International Film Festival of St Andrews

Sands: International Film Festival of St Andrews
GenreFilm festival
FrequencyAnnually, in Spring
VenueByre Theatre
University of St Andrews
LocationsSt Andrews, Scotland, UK
InauguratedMarch 2022 (2022-03)
FounderJoe Russo
Most recent
17–19 April 2026
Director
Ania Trzebiatowska[1]
SponsorAGBO
Websitesands-iff.com

The International Film Festival of St Andrews, known in full as Sands: International Film Festival of St Andrews, is an annual film festival held in St Andrews, Scotland. It is co-produced by the Byre Theatre and the Film Studies Department at the University of St Andrews with lead sponsorship from Joe Russo through his production company, AGBO.[2] The festival is a three-day event showcasing international cinema to local, national and international audiences, as well as hosting film-related events and workshops for filmmakers and creators.[3] In 2024, the inaugural Sands golf tournament became part of the festival's wider activities.[4]

History

Joe Russo developed affection for Scotland and a close relationship with the University of St Andrews after his daughter enrolled at the university to study film in 2014. This included working with the university's film academics to judge student film festivals and delivering guest lectures. Inspired by his experience and engagement with the community, he proposed launching a film festival with the university.[5]

Editions

Year Headliner Speakers Opening Ending Ref
2022 Joe Russo Mollye Asher, Laura Carreira, Jono MacLeod and Adura Onashile
Long Live My
Happy Head (2022) Scotland
 [6][7]
2023 Stanley Tucci Reinaldo Marcus Green, Yvonne Isimeme Ibazebo, Paul Mezey, Ellen Mirojnick, Donald Mustard, Ita O'Brien, Joe Russo, Margery Simkin, John Sloss and Iain Smith [8][9]
2024 Steven Soderbergh Anna Hints, Harry and Tom Holland, Grainne Humphreys, Naqqash Kahlid, Chris van der Kuyl, Rachel Lambert, Donald Mustard, Russo brothers, Alan Silvestri and Debra Zane
Maestra (2023) United States
 [10][11]
2025 Dame Joanna Lumley Amman Abbasi, Kharmel Cochrane, Frank E. Flowers, James Griffiths, John Maclean, Manon Ouimet, Russo brothers, Elizabeth Sankey, Jeffrey E. Stern, Kathleen Wallfisch, Jeremy Warmsley and Kim Yutani [12][13]
2026 Craig Armstrong Tony Benna, Gary Clark, Mohammadreza Eyni, Eva H.D, Charlie Kaufman, Sara Khaki, Zamo Mkhwanazi, Laura Mulvey, James Price, Joe Russo, Angela Russo-Otstot and John Sloss [14][15]
  1. ↑ As a surprise screening for the world premiere of the first two episodes of the TV Series

Other Film Festivals in St Andrews

The event is not to be confused with the St Andrews Film Festival founded in 2018[16] and the student-run St Andrews Green Film Festival founded in 2013.[17]

References

  1. ↑ Walker, Richard (25 April 2025). "From Sundance to St Andrews – film festival director inspired to come to Scotland". The National.
  2. ↑ McCartney, Scott (13 October 2021). "Sands: International Film Festival of St Andrews launches with backing from Avengers director Joe Russo". The Scotsman.
  3. ↑ "Avengers director Joe Russo to speak at Sands International Film Festival of St Andrews". The Courier. 19 March 2022.
  4. ↑ "Tom Holland Talks 'Spider-Man' And Plans For Fourth Movie: "This Is The First Time I've Been Part Of The Creative So Early…Everyone Wants It To Happen" — Sands Film Festival". Deadline Hollywood. 22 April 2024.
  5. ↑ "Fore! AGBO Principal Joe Russo & Fest Vet Ania Trzebiatowska Launching Film Festival In Scotland's St. Andrews, Golf's Birthplace". Deadline Hollywood. 19 October 2021.
  6. ↑ "Sands International Film Festival of St Andrews" (PDF). International Film Festival of St Andrews.
  7. ↑ "Joe Russo At The Sands International Film Festival: An Empire Podcast Interview Special". Empire. 12 May 2022.
  8. ↑ "Sands Friday 14 – Sunday 16 April 2023 Film Brochure" (PDF). International Film Festival of St Andrews.
  9. ↑ Fleming JR, Mike; Ntim, Zac (16 April 2026). "Joe Russo Talks 'Citadel', Working With Amazon Chief Jennifer Salke & His Plan To Challenge Cannes With The Sands International Film Festival". Deadline.
  10. ↑ "Steven Soderbergh to headline international film festival in Scotland". The National. 21 March 2024.
  11. ↑ "Tom Holland confirms he's returning for fourth Spider-Man movie". NME. 22 April 2024.
  12. ↑ Ntim, Zac (26 April 2025). "Sands International Film Festival Opens With Raucous Homecoming Screening Of Carey Mulligan Comedy 'The Ballad Of Wallis Island'". Deadline.
  13. ↑ "Sands 25: International Film Festival of St Andrews" (PDF). International Film Festival of St Andrews. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
  14. ↑ Ntim, Zac (20 March 2026). "Sands Film Festival Returns For Fifth Edition". Deadline.
  15. ↑ "SANDS 26: International Film Festival of St Andrews Friday 17 – Sunday 19 April 2026" (PDF). Sands: International Film Festival of St Andrews. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
  16. ↑ "The Film Festival in the Heart of Historic Scotland". The St Andrews Film Festival.
  17. ↑ "Green Film Festival". St Andrews Green Film Festival.
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