University creativity on show at international film festival

The festival is a fantastic part of York’s event calendar and gives visitors, students and the local community a great opportunity to access a prestigious film festival and benefit from the creative inspiration the event brings.

This year sees the first York St John University showcase, which promises to be an excellent event for aspiring creatives as well as a celebration of the talent coming out of the School of Performance and Media Production.

York St John University has a longstanding film production reputation going back 50 years and we are delighted to be inviting some of our successful graduate film-makers back for a screening of short films made during their time at the University.

The showcase focuses on one of the hardest challenges facing emerging professional film-makers - finding your own creative voice. What do you want to say about the world? What’s your vision for how you will tell that story? As part of the showcase a session chaired by Associate Professor Dr Steve Rawle, our graduate film-makers will discuss how they worked through this exploration across a range of very different short films, and reflect on the challenges as well as the rewards of creative freedom.

Ethan Glanfield is a York St John University Alumni and is involved in the showcase. He said “Whilst studying, the University sponsored the festival and hosted masterclasses on campus; we were always encouraged to attend. Now, three years after graduating I have the honour of not only attending but have been invited to take part in a panel, discussing a film I shot, and consequently be showcased at Aesthetica, to say it isn’t overwhelming would be a lie.

“Since leaving university I have been blessed to not only work in the industry that I initially set out to be in, but have sustained a great relationship with the University, especially the lecturers. With the encouragement I received from the University both during my time studying and after, I wouldn’t be where I am today career wise, or here at Aesthetica. ‘The Final Blossom’ (the film showcased) is a great representation of what the University does to motivate students- think big, aim high and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty, because when it all comes together, the final piece is priceless.”

The film festival will bring together filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals in celebration of independent film and will give film-lovers of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to gain a memorable and unique insight into the world of film.

Professor Karen Stanton, Vice Chancellor of York St John University said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring this prestigious event and are looking forward to welcoming the many inspirational people from the film industry who will be visiting our campus to deliver talks and screenings.

“The event is a great opportunity to bring together industry and students in a celebration of filmmaking. The University is proud to have academics from a range of disciplines taking part, including opening talks, chairing panel discussions and networking sessions.”

York St John University is one of the key partners of Aesthetica, a British art and culture magazine. The magazine was founded in 2002 by inspirational York St John University alumna, Cherie Federico. Cherie graduated with a masters in English in 2003.

The Aesthetica Short Film Festival is taking place between Wednesday 8 November and Sunday 12 November.

Finding your creative voice takes place on Thursday 9 November 11.30am-1.30pm at York Theatre Royal Studio. To book visit the Aesthetica website.