What is Montrose LandxSea Film Festival?

Taking place each September, the Montrose LandxSea Film Fest is a community-centric event that celebrates environmental cinema. Our mission is to inspire, educate, and connect people through the power of film, showcasing the complex connections between land and sea, and presenting diverse perspectives from coastal cultures across Scotland and beyond. We are the first climate-focused film festival in Scotland, and the first and only film festival in Angus region.

What happened at the 1st Festival in September?

The inaugural Montrose LandxSea Film Fest in September 2023 offered a vibrant mix of film screenings, guest discussions, and special events centred around environmental themes. Explore the 2023 Programme.

What is the history of the festival?

The festival is the brainchild of Montrose-based filmmaker Anthony Baxter and film festival producer Rachel Caplan, who first collaborated at the San Francisco Green Film Festival back in 2012 when Anthony's film You've Been Trumped made a splash. When Rachel moved back to Scotland in 2020, they decided to create a platform in Scotland for environmental films and dialogues. The opening of the stunning Montrose Playhouse in 2021 provided the perfect home for this vision.

Where does the festival take place?

The festival takes place at The Montrose Playhouse, a state-of-the-art, community-owned cinema and arts hub in the heart of Montrose, a vibrant coastal town in North East Scotland situated halfway between Dundee and Aberdeen. The Playhouse is accessible via direct train links from many UK cities, including London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.

Who comes?

The festival welcomes a diverse audience of film enthusiasts, environmental activists, artists, students, families, and anyone passionate about nature, cinema, and culture.

When do tickets and passes go on sale?

Tickets and passes for the festival will go on sale in early August at the Montrose Playhouse box office. Purchase online at montroseplayhouse.co.uk, by phone at 07395 071 636, or in person at the box office. 

How many films will be shown?

The first festival in 2023 showed 22 films from 12 countries. We aim to curate a diverse range of engaging feature and short films that inspire conversation and action.

Is there a theme for the festival?

Yes, the theme is the intricate connections between land and sea, showcasing the diverse perspectives from coastal cultures across Scotland and beyond. Film topics range from energy transition to outdoor sports to wildlife conservation.

What are the big events?

The festival's Big Nights included the Opening Night Gala as well as other special social events. 

What is going on beside film screenings?

In addition to film screenings, the festival features guest discussions, all-ages workshops, and social events aimed at fostering conversations around environmental issues and inspiring positive change. Don’t miss our Eco Fair on the Mall outside the Playhouse - or our Montrose Beach Dook!

Do you have press releases for the festival?

Sign up for our Press List to receive our future press releases.

How do I get a press kit or press tickets?

Contact our publicist Ruth Marsh at 07824 468 396 or email [email protected]

Is the festival venue accessible for people with disabilities?

The Montrose Playhouse is committed to providing a safe and accessible experience for all festival attendees. There are two disabled parking bays in the car park and two disabled bays at the front of the building on The Mall. There is an accessible ramp at the front of the building to the main foyer. Within the foyer there is a lift to all three floors. Each floor has an accessible WC and the main cinema foyer has a Changing Place facility. Each screen has two wheelchair accessible spaces (there are no actual seats in those spaces).

Where possible, films are subtitled and this will be noted on the film programme page on the website and in the printed festival programme.

What is the festival's approach to sustainability?

We're proud to say that the festival is deeply committed to sustainability in all facets. From our eco-conscious event planning to our operational practices, we consistently strive to minimise our environmental footprint and amplify our positive impact. Learn more about our sustainability commitments.

How can I volunteer for the festival?

Volunteering for the Montrose LandxSea Film Fest is a wonderful opportunity to engage with a community of environmentally conscious film enthusiasts. We welcome volunteers to help with various aspects of the festival, such as guest coordination, event organisation, marketing, and more. If you're passionate about environmental issues, cinema, or both, we'd love to have you on board! Please visit our Volunteer page for more information.

Are there opportunities for sponsors?

Absolutely! Sponsoring the Montrose LandxSea Film Fest not only supports the promotion of environmental cinema but also provides an excellent opportunity for brand visibility. We offer various levels of sponsorship, each with unique benefits. By sponsoring, you can contribute to the success of the festival and reinforce your commitment to environmental sustainability. For more details on the sponsorship opportunities, please visit our Sponsor page or get in touch with us directly.

What are people saying about the Festival?

Dive into our detailed 2023 Festival Wrap Report for all the highlights, photos, and memories that made our first festival special. You can also read recent testimonials and press coverage.

Are there other environmental film festivals?

LandxSea is proud to be the first UK organisation to join the Green Film Network, an international alliance of 32 film festivals across 23 countries, all committed to to fostering environmental stewardship through the power of cinema. Starting in 2024, each LandxSea Film Fest will feature selected highlights from our international GFN partners.

How do I submit my film?

Film Submissions for LandxSea 2024 are now open until 22 April. Full details on how to enter your film are here or FilmFreeway. For future alerts, you can add us to your FilmFreeway watchlist or sign-up for Call for Entries emails.

How can I keep updated?

To get the latest news and offers sign-up for our email Newsletter, and follow us on various social media platforms where we share updates and news about the festival. Follow us @LandxSeaFest on X, Facebook, and Instagram and #LandxSeaFest.