Scotland’s premier event for climate films & discussions, the 1st Annual Montrose LandxSea Film Fest, was held from 15-17 September at the Montrose Playhouse Cinema & Arts Venue.
Audiences, filmmakers, local organisations, and environmental leaders from across the country gathered to discuss pressing concerns surrounding global climate issues. Bold, compelling narratives illuminated the realities of our changing world, inspiring audiences to take action.
With the festival being a resounding success, preparations for the 2nd Annual Festival in September 2024 are already underway.
Festival at a glance
22 films from 12 countries showcased over 18 events in 3 days.
A total of 1,290 attendees, filling 71% seating capacity at screenings.
Welcomed 12 international filmmakers and esteemed guest speakers.
1/3 of the programmes were free, attracting 420+ attendees.
Film ratings were impressive: 97% ‘excellent’ and 3% ‘very good’.
Programme Highlights
- Opening Night UK Premiere: The Golden Thread- a deep dive into Bengal's waning jute industry. Featuring in person Q&As with filmmaker Nishtha Jain and partners DCA, Verdant Works, V&A Dundee.
- Closing Night UK Premiere: Patrick and the Whale with filmmaker Mark Fletcher and the film's protagonist, Patrick Dykstra who delighted the sell-out audience with their extraordinary insight into the making of the film, ahead of its US debut.
- Standout Scottish features The Oil Machine and Riverwoods (both showing in Angus for the first time), and Scottish Premieres of international festival hits The North Drift and Into the Ice. All included lively panels with filmmakers and distinguished guests and climate experts, from institutions such as St. Andrews University.
- The 1st Eco Fair outdoors on The Mall featured local sustainable and fair trade food retailers, a pop-up bike repair store, an 8-seat solar powered Caravan Cinema showing eco short films, and the town's very own Repair Café. Over 250 people attended, interacting and learning from local partners.
- Kids Club screenings for younger viewers, and all-ages hands-on workshops in the Activity Hub such as seed saving and animal track tiles.
- 60+ people joined our first Montrose Beach Dook, braving the North Sea!
Explore the full Festival Programme.
What People Are Saying
Read more in our full 2023 Festival Wrap Report.
Photo credits: Graham Black, Anthony Baxter, Rachel Caplan, Montrose LandxSea Film Fest 2023.