The Aesthetica Short Film Festival

BY MOLLY HARDING NOVEMBER 13, 2013 POSTED IN: EVENTS, FEATURED

From the 8th 10th November the grand old city of York is host to screenings of 300 short films, talks by industry professionals and networking events in over 15 historic and contemporary venues. It was refreshing to see the time-honoured streets of York ablaze with land yard wearing short film enthusiasts; all attempting to conquer the labyrinth of cobbled paths that possessed a wealth of shorts of all genres, shapes and sizes to be enjoyed by all (that paid for passes). Unfortunately for me my quest was hindered by a general lack of orientation skills to find the venues but I battled on to first find Barley Hall, a Tudory type old medieval type building that played host to a range of documentaries conquering subjects from emigration to a look at the locals and traditions of an Edinburgh pub. Specifically Ill Hurt You Before You Hurt Me used real interview material to explore the psychology and background behind women who kill. It is framed beautifully and hard to believe that the voiceover is real as it talks of starting with

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cats but the authenticity is stated and therefor makes for a compelling look inside the rationales of real femme fatales. Preceding this documentary was an exquisitely short short titled Notes on Rainfall: Blindness which was my stand out viewing of the Friday. It is a sensory experience depicting a slice of a blind mans life adapted from his diary entries. In three minutes we see a study of an afflicted man and his condition in relation to his identity, family and faith. As a darkly graded room is showered in rain it is hard not to see the story telling and technical skill of the two film makers behind this small treasure. A few failed attempts to enter venues later, due to soul destroying bouts of all screenings seeming to be full to capacity I managed to secure a seat in the drama showcase. Gaspe Copper was first to the projector and told of a family having to relocate from Murdochville after a miners strike. The context was seemingly irrelevant as what really prevails here is a tale of compassion and a strengthening sibling relationship amongst a difficult time. As the final shot pauses on the unification of the two young protagonists, the films Canadian director insures its a poignant short that will tug at those heartstrings and make you contemplate your own family relationships. Of course there had to be a few questionable screenings. Just that sort of day was a picture that started as an experimental visual feast but turned into a story trying to unveil the meaning of life; a challenge by all accounts in fourteen minutes. And with some slightly peculiar animation techniques it was hard for the short to have the same lasting effect as some of the others viewed when its intentions were so profound. Also worthy of noting is the Israeli drama Dinner that follows an older fellow on his doomed crusade to go through with his first blind date. In the artist screening I also had the pleasure of witnessing a film that briefly captures the agonising process of The Making of Hero, numerically stating the painful amount of dots involved in the artwork. During the festival you can also opt to attend talks in the glorious York Theatre, I went to see a presentation and Q & A with Warp Films producer Barry Ryan which although slightly ill planned, turned out to be a valuable glance into one of the UKs leading production companies and a hugely insightful two hours for anyone looking to get into that film industry business. So all in all not a bad lot. ASSF is a wonderful showcase of talent and it must be mentioned it is free for all to enter with many student short films that fit comfortably alongside shorts from more established film makers. It is with great regret that I couldnt have stayed for the full three days but it is no doubt a festival I will return to and recommend to all. It is well worth the pass fee and as terribly clichd as it sounds there really is something for everyone. Top job Aesthetica.

TAGS: Aesthetica , film festival

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