A BAFTA-Qualifying film festival based in York has launched a free summer school for aspiring young filmmakers.
Aesthetica is launching its Young Filmmakers Summer School, a free programme for young people aged 11–16 in York.
Taking place across three weekends this August (1-2, 8-9 and 15-16 August), the Summer School will provide an immersive introduction to filmmaking, enabling participants to develop an original idea, write a script, direct scenes, operate professional camera equipment, record sound and edit their own short film.
Working alongside experienced filmmakers and industry professionals, participants will gain hands-on experience of every stage of the filmmaking process while learning how collaborative creative projects are developed from concept to completion.
It aims to equip participants with practical filmmaking experience while developing the creative, technical and professional skills needed for the UK’s rapidly expanding creative industries.
Throughout the Summer School, participants will strengthen transferable skills including teamwork, leadership, organisation, adaptability, resilience and decision-making – qualities that are highly valued across both the creative industries and the wider economy.
Alongside technical production skills, the programme encourages young people to develop confidence in expressing ideas, telling meaningful stories and understanding the power of visual communication. Participants will learn how stories are structured, how audiences engage with film, and how creative decisions shape emotional impact.
These experiences foster creativity, empathy and cultural awareness while helping young people develop the confidence to communicate effectively in education, employment and everyday life.
The Summer School also introduces participants to the wide range of career opportunities available within the screen industries. While many young people are familiar with roles such as directing or acting, filmmaking is supported by hundreds of specialist professions including producing, cinematography, editing, production management, sound design, visual effects, animation, screenwriting, location management, production design and digital content creation.
The Summer School is open to all young people aged 11–16 living in York, regardless of previous filmmaking experience. Whether participants are already passionate about film or simply curious about storytelling and digital creativity, the programme provides a welcoming environment in which to learn new skills, collaborate with peers and build confidence through practical experience.
At the end of the programme, every participant will have the opportunity to see their work screened at a special showcase during the BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival on 8 November at City Screen, York. The event will celebrate the achievements of the young filmmakers in front of family, friends, teachers and invited guests, followed by a panel discussion reflecting on their creative journey and the filmmaking process.
Applications are now open and close on Sunday 5 July. The Summer School is free to attend, with a fully refundable £20 deposit required to secure a place. The deposit will be returned upon completion of the programme.
The Aesthetica Young Filmmakers Summer School is delivered with the support of LNER, City of York Council, York St John University, Pauline Quirke Academy (PQA) and Viridian FX.
For further information and to start your application visit here.
