Documentaries have a unique ability to invite audiences into someone else鈥檚 experience: to walk in another鈥檚 footsteps and, crucially, to hear voices that often go unnoticed. At Aesthetica Film Festival, storytelling has always been central to our work but with the Listening Pitch, launched in partnership with Audible, we鈥檝e put sound at the forefront, exploring narratives where listening is essential to the experience. Over the past five years, The Listening Pitch has celebrated documentaries that treat audio not as support but as a lens through which to understand, empathise and engage.
Since its inception, The Listening Pitch has funded and commissioned 10 remarkable films, each revealing perspectives that might otherwise remain unheard. From the intimate personal histories captured in Meghan McDonough鈥檚 Old Lesbians, which chronicles the lives of older lesbian communities across the United States, to Matthew Herbert鈥檚 Banana, which creates environmental soundscapes that deepen awareness of our natural surroundings, the project has consistently challenged what documentaries can do. Every story demonstrates that sound can shape emotional resonance as profoundly as visuals.
These films have not only been celebrated at ASFF but have achieved wider recognition. Ornella Mutoni鈥檚 The Things We Don鈥檛 Say, which explores intergenerational trauma in the wake of the Rwandan genocide, was acquired by Guardian Documentaries. Likewise, Old Lesbians continues to be recognised as a vital historical record. Previous projects have premiered at renowned festivals such as SXSW and Sundance, demonstrating the relevance of documentaries that ask: 鈥淲hat happens when we truly listen?鈥
The Listening Pitch is distinguished by its dedication to experimentation and the creative potential of sound. From observational work to experimental compositions, from intimate dialogue to fully immersive soundscapes, the films encourage audiences to reconsider how much of the world is shaped by what they hear. Works such as Sparsh Ahuja and Omi Gupta鈥檚 Birdsong and Ross McClean鈥檚 Echo transform the act of viewing into a participatory experience: audiences do not simply watch, they engage with what they hear, letting it shape the way they feel and think. This year, marking the fifth anniversary of The Listening Pitch, the programme asks: 鈥淲hat can we hear if we listen right now?鈥 The answer is found in the work of three visionary filmmakers: Carin Leong, Roberto Duque and Jiajing Zhao. Each brings a distinct approach to storytelling through sound, creating documentaries that are both thought-provoking and immersive.
Carin Leong鈥檚 Untitled Fetal Heartbeat explores how Doppler ultrasound technology translates invisible biological processes into sound, transforming the inaudible into a sensory experience that shapes cultural understandings of pregnancy and birth. Roberto Duque鈥檚 Voice Shift follows trans femme individuals as they work with a vocal coach to find a voice that aligns with their gender identity, weaving personal journeys with broader social and political reflection. Jiajing Zhao鈥檚 Le Voyage dans la Lune reimagines the soundtrack for Georges M茅li猫s鈥 1902 silent film, exploring themes of history, colonialism and technology.
鈥淪ound reveals stories that might otherwise remain invisible. With The Listening Pitch, we invite filmmakers to explore how listening shapes understanding, empathy and the connections we make with the world around us,鈥 says Cherie Federico, Director of Aesthetica. A key part of Audible x Aesthetica鈥檚 mission with The Listening Pitch is supporting new and emerging talent. By providing funding, mentorship and a platform for their work, we aim to open doors to voices that are often underrepresented in documentary filmmaking. Giving space to fresh perspectives is essential 鈥 not only for innovation in storytelling but also for reflecting the diversity of experiences in the world around us. These projects remind us that the most compelling stories often come from those who are just beginning their creative journey and by listening to them, audiences are invited to engage with narratives that challenge, inspire and expand understanding.
These new films premiere alongside Old Lesbians, providing a sense of continuity across the five years of The Listening Pitch and allowing audiences to see how the initiative has developed as a space for cinematic experimentation and storytelling innovation. The premiere event is designed to be immersive. Following the screenings, a Q&A with the filmmakers gives audiences an opportunity to explore the creative process and engage directly with the artists behind the work. The evening continues from 21:00 with DJ sets, drinks and networking, celebrating the craft of documentary and the conversations it inspires.
At its core, The Listening Pitch is a testament to the ability of documentaries to illuminate hidden realities, amplify unheard voices and foster connection. In an era saturated with images and constant media, these films remind us of the importance of pausing, listening and allowing what is unheard to guide our perception. They reveal how sound can influence understanding, empathy and engagement in ways that visuals alone often cannot. 鈥淔ive years on, The Listening Pitch has become more than a programme – it is a laboratory for experimentation in documentary filmmaking,鈥 adds Federico. 鈥淚t demonstrates how attentive listening can reveal stories that shape our understanding of others and the world.鈥
Looking ahead, The Listening Pitch continues to support bold, original documentary filmmaking. It is a platform that encourages audiences and creators alike to approach stories with curiosity, attention and imagination, proving that sound is not just an accompaniment to visuals but an essential element of cinematic storytelling. The 2025 premieres of Carin Leong, Roberto Duque and Jiajing Zhao, alongside the screening of Old Lesbians, promise an evening of thought-provoking, immersive documentary experiences. Audiences are invited to explore the films engage with stories that challenge, inspire and resonate.
Words: Simon Cartwright
Saturday 8 November | City Screen, York
Arrival: 18:45 | Screenings: 19:00 | DJ, Drinks & Networking: 21:00
Book your ticket here: asff.co.uk/tickets/
Image Credits:
1. Film Still.聽叠补苍补苍补.听Matthew Herbert (2023)
2. Film Still.聽Old Lesbians.聽Meghan McDonough (2023).
3. Trailer. Old Lesbians.聽Meghan McDonough (2023).
4. Film Still. The Things We Don’t Say. Ornella Mutoni (2024).
5. Trailer, Blind as a Beat. Jessi Gutch and Liz Jackson (2021).
