Original Coverage & Source Attribution: www.gazetteherald.co.uk
Made in York through the Aesthetica x Audible Listening Pitch, the films will be available free of charge on the BFI Player beginning November 4.
The launch coincides with the opening day of the BAFTA-qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival and marks a major milestone for Aesthetica, which is based in York and known for championing creative storytelling.
Cherie Federico, director of Aesthetica, said: “We have always believed that extraordinary storytelling can come from anywhere.
“York is our home, but our ambition has always been international.
“Through Aesthetica, we want to create the conditions for filmmakers to take risks, explore new ideas and make work that travels.”
The documentaries each explore the world through sound and listening, offering audiences a fresh way to engage with the medium of film.
By launching on BFI Player, the films will reach viewers who may not have access to festival screenings.
The BFI Player is the British Film Institute’s online streaming platform, designed to bring independent and distinctive filmmaking to a wider audience.
For Aesthetica, the partnership is a natural progression in its mission to support filmmakers beyond development and premiere, ensuring their work finds lasting impact and viewership.
The six films each take a unique approach to sound-led storytelling.
Speed of Sound, directed by Jade Ang Jackman, follows the journey of Paralympic skier Carina Edlinger, who navigates the slopes with just two per cent vision and relies on the guiding voice of her partner.
Voice Shift, directed by Roberto Duque, centres on trans individuals working with a vocal coach to find an authentic voice that aligns with their identity.
The Things We Don’t Say, by Ornella Mutoni, features young Rwandans exploring generational trauma in conversations with therapist Emilienne.
Old Lesbians, directed by Meghan McDonough, documents the oral histories collected by retired teacher Arden Eversmeyer.
Listen Like a Banana, associated with Matthew Herbert, explores the sounds surrounding the everyday banana, while Birdsong, by Sparsh Ahuja and Omi Gupta, investigates the Hmong whistled language of northern Laos.
The Listening Pitch was designed to give filmmakers the space to develop documentaries rooted in sound rather than image, encouraging experimentation and new forms of storytelling.
Ms Federico said: “There is something genuinely exciting about knowing that films created through a project based in York can now be watched by audiences on BFI Player, alongside the very best of British and international cinema.
“That is what we want Aesthetica to do: create opportunities, export ideas and help exceptional storytelling find its audience.”
The films will be available to stream for free on BFI Player from November 4.
