Entries are open for the fifth year of the BAFTA Qualifying Aesthetica Short Film Festival, a dynamic addition to the international film festival circuit. ASFF takes place annually in York across four days – this year from 5-8 November – showcasing outstanding contemporary cinema in 15 unique screening venues.

The festival is a great opportunity for filmmakers at all stages in their career to reach a wider audience and showcase their talent to industry, fellow filmmakers and thousands of film fans. ASFF announces that The Bigger Picture (Chris Hees, Daisy Jacobs, Jennifer Majka), which screened at ASFF 2014, has won the BAFTA for British Short Animation in 2015.

ASFF 2015 is now looking for new submissions and welcomes short films up to 30 minutes long by emerging and established filmmakers from around the world. The categories are varied and include: advertising, animation, artists’ film, comedy, dance, documentary, drama, experimental, fashion, music video and thriller.

ASFF is a great ambassador for film culture in the UK and promotes a collaborative relationship between film professionals through its industry activities. Filmmakers are invited to connect with key personalities from the sector through masterclasses, workshops and Q&As. Organisations that attended in 2014 include BAFTA, Channel 4, Association of Camera Operators, Ridley Scott Associates, VFX world leaders Double Negative and independent record label Beggars Group among many more, providing tips and advice to filmmakers on how to get their films noticed.

Prizes include screenings at ASFF 2015; awards for Best Film in each category and People’s Choice; eligibility to enter the EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA); screenings in various guest programmes at other film festivals; inclusion in the ASFF Film Tour, and editorial coverage in Aesthetica Magazine and on Aesthetica’s online channels (180,000 readership worldwide). There will also be several networking opportunities during the festival to meet influential figures from the film, fashion, music and art industries and build essential contacts lists.

ASFF is a must for any filmmaker wanting to develop their involvement in the international filmmaking world, and further their career by showcasing work on an international platform and meeting the industry leaders behind some of the world’s most important film organisations.

Director Cherie Federico comments on the festival’s search for new filmmaking talent: “Over the past four years we have had the great privilege of screening truly exceptional films to new audiences, and I am delighted that through ASFF we are able to connect filmmakers with industry in support of their development. With BAFTA behind us, we are really excited for the fifth instalment, and want to encourage all filmmakers to enter and be a part of one of the UK’s most exciting short film festivals.”

Deadline for entries is 31 May 2015 

www.asff.co.uk