Interview between Cherie Federico, Managing Director and Editor of Aesthetica Magazine on York’s inaugural Short Film Festival and Caroline Burns Cooke, lead actress in Dan Smyth’s experimental short, Myra.
Aesthetics being a dirty word in our increasingly ‘dumbed down’ culture, what inspired you to launch Aesthetica?
I’m not sure how dirty the word “aesthetics” is – is it? I could be biased, but I still feel in spite of reality TV, Tabloids, etc people are still looking for a unique experience, they want to be challenged, entertained and most of all inspired! Aesthetica was launched in 2003 when I was an MA student in York. I initially did a publishing internship in New York, where I’m from, as part of my BA. When I came over to York, all I really wanted to do was continue interning for a magazine, but there wasn’t an arts and culture publication in the city, so after six months, I decided that I was going to start my own. I got a credit card and started the whole thing like that. I really have fond memories of the early days. After I graduated, I did a teaching degree, but continued to work on the magazine on weekends and in the evening. For some reason, I just couldn’t give it up, I loved it (and still do) so in 2005 I decided to leave my job and work on the magazine full time. At this point, we had national distribution, but a lot has happened over the past six or seven years, Aesthetica is now stocked in all the major galleries, Tate Modern, Serpentine, ICA, Pompidou, etc. nationally through WH Smith and is exported to 20 countries worldwide.
Evidently, considering your large international readership, there are many people out there who embrace a variety of art forms. How do you go about balancing the range of subjects we’re treated to bi-monthly? And what criteria inform the events you cover?
Our main focus is art and culture, so in each issue readers are given details about some must-see exhibitions. For example, our current issue has a strong focus on the interconnectivity of art and politics. Building the Revolution: Soviet Art and Architecture 1915-1935 opens this autumn at the Royal Academy, London; presenting a survey of Russian avant-garde architecture. September 11 is on show at MoMA in New York, marking 10 years since the terrorist attacks in the USA. The Turner Prize opens at Baltic ; it’s the first time in its history that the exhibition and prize have been presented outside of a Tate venue. We examine the 12th Istanbul Biennial and its ambiguous theme –Untitled. There is also a visual glimpse of PhotoPhnomPenh, Cambodia’s photography festival, as well as an introduction to Silja Magg, an upcoming photographer from New York.
In film, we chat with acclaimed British director and BAFTA Award nominee, Sallie Aprahamian, about Broken Lines, a film that asks: to whom do we owe loyalty and why? Tindersticks release Claire Denis Film Scores 1996 – 2009, and to accompany the release, the band will perform a series of ambitious live concerts in cinematic settings. In music, we look at the impact of social networking on music journalism and chat with the “it” band of the moment, Submotion Orchestra, about their debut. In performance, we speak with Sean Holmes from the Lyric Hammersmith about his production of Edward Bond’s Saved.
So our main focus is visual arts – photography, painting, sculpture, but I always dedicate space in the magazine to film – new releases and festivals, as well as performance and theatre. So basically, Aesthetica is a magazine that is for anyone with an interest in art and culture, I want to explore these topics and ideas, see how the art whether it’s film or visual arts reflects the times we live – for me, this is the most interesting aspect.
So. You’re about to launch the inaugural Aesthetica Film Festival after the success of your short film competitions. To ask a pretty dumbed down but need –to-know- question- how excited are you by this and how are preparations going so far?
We have always worked with film in some capacity. In the magazine, we always feature really interesting and independent films like Yorgos Lanthimos’ Dogtooth or Guy Maddin’s My Winnipeg, and considering the response that we received with the Aesthetica Short Film Competition, it was only natural to start a festival, not to mention that York city centre, as a canvas for this event is wonderful. The festival offers screenings in some of the UK’s most iconic and historic buildings. I am delighted with the venues, the films and the speakers that we have (Mark Herman, Screenwriter, The Boy In Stripped Pyjamas – Ivana McKinnon, Associate Producer, Slumdog Millionaire, Channel 4, the shorts programmer from SXSW). With regards to preparations, I have never been busier, but honestly, it’s what I expected – we are screening films in 15 venues!
Tell me what makes your film festival different from the myriad of festivals around the country every year?
That’s a really great question with several answers. In terms of programming, we are offering the full range of genres from art, experimental, documentary, drama, comedy, animation and music video. Let’s remember that watching films is one of the activities that most people have in common, so we’ve created an event, which will appeal to most people. Our programme of talks and networking events also engages with filmmakers directly and brings expertise together in one venue. Finally, what makes ASFF different is the fact that we are spreading out across an entire city – not only can visitors enjoy watching films, but they get to explore a new city and find out about its heritage and culture. This, for me, creates a really exciting prospect – watching new films (a contemporary art form) but in a Medieval Hall – it’s just a great way to watch films.
How difficult was it to choose the 150 or so films showing in York in November. And I’d love to know how many entries you received as the festival is in its first year!
Difficult doesn’t even begin to describe the sheer amount of deliberation and consideration that went into this year’s programme. It really is about showcasing films that have a captivating narrative alongside beautiful cinematography. All films are judged on a points system – trust me, it got very difficult towards the end.
Every Good Boy Directs Films. Any great female directors to look forward to at Aesthetica FF?
It’s interesting that you’ve asked that, mostly because the film industry still tends to be one that is dominated by men with women only taking up 12% of the sector. There are some wonderful directors, Marlyn Mason (Elvis’ leading lady in The Trouble With Girls). Michelle Coomber with her fantastic documentary Buriganga, which captures the rhythms of the Buriganga River in Bangladesh. Ruth Paxton’s heavy hitting drama, Paris Sexy, and Jessica Lux’s emotive narrative Join the Dots. To be honest, there are just too many to count.
Taking an occasional break from the feast of visual and aural splendours on offer, are there any workshops or master classes our film fans can sign up for?
Absolutely! Here’s a brief highlight:
• Ivana Mackinnon, Associate Producer of Slumdog Millionaire, on the move from shorts to features
• Renowned character designer Alex Williams on creating memorable animated characters
• Claudette Godfrey of SXSW on programming shorts for festivals advice on getting into festivals
• Mark Herman, screenwriter of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
• Rebecca Brand of Women in Film & TV on the role of women in the industry
• Turner Prize nominated Catherine Yass on Artists’ Film
• A Chat with Susie Wright offering advice for pitching to Channel 4.
• For further information on all of the masterclasses, please CLICK HERE.
Our Launch event also offers a great extra! There are drinks upon arrival, a screening of taster films showcasing what the film festival has to offer, followed by a performance by Edinburgh-based FOUND. The band creates an unusual mix of garage rock, melodic pop and glitchy electronica, which has just lead to them signing a publishing deal with the highly respected Domino Records. Highlights of the band’s career to date include the BBC Electric Proms, T in the Park, Triptych, Brighton’s Great Escape, the Fence Collective’s ‘Homegame’ festival and Hydro Connect Festival. This will be an opening night to remember and a chance to catch a great act! Further information on FOUND can be found www.foundtheband.com
Impossible to predict accurately, I know, but does the initial response to the Festival and box office look promising?
You don’t ever want to tempt fate, so I’ll answer that question in a couple weeks time, all I have to say, though, is that we have people come from the USA, New Zealand, Germany, Denmark, The Netherlands and of course, all corners of the UK!
Chuck in a prize and you’re on to a winner-what can the top filmmakers hope to receive from the Aesthetica Alumni?
Well, winners will receive DVD publication, which goes out to the magazine’s 60,000 readers, as well as a write up in our December issue, not to mention, guest screenings throughout the year and continuous promotion on the ASFF website. We’re really looking to bring these films and the filmmakers to a new audience.
And, inevitably, we come to the future. Any plans to make the festival an annual event? And ideas for Aesthetica Magazines continued global domination?
We already have plans for 2012 – which include some further unique venues and master classes, but I can’t say too much! With regards to Aesthetica Magazine, it’s being exported to 20 countries now, stocked in the major galleries, so I think we’ll keep doing what we’re doing. I do love my job!
Mike McKenny of MiniCine previews Aesthetic Short Film Festival here