Big names from film and TV descend on York for packed five-day festival
The Aesthetic Film Festival is now in its 15th year and promises to be the biggest yet when it is staged in York from November 5 to 9.
The annual BAFTA-qualifying festival has grown into one of the largest screen and media events in the UK, and plans have been unveiled for a brand-new series of evening events at York Theatre Royal for 2025.
Entitled 'Beyond the Frame', the events will run for four of the five nights of the festival as part of plans for Aesthetica to evolve beyond a traditional film festival into a celebration of screen culture, live performance and fresh voices.
The four Theatre Royal events will blend comedy with conversation, film and music, kicking off on Wednesday 5 November with stand-up comedy night Sophie Duker & Friends: Three Brilliant Women.
Bella Hull will feature in Sophie Duker & Friends: Three Brilliant Women (Image: Submitted)It will feature Sophie Duker (Taskmaster, Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week and Frankie Boyle's New World Order), Eleanor Tiernan (BBC3's Stand Up For Live Comedy, Radio 4's The News Quiz) and Bella Hull (Comedy Central Live, ITV's The Stand Up Sketch Show, and BBC's Stand Up for Live Comedy).
On Thursday 6 November, The Dodge Brothers will bring their acclaimed live score to Beg gars of Life (1928), a landmark American silent film starring Louise Brooks for a collision of classic cinema and live music.
The Dodge Brothers (photo by Mark Tipping) (Image: Submitted) With film critic and BBC presenter Mark Kermode on double bass and harmonica and joined by Neil Brand – celebrated silent film accompanist and star of BBC Four's Sound of Cinema – on piano, this ensemble transforms a black-and-white masterpiece into a cinematic event.
The Dodge Brothers' performances include Glastonbury, Latitude, BBC Radio 2, The Culture Show and The One Show, and they have built a cult following for their foot-stomping sound and genre-defying performances.
Audiences can join Mark Kermode: In Conversation with Jenny Nelson, award-winning radio producter, on Friday 7 November as they explore the power of film music, inspired by their new book Mark Kermode's Surround Sound.
RECOMMENDED READS:
£1m makeover transforms prime York site into new hub for beauty professionals
York leisure centres throw doors open for free open weekend
Mark is a BAFTA member and Observer columnist, known for his razor-sharp reviews on Kermode & Mayo's Take and bestselling books like The Good, The Bad and The Multiplex.
Jenny produced Mark's Scala Radio film music show for five years and brings behind-the-scenes expertise and a broadcaster's ear to the conversation.
Finally, on Saturday 8 November, ten emerging UK artists and bands will compete live throughout the day at Sound & Vision: New Music Talent Stage on the Main House stage, spanning genres from indie and folk to grime, jazz, and experimental pop.
Audiences are invited to experience the future of sound. Attendees will be able to get a music pass and have flexibility to see the bands throughout the day.
Cherie Federico, director of Aesthetica, said: 'This year, with the launch of Beyond the Frame at York Theatre Royal, we are expanding the boundaries of what a festival can be - merging cinema, comedy, music and conversation into a bold new platform for live, interdisciplinary storytelling. It marks a pivotal step in our evolution, creating unforgettable shared experiences and spotlighting the voices shaping screen culture today.'
York Theatre Royal is teaming up with the Aestetica Film Festival by staging events over four days (Image: Submitted) Paul Crewes, CEO of York Theatre Royal said, 'We have been supporters of the Aesthetica Film Festival since its inception 15 years ago. We are delighted to work with them on this exciting new season of events which expands their festival programme.
"We are always looking for ways to bring something new to York's cultural scene – and with the city's designation as a UNESCO City of Media Arts, this felt like the perfect partnership. Fusing comedy, conversation, film and music into one incredible line-up of events, we are excited to welcome audiences in for something entirely new this Autumn!'
All events are on sale from the York Theatre Royal Box Office (01904 623568) or online at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.
York Theatre Royal will also be a venue for the ASFF 2025 line-up of film screenings and masterclasses (05-09 Nov). For more details visit the Aesthetica website.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Sean Connery as 007: 12 Behind the Scenes Images of Bond at His Best
Here are 12 behind the scenes photos of Sean Connery — the first and best James Bond, aka 007 — to appear in films. From his debut in Dr. No to his surprise return in Never Say Never Again, Connery personified Ian Fleming's dashing, wry super secret agent and set the standard for all James Bond actors to come. Here are the behind the scenes images of Sean Connery's 007. Related Headlines Lisa Dahl: Blessed by Grace Recounts a Mother's Journey From Tragedy to Nourishing Others To Make 'Toots,' My Sensitive Film About Aging, I Needed the Perfect Fart Noise 11 Shameless 2000s Comedies That Just Don't Care If You're Offended A Working-Class Spy Nicholas Shakespeare's excellent new biography Ian Fleming: The Complete Man investigates the author who created James Bond — but also recounts the casting of Sean Connery in the role. Shakespeare notes: "Connery's background – naval boxer, lifeguard, art class model – was a marketable asset. He was brought up in a Scottish slum, like Ian's grandfather. His father was a truck driver, his mother a cleaning lady." He adds: "Among choice biographical details: He had delivered milk to Bond's second school Fettes, and acted at the Oxford Playhouse as an aristocratic diplomat in Pirandello's Naked. Above, that's Fleming, left, with Connery, right, on the set of the first Bond movie, 1962's Dr. No. The Right Man for the Job? Shakespeare's book notes that according to Fleming's film agent, Robert Fenn, Fleming was initially shocked because Connery "couldn't speak the Queen's English. Fleming said, 'He's not my idea of Bond at all, I just want an elegant man, not this roughneck.'' Later, according to the book, Fleming would call Connery an 'over-developed stuntman' and wonder if he had 'the social graces' to play his hero. Above, Connery is fitted for 1962's From Russia With Love. License to Kill Fleming, obviously, needed a woman's perspective. His friend Ivar Bryce's cousin, Janet Milford Haven, was known as a good judge of people — and men — and offered her input after a lunch with Fleming and Connery. Her opinion of Connery? 'I said, 'I think that fellow is divine. He's not too good-looking, he looks masculine, he looks like a proper man and one that would be used to that life. He looks like he is very clever, he looks like he would know how to do everything, who could kill,'' said Haven, according to Shakespeare's book. Above: Connery and Shirley Eaton in Goldfinger. A Real Charmer Shakespeare writes that Fleming finally became convinced that Connery was the right Bond, writing to his muse and mistress, Blanche Blackwell: 'the man they have chosen for Bond, Sean Connery, is a real charmer – fairly unknown but a good actor with the right looks and physique.' Above: Sean Connery with Ursula Andress and Fleming in a publicity image for Dr. No. Athleticism Whether or not he was an "over-developed stuntman," Connery's athleticism was a key component of his success as 007. Above, he cavorts on a Jamaican beach with Ursula Andress, who played Honey Ryder in Dr. No. Here are 13 Behind the Scenes Images of Ursula Andress in Dr. No. Chemistry His chemistry with Andress on Dr. No was a huge part of the first Bond film's success, and would provide a template for Bond's dynamics with legions of future "Bond girls." The chemistry came through even though Andress' voice was dubbed for the role. (Andress' languages include French, German, and Italian, but her English was accented.) "He was very protective towards me, he was adorable, fantastic," Andress said in a 2020 interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera after Connery's death at 90. "He adored women, He was undoubtedly very much a man.'' Friends Andress, who was married to John Derek while making Dr. No, added of Connery in the Corriere della Sera interview: 'We spent many evenings together and he would invite me everywhere, Monte Carlo, London, New York, from when we met until now we always remained friends. Friends, friends.'" Good as Gold Connery played Bond in seven films in all. What's the best? For our money, it's 1964's Goldfinger, in which Connery starred opposite Honor Blackman as Pussy Galore. Above, they rehearse an infamous scene that, let's admit, has aged badly. Here Are 12 Behind the Scenes Images From Goldfinger. Shakespeare While later Bond actors would lean into the campier aspects of the character, Connery played him seriously. He once said that 'portraying Bond is just as serious as playing Macbeth on stage,' according to Shakespeare. (Ian, not William.) Above: Connery enjoys some downtime on the set of 1965's Thunderball. Buoyant Despite his serious approach to the role, Connery had just the right mix of seriousness and levity to play the deadly superspy who treats everything like a game. That's him behind the scenes of Thunderball with Claudine Auger, who played Domino. Also Read: All 007 Bond Actors, Ranked Of Course Given the technology of the time, sometimes Connery was forced into Roger Moore levels of silliness. That's him behind the scenes of 1967's You Only Live Twice, above. It only adds to the charm. Forever Sean Connery left the Bond franchise after You Only Live Twice, and George Lazenby took over for 1969's On Her Majesty's Secret Service, perhaps the most tragic of all Bond movies, given its bummer ending. But Connery returned for 1971's Diamonds Are Forever. Above, he shares a laugh on the Diamonds Are Forever set with Jill St. John. Never Say Never? That was it for Sean Connery as James Bond — until 1984, when he was lured back one last time. 1983's Never Say Never Again was a reference to Connery's 1971 quote that he would never again play Bond. Like Thunderball, it is based on Ian Fleming's Thunderball — yes, that's right. Is it a remake? Kind of, but it's updated with Bond frequently referencing his advancing years. (Connery was 52 at the time of filming, and would live for another 38 years.) Never Say Never Again was released by Warner Bros. rather than the usual Bond distributor, United Artists, because of a completed rights dispute we don't have to get into here. Above, Connery waits in the water with Kim Basinger, the new Domino. Liked These Behind the Scene Photos of Sean Connery as the First James Bond, Agent 007? We bet you'll also like these Behind the Scenes Images of Goldfinger, and this excerpt from Nicholas Shakespeare's aforementioned — and excellent — Ian Fleming, The Complete Man. Main image: Sean Connery and Ursula Andress in a promotional image for Goldfinger. United Artists. Related Headlines Lisa Dahl: Blessed by Grace Recounts a Mother's Journey From Tragedy to Nourishing Others To Make 'Toots,' My Sensitive Film About Aging, I Needed the Perfect Fart Noise 11 Shameless 2000s Comedies That Just Don't Care If You're Offended Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Ozzy Osbourne Posthumously Scores 10th Top 10 Album With ‘The Essential Ozzy'
Ozzy Osbourne's legacy continues to cement itself on the charts as fans turn to his music while mourning his death. Osbourne died at age 76 on July 22 after a years-long struggle with Parkinson's disease. Between July 18 and 24, 'The Essential Ozzy Osbourne' earned nearly 44,000 equivalent album units, debuting at No. 7 on the albums chart, according to Luminate. More from Variety Kelly Osbourne References Black Sabbath Lyrics to Mourn Ozzy Osbourne: 'I Feel Unhappy, I Am So Sad' Ozzy Osbourne's Lost Interview: Black Sabbath Icon on Death Threats, Working With Wife Sharon, and Being Mystified by Glam Metal, 'I Even Fancied the F--in' Lead Singer of Poison!' Bizarre Trisha Paytas Baby Reincarnation Theory Goes Viral After Ozzy Osbourne's Death The collection becomes the Prince of Darkness's 10th top 10 album and a powerful tribute to the heavy metal icon. Released in 2003, the album reaches the top 10 for the first time in history. It previously peaked at No. 81 in 2003, the year it was released. The collection was streamed over 48 million times this tracking week, debuting at No. 9 on Billboard's Top Streaming Albums. Osbourne formerly claimed a top 10 in the Billboard 200 with 'Patient Number 9' (No. 3 in 2022), 'Ordinary Man' (No. 3, 2020), 'Scream' (No. 4, 2010), 'Black Rain' (No. 3, 2007), 'Down to Earth' (No. 4, 2001), 'Ozzmosis' (No. 4, 1995), 'No More Tears' (No. 7, 1991), 'Tribute' (with Randy Rhoads, No. 6 in 1987) and 'The Ultimate Sin' (No. 6, 1986). As the frontman of Black Sabbath, Osbourne also charted top 10s with '13' (No. 1 in 2013) and 'Master of Reality' (No. 8, 1971). The leading title on the list this week comes from Tyler, The Creator, who scores his fourth and consecutive No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart with 'Don't Tap the Glass.' The set achieves 197,000 units and is the top-selling album of the week with 128,000 sold. Those sales are largely from five physical offerings exclusively sold via the artist's official webstore: a vinyl LP, CD and three deluxe boxed sets. The California-bred rapper has recently made a habit of releasing albums off-cycle. As a result, 'Don't Tap the Glass' was released on a Monday (July 21), giving it only four days of activity in its first tracking week. He previously topped the chart with 'Chromakopia' (2024), 'Call Me If You Get Lost' (2021), and 'Igor' (2019). There were more than a few new top releases on the charts this week, including Jessie Murph's 'Sex Hysteria' and BTS' eighth top 10, 'Permission To Dance On Stage (Live).' Murph scores her first top 10 on the Billboard 200 as 'Sex Hysteria' debuts at No. 8 with 44,000 units earned, powered by 48 million streams across its 15 tracks. It marks her third entry on the Billboard 200, following 'That Ain't No Man That's the Devil' (No. 24 in 2024) and 'Drowning' (No. 162 in 2023). The new album arrives on the heels of two Hot 100 hits: 'Blue Strips' — her highest-charting single to date and first top 20, peaking at No. 15 in May — and 'Touch Me Like a Gangster' (No. 56 in June). The momentum continues as the 22-year-old kicks off her 'Worldwide Hysteria Tour' today in Phoenix, Arizona, with major stops planned across North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Alex Warren's 'You'll Be Alright, Kid' also enters the top 10 of the Billboard 200 for the first time as it lifts from No. 19 to No. 5 after it was expanded with 10 added songs. The set includes Warren's Hot 100 hit, 'Ordinary,' which has spent seven weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Closing out the top 10 is BTS with the group's first live album, recorded in 2021 during their tour fo the same name. The set launched with 43,000 equivalent album units earned, with album sales comprising 36,000. The remainder of the top 10 is comprised of previously released sets: Morgan Wallen's 'I'm the Problem' is at No. 2; 'The KPop Demon Hunters' soundtrack is at No. 3; Jackboys and Travis Scott's 'Jackboys 2' is at No. 4; Justin Bieber's 'Swag' is at No. 6; and Clipse's 'Let God Sort Em Out' is at No. 9. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? Final Emmy Predictions: Talk Series and Scripted Variety - New Blood Looks to Tackle Late Night Staples Solve the daily Crossword
Forbes
41 minutes ago
- Forbes
Horror Hit '28 Years Later' New On Streaming This Week, Report Says
Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Alfie Williams in "28 Years Later." Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodi Comer and Ralph Fiennes' hit horror thriller 28 Years Later is reportedly coming to digital streaming this week. The third film in the horror film series that began with 28 Days Later in 2002, 28 Years Later reunites the original film's director, Danny Boyle, and its screenwriter, Alex Garland. The film was released in theaters on June 20. The summary for 28 Years Later reads, 'It's been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, and now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected. One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. 'When one of the group leaves the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well.' According to When to Stream, 28 Years Later is expected to debut on digital streaming via premium video on demand on Tuesday, July 29. While the streaming tracker is typically accurate with its PVOD reports, When to Stream noted that 28 Years Later Sony Pictures Entertainment has not announced or confirmed the release date and it is subject to change. When it is released, 28 Years Later will be available on several digital platforms, including Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Prime Video and YouTube. Prime Video currently has 28 Years Later listed for pre-order for $24.99, which is also the film's purchase price on PVOD. Since PVOD rentals typically run $5 less than purchase prices, viewers can expect to rent 28 Years Later for $19.99 for a 48-hour period. The film is still playing in theaters. So far, 28 Years Later has earned $70 million domestically and $80 million internationally for a worldwide box office tally of $150 million. The film had a $60 million production before prints and advertising costs, per The Numbers. Danny Boyle Says '28 Years Later' Is Not A Zombie Film While those who have the Rage Virus in 28 Years Later have zombie-like qualities, Danny Boyle insisted in an interview with TIME Magazine before the film's release in theaters that the antagonists are not zombies. 'We had this thing about, 'No, they're not zombies. They're infected,'' Boyle told TIME. 'We wanted them to behave in a different way physically, but they also weren't undead. They could die and they will die, but so will you if they catch you.' In 28 Years Later, Aaron Taylor-Johnson's character, Jamie, takes his 12-year-old son, Spike (Alfie Williams), to the mainland where the infected roam over the objections of his wife and the boy's mother, Isla (Jodie Comer). The trip to the mainland is a rite of passage where the younger people sheltered by their island community learn to hunt the infected. Bold told TIME that part of the storyline was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. 'When COVID first happened, we wore gloves, we disinfected groceries,' Boyle told TIME. 'But gradually over time, you start taking more risks. You don't stay in that super alert stage. You evolve. And so it is in 28 Years. They begin to take risks. Jamie takes his 12-year-old son to the mainland even though, as the mom says, that's f---ing crazy.' Rated R, 28 Years Later — which is executive produced by 28 Days Later star Cillian Murphy — is expected to arrive on PVOD on Tuesday.
