Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Scotland's environmental film festival.
What is the Montrose LandxSea Film Festival?
LandxSea is Scotland’s dedicated environmental film festival, and the only film festival in Angus.
Each September, our Annual Film Festival brings powerful stories to the big screen, exploring the deep and dynamic connections between land and sea, climate and community. We’re here to spark conversation, build community, and inspire change through the art of film.
Year-round, our LandxSea Monthly screening strand brings festival favourites and timely new films to the big screen.
What happens at the Festival?
A full weekend of films, guest Q&As, creative events, and community connection, all centred on people, place, and planet.
Expect documentaries, discussion panels, artist talks, kids’ events, family swims, and the occasional sea breeze.
What's the story behind the festival?
LandxSea was co-founded by Montrose-based filmmaker Anthony Baxter and impact producer Rachel Caplan, who first collaborated at the San Francisco Green Film Festival in 2012. When Rachel returned to Scotland in 2020 and the Montrose Playhouse opened in 2021, everything came together for a new kind of festival rooted in place, story, and purpose.
Where does it take place?
LandxSea is proudly hosted at The Montrose Playhouse, a beautifully reimagined, community-owned cinema in the heart of Montrose, northeast Scotland.
We’re easy to reach by direct train from Dundee, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and even London. More travel info →
Most of our festival screenings take place in Screen 1, which has a range of comfortable seating, including sofas, love seats, cinema seats, wheelchair spaces and front rows with footstools.
Who comes to LandxSea?
Everyone! Our audiences include families, school groups, artists, filmmakers, students, climate activists, and curious locals. If you care about the planet, love a good story, or just fancy a warm chat in the Playhouse café, you’ll fit right in.
When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets for 2026 will go on sale on in early August via the Montrose Playhouse box office, by phone at 07395 071 636, or in person. Be the first to hear updates and sign-up to our newsletter →
Where can I pick up a programme?
Printed programmes will be available from mid August at the Montrose Playhouse box office.
If you'd like to receive a programme in the mail, please contact us.
How many films are shown?
In 2025, we showed 22 films from 14 countries, including 8 Scottish premieres and 2 World premieres. We’re proud to spotlight bold, diverse, and meaningful stories that move, challenge, and inspire.
Is there a festival theme?
2025 theme: Creative Ground: Artists Respond to the Climate
This year, LandxSea celebrates the power of artists to help us feel, reimagine, and respond to a rapidly changing world. Inspired by our ongoing collaborations with embedded artist Eve Mosher and the Sea Change project in Montrose, our 2025 theme explores how artists are making sense of environmental change, through image, sound, movement, and collective care.
From painting to poetry, music to sculpture, Creative Ground showcases artists who are listening deeply to land and sea, and inviting us to do the same. Programme highlights include Lost for Words (Scottish Premiere), Tracing Light (Scottish Premiere), and When Fish Begin to Crawl, alongside live music, shorts, workshops, and more.
This is art not as escape, but as an invitation to connect, collaborate, and imagine what comes next.
Are there special events?
Our Opening Night Premiere is always a highlight, alongside filmmaker Q&As, hands-on workshops, family activities, and the joyful (and bracing!) Montrose Beach Dook.
Do you have a Schools Programme?
Yes! Our Schools at the Festival strand offers free educational screenings and interactive learning experiences tailored for young people. We work closely with local educators to connect film with climate literacy and creativity.
Where do the film age ratings come from?
Many of our films are UK or Scottish premieres, independent productions, and don’t yet have official BBFC ratings. We work with Angus Council to provide age guidance, clearly listed in our programme and online. Just ask if you’re unsure, we’re happy to advise.
What else happens beyond screenings?
- Guest conversations
- Live performances and music
- Creative workshops
- Exhibitions and installations
- Family swims and community events
It’s about connection as much as cinema.
Do you have press materials?
Yes, we’d love to connect. Join our Press List or contact publicist Ruth Marsh at [email protected]
Is the festival accessible?
The Montrose Playhouse is fully accessible with:
- Blue Badge and accessible parking
- Step-free access and lifts to all floors
- Accessible toilets on each floor
- Two wheelchair spaces per screen
- A Changing Place facility
- Captioned/subtitled screenings where possible
- Hearing Loops
- Live captioning (CART) for all Festival conversations and Q&As. (real‑time text on screen, provided by a real human!)
Do you have Accessible Programme Guides?
We provide clear, easy-to-read version of the Montrose LandxSea Festival programme, designed for screen readers, low-vision users, and anyone who prefers simplified formatting, with large text, clear headings, and plain language. Available in HTML, PDF, Word, RTF, TXT, ODT, and EPUB formats.
Does the venue have food and drink?
Yes, the Reel Bar at Montrose Playhouse is a popular choice during the festival for meeting up with friends, enjoying delicious bites, or just a quiet sit with a coffee. With a wide selection of quality drinks and cocktails it's perfect for a post-screening drink, discussing the films, and meeting festival guests! Menus →
What is your sustainability approach?
We walk the talk. LandxSea prioritises low-carbon travel, local food, waste reduction, eco-conscious design, and community collaboration. Read more →
Can I volunteer?
Absolutely! Volunteers are the heart of the festival. From front-of-house to guest support, marketing to creative setup, or our year-round Festival Planning Committee, there are many ways to get involved. Join the Team →
Can I become a Trustee?
Yes, Montrose LandxSea Film Festival SCIO is a Registered Charity in Scotland (SC053626) and governed by a Board of Trustees. We consider applications on a rolling basis. Learn more about the role →
Can I sponsor the festival?
Yes, we’d love to hear from you. Sponsorship supports our work and offers visibility to a values-aligned audience. Explore sponsor opportunities →
What are people saying?
Find highlights and testimonials in our 2025 Festival Wrap Report. We’ve been featured by BBC Scotland, STV News, The Guardian, and The National.
Also visit our testimonials and press coverage pages.
Are there other festivals like LandxSea?
We’re the first UK member of the international Green Film Network — a coalition of 30+ environmental film festivals in 23 countries. Each year, we spotlight selected international films and guests through this collaboration.
I missed the festival, where can I see the films again?
Stay tuned to our newsletter and channels for updates on encore screenings, or visit the Film Archive to explore more ways to view the films.
How do I submit my film?
Submissions for 2025 are now closed. 2026 submissions open in February.
Add us to your FilmFreeway watchlist or join our Call for Entries email list →
How can I stay updated?
- Sign up for our newsletter →
- Follow @LandxSeaFest on Instagram and Facebook
Have feedback?
We'd love to hear from you. Fill out our Feedback Survey or drop us a line at [email protected].