Vision
Sand evokes the very essence of film, reflecting the sense of St Andrews as a place and of the people who live and work here.
Sand is as transient as a frame of film, yet leaves a lasting and emotional impression, in the same way as a great film can.
Vision
Sands: International Film Festival of St Andrews continues its journey as a three -day event committed to providing an exciting and diverse showcase of international cinema as well as film-related events and workshops for local, national and international audiences.
We believe in the transformative power of art and want to share a space with the people making an impact, changing perspectives and inspiring audiences around the world.
Festival Director Ania Trzebiatowska’s focus is on creating an accessible, audience-friendly event that pushes boundaries and introduces new filmmaking voices to our communities.
Since its inception, the grounding philosophy of Sands has been to nurture new voices in filmmaking by showcasing their work and connecting them with the wider filmmaking community.
Sands also provides unique opportunities for growth, connection, and learning, creating a platform for international exchange in both formal and informal settings and opportunities for emerging Scottish filmmakers. Heading into its second year, Sands creates an important and safe space for exchanging ideas, opinions and inspirations and is, again in the inclusive and welcoming space of the Byre Theatre.
Themed around the idea of BEGINNINGS, last year’s inaugural festival affirmed itself as not only a major new event in the Scottish cultural calendar, but as a key player in the world film festival circuit. Over the course of three days, filmmakers and audiences descended on the iconic Scottish town for an exciting array of film premieres and industry events that included a special talk with festival co-founder Joe Russo (co-director of Avengers: Endgame).
With deep roots in the University of St Andrews, Sands takes pride in its close ties with the University’s prestigious Film Studies department, and offers unique opportunities for students to connect with film festival curation and filmmaking talent. The festival brings people together to fulfil the broader mission of bringing fresh and innovative cinema, including filmmakers from Scotland to audiences across Scotland.
Sands provides a uniquely boutique experience for festival-goers: in addition to a range of exciting premieres and enlightening talks, Sands offers audiences the chance to fully engross themselves in the town that unfailingly charms visitors from around the world. From its deep history to its stunning beach vistas, the Sands experience truly has something to offer everyone.
The Hub
The Byre Theatre is the festival hub, the gathering place for Sands; a safe space in which our audiences and guests can explore the programme, socialise and relax. As simple as this idea is, centralising festival presence is crucial to creating the event’s identity and making everyone feel welcome and inspired.
