the region’s future growth.
Aesthetica Film Festival Brings Global Creative Talent to York
The Aesthetica Film Festival is one of the UK’s leading destinations for independent cinema. From 5 to 9 November 2025, filmmakers, games developers, VR experts, and creative professionals from around the world will come together for screenings, industry masterclasses, networking sessions, and pitching opportunities, both in-person in York and online.
Mark Herbert, CEO of Warp Films, said:
“I’m delighted to be part of this year’s Aesthetica Film Festival and to lead one of the headline sessions reflecting on Warp’s journey. It’s a fantastic opportunity to come together with peers from across the industry to reflect on where we are, share ideas, and engage in important conversations about the future of storytelling.”
Cherie Federico, Director of the Aesthetica Film Festival, added:
“Culture is one of the UK’s greatest exports and a vital engine for economic growth. The creative industries drive innovation, generate employment, and position Britain on the world stage as a leader in creativity. The Aesthetica Film Festival embodies this impact, connecting local ambition with global opportunity. Each year, filmmakers, artists and audiences from across the UK and around the world come to York to exchange ideas, form collaborations and experience the transformative power of art and storytelling. This international dialogue strengthens our economy and our cultural identity, demonstrating how creativity can shape a more dynamic, resilient, and inclusive future for us all.”
Mayor Skaith Highlights Local Impact of Creative Industries
Mayor David Skaith used the festival to underline the importance of the creative sector in York and North Yorkshire’s Local Growth Plan. He highlighted the Combined Authority’s support for key festival events, including the UNESCO Media Arts EXPO and Reignite, which bring together local and international partners to showcase innovation in film, digital media, and immersive technologies like AR, VR, and XR.
“It’s fantastic to see so many creative professionals coming together here in York. The Aesthetica Film Festival is a brilliant example of our region’s ambition, what we can achieve, and why our creative industries are such an important part of our future.
I’m proud that we are supporting several key events like the UNESCO Media Arts EXPO and Reignite. These partnerships help showcase the talent, innovation and ambition that exist right across York and North Yorkshire.
The creative industries has a real impact on our communities. It creates opportunities for local people, supports jobs and businesses, and brings pride and energy to our towns and cities. We’re right behind them, helping to build a stronger, more connected region where everyone can share in that success.”
York: A Global Hub for Creativity
York’s creative sector continues to grow. The city is one of only 25 UNESCO Cities of Media Arts worldwide and the only UK city with this designation. More than 1,500 businesses in York and North Yorkshire operate in the creative and digital industries. The region is committed to keeping its creative industries competitive by encouraging the use of new technologies in gaming, virtual production, TV and film, visual communication, and media.
The Aesthetica Film Festival provides a platform for this vibrant sector, connecting local talent with international audiences, fostering collaborations, and inspiring the next generation of creative professionals.
The festival continues until Sunday 9 November, offering audiences and industry delegates an inspiring showcase of film, digital media, and emerging creative technology.
Learn more about the Aesthetica Film Festival and York’s creative industries.
