SHORT LESSONS FROM AESTHETICA SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

Filmmaker Pablo Soto’s short film, Campanadas2024, was selected as part of the ASFF lineup, one of only a few festivals their team had chosen for distribution. Attending ASFF alone, Pablo quickly discovered the warmth and inclusivity of the festival community. “Filmmakers are generally very inclusive people,” he noted. Networking is a cornerstone of any film festival, and ASFF offers ample opportunities to connect with both peers and industry professionals. “I spoke to so many people,” Pablo shared. “Some were brief chats, while others led to dinners or shared screenings.” To maximize these moments, bring business cards or prepare a digital version (like a QR code linking to your portfolio) to help you navigate efficiently among the many contacts you’ll meet.

Visual artist Madalina Zaharia, who showcased her short film Bye Bye Confidence, shared a different perspective on networking. As a self-described introvert, she found attending screenings and studying credits to be her preferred approach for identifying potential collaborators or distributors. “I often pay great attention to the credits of the films I like and resonate with to find out what kind of production or distribution companies are out there supporting the kind of filmmaking I’m interested in,” she said. For those who find large networking sessions overwhelming, examining film credits can be a quieter yet equally effective way to explore collaboration opportunities and map out your next steps.

The true value of a festival like ASFF often emerges after the event itself. Pablo left with pages of notes from seminars and workshops, which he later organized into actionable takeaways. He also reached out to many of the contacts he had made, using the insights gained to refine their strategies for future projects. Tajpal noted that he remains in active conversations with representatives from the BBC and Channel 4, connections he made at the festival. When opportunities like these arise, it’s crucial to follow up, and when doing that, mention where you met, and reference something specific from your conversation, as it can help people remember you. “I spent a few days doing this as I had many emails noted down from industry professionals as well as fellow filmmakers,” Pablo shared.

We also spoke with choreographer and performer Jordan James Bridge, whose short film Parasite screened at Aesthetica. Although he was unable to attend the festival in person, he shared that three festival curators reached out to him after Parasite was shown in York, saying, “It’s very clear to me how much of a networking experience this festival is.” It’s important to note that while some filmmakers may miss the chance to attend festivals where their films are screened, this doesn’t mean the opportunity is lost. Always ensure your contact information is easily accessible online, making it simple for people to reach out and connect with you.

Ethan Evans, director of Outside Noise, shared his excitement about being selected for the Aesthetica Short Film Festival, describing it as one of the most revered festivals in the UK for short films. He praised the festival's welcoming and well-organized atmosphere, highlighting its strong emphasis on fostering connections among filmmakers at all career stages. Evans contrasted Aesthetica with the BFI London Film Festival, noting that while BFI’s professional focus and sprawling setup across London provide a different experience, Aesthetica’s close-knit and celebratory environment makes it a hub for emerging talent. This underscores the importance of researching the general vibe of a festival before submitting your film, as festivals often offer distinct opportunities based on their atmosphere and audience.

The Aesthetica Short Film Festival stands out as a vital platform for independent filmmakers, offering a unique blend of inclusivity, creativity, and professional opportunity. From its vibrant community atmosphere to its focus on fostering meaningful connections, ASFF provides more than just a space to showcase films—it’s a launchpad for careers and collaborations. Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or just beginning your journey, attending ASFF, or a festival like it, can always open doors and reward you in the most different manners. The lessons shared by this year’s filmmakers underline the importance of preparation and adaptability and show that, most times, the key to success lies in being proactive, genuine, and open to the unexpected..