Sands International Film Festival Announces Lineup

The Byre Theatre is hosting and producing the Sands International Film Festival of St Andrews on 25 March through 27 March. Consisting of thirteen films, alongside guest speakers and workshops, the event is a culmination of international talents, and its directors believe St Andrews is the perfect location to show them off.

The films and events include the opening film, My Old School playing on 25 March, along with Hive, a mystery screening and a speaker event. 26 March, (Im)material Worlds Programme 1 and 2, I Was a Simple Man, Queen of Glory, and Down With The King are the selected films for the day. A speaker event from Joe Russo and two panels will also occur. Sands' final day will see Ascension, (Im)ma- terial Worlds Programme 3 and 4, El Planeta, and Long Live My Happy Head. Scattered throughout the day, a talk from Mollye Asher will be given and one panel will take place. All films except for the four (Im)material Worlds Programmes will be followed with a Q&A session with its directors.

Sands was drawn to St Andrews’ ability to gather people from around the world, and their film lineup parallels this with similar diversity. Sands boasts Oscar nominees and Tribeca and Sundance film festival award winners. Attendees can also look forward to talks from Avengers: Endgame director Joe Russo and Academy Award winning producer Mollye Asher.

Festival Director, Ania Trzebiatowska, said, “We were focusing on films that played at festivals and did really well in communities that are similar to ours. We wanted to make sure there were a diversity of voices not just in front of the camera but behind it too. These are people that are the future of the arts in so many ways, and if you have not heard about them yet you will be hearing about them very soon.”

When designing this festival, the directors, with the help of six students studying at the University of St Andrews, sought to make Sands a learning experience and interaction with upcoming films.

“Screening films only at the Byre has its limitations, but we decided to embrace that and not overwhelm people. We came up with a schedule that works for people that want to see everything we have in the program, and that is possible right now,” said Trzebiatowska.

Trzebiatowska commented on Russo’s workshop saying, “Joe Russo has an incredible career. He’s also very ambitious when it comes to helping generations of filmmakers. The idea of giving back and supporting other filmmakers who are only just beginning is so important in the business.”

My Old School directed by Jono McLeod is a film to keep an eye out for. “My Old School is our opening night film and is a Scottish film. I think people should see it for themselves. It’s one of those films you go into thinking one thing, and come out of it thinking something completely different,” said Trzebiatowska.

“It’s safe to say I am excited about all these films, I really am. If you were able to see everything, I would absolutely suggest that it’s a good idea.”

Image: Abbie Mason