York to take centre stage at major screen industries event
Aesthetica Short Film Festival ASFF 2025 (Image: Gareth Buddo)
A major screen industries event is putting York in the spotlight as a creative powerhouse.
Reignite XVI: Screen Industries & the North will take place on Wednesday, September 23, from 6pm to 9pm at City Screen York.
The event will bring together filmmakers, industry leaders and regional supporters to discuss the city's growing influence in the national and international screen sector.
Cherie Federico, director of Aesthetica, said: "The North is no longer operating at the margins of the screen industries; it is actively shaping them.
- Reignite XV to showcase graduate talent at York St John
- Reignite XIII: Production & Creative Technologies announced
- Aesthetica Film Festival 2025 in York hailed global event
- Aesthetica Film Festival Music Stage at York Theatre Royal
- UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO to take place in York
"What we are seeing is a region that is increasingly confident in its creative identity, its infrastructure, and its ability to compete globally across film, television, music, and digital media.
"Reignite exists to connect that ambition with action."
Organised by Aesthetica in partnership with York BID, Reignite XVI builds on a series that has already attracted more than 3,500 attendees.
The event serves as a prelude to the BAFTA-qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival and adds to York’s growing reputation as a centre for film, television and creative enterprise.
Rachel Bean, project manager at York BID, said: "York is experiencing a sustained period of creative and economic growth driven by the screen industries.
"The strength of Reignite lies in its ability to bring together businesses, institutions, and practitioners to ensure that growth is coordinated, inclusive, and long-term.
Reignite XVI is taking place in September.
(Image: Pic supplied)
"This is about building a resilient creative economy that delivers real benefit to the city and the wider region."
The screen industries in the North have contributed to major productions such as Bridgerton, Peaky Blinders and Patience.
The sector’s growth continues to support the wider economy, including hospitality, tourism, retail and education.
The evening programme includes a curated screening of short films selected by Film Hub North, followed by a filmmaker Q&A and networking session.
Speakers will include Jen Barfield from Film Hub North and Caroline Cooper-Charles of Screen Yorkshire, as well as award-winning filmmakers who will share their experiences of working in the region.
The Aesthetica Film Festival, which follows the event, brings thousands of visitors to York each year and attracts global industry leaders such as Audible, BBC, Film4, Aardman Animations and Ridley Scott Associates.
It transforms the city into an international hub for film, music, games and podcasting, further cementing York’s reputation as a leader in the creative sector.
For details and tickets, go to EventBrite.