Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Scotland's environmental film festival.
New to LandxSea? Perfect. Many of our visitors are discovering the festival for the first time.
What is the Montrose LandxSea Film Festival?
LandxSea ("Land by Sea") is Scotland’s 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 connections between land, sea, climate, culture, and community. Our goal is simple: to spark conversation, bring people together, and inspire new ideas and actions through the shared experience of cinema.
Year-round, our LandxSea Monthly screenings bring festival favourites and timely new films to the big screen.
Where does it take place?
LandxSea is hosted at The Montrose Playhouse, a beautifully restored, community-owned cinema in the town’s former public swimming baths, in the heart of Montrose, northeast Scotland.
The Playhouse is known for its welcoming atmosphere and comfortable cinema spaces, including sofas, love seats, cinema seats, wheelchair spaces, and front rows with footstools.
The venue was a finalist for BIFA's UK Cinema of the Year 2025.
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, filmmaker conversations, artist talks, family events, workshops, social gatherings, and the occasional sea swim.
You don't have to be a "film person" or an expert on climate issues — just bring curiosity.
Who comes to LandxSea?
Everyone! Our audiences include local residents, families, students, artists, outdoor enthusiasts, filmmakers, scientists, and people who simply love cinema.
Some come for the environmental themes, others for the storytelling, and many just for the atmosphere. You might run into neighbours, meet new friends, or bump into visiting filmmakers from around the world.
Many of our audience members tell us they came to their first LandxSea event out of curiosity, and now return every year.
I'm coming on my own. Will I feel out of place?
Not at all. Many people come on their own, especially for their first visit.
LandxSea is known for being friendly and relaxed. Our audiences love talking about films and meeting new people, whether in the cinema, the Reel Bar café inside the Playhouse, or at festival events.
If you're curious about the planet, enjoy a good story, or simply fancy trying something new, you’ll feel very welcome here.
I'm not an expert on climate issues — is this festival for me?
Absolutely. Our films are chosen because they are engaging, human stories, not lectures. Many are funny, surprising, visually beautiful, or adventurous.
The festival is about exploring ideas together, asking questions, and discovering new perspectives, not about having all the answers.
Which film should I start with?
If it’s your first time at LandxSea, we recommend starting with one of these:
- Opening Night Premiere — our big shared festival moment
- A Scottish story — local films with visiting guests
- A visually spectacular nature film — perfect for the big screen
Not sure where to start? Look for the ⭐ LandxSea Picks, our team’s favourite films for first-time visitors.
Or simply choose a film topic that sparks your curiosity. Many people discover their favourite films by taking a chance on something unexpected.
What other tips do you have for my first visit?
- Arrive a little early and enjoy a drink in the Reel Bar café at the cinema
- Stay for the film Q&A — audiences love asking questions
- Don’t worry if the film is outside your usual taste, the surprises are often the highlights
- If you’re coming alone, you’ll likely meet other friendly film lovers
What else happens beyond film screenings?
There’s always plenty happening around the cinema.
During the festival you might find:
- Filmmaker Q&As and guest conversations
- Live music and performances
- Creative workshops
- Exhibitions and installations
- Family activities
- Community gatherings and social events
- The joyful (and bracing!) Montrose Beach Dook
Many visitors tell us their favourite part of LandxSea isn’t just the films, it’s the conversations that happen afterwards. They stay before or after films to chat, grab a drink, or meet guests and filmmakers.
Does the venue have food and drink?
Yes. The Reel Bar café at the Montrose Playhouse is a favourite festival meeting place. You can grab coffee, snacks, local drinks, or cocktails before or after screenings (or to take into the cinema with you).
It’s a relaxed space where audiences, filmmakers, and festival guests often gather to continue conversations sparked by the films.
How do I get there?
Montrose is easy to reach by train from across Scotland and beyond.
Direct rail connections run from Dundee, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London, and the train station is about a 10-minute walk from the cinema. (There is also a taxi stand outside the train station, as well as a bus stop).
The venue also has free parking at the rear of the building, with additional street parking nearby.
I’m worried about parking — is it easy?
Yes. The Playhouse has free parking directly behind the building, and there is usually plenty of nearby free street parking around the town centre.
Many visitors also walk from the train station (around 10 mins), and taxis/buses are readily available.
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
- Wheelchair spaces in each screen
- A Changing Place facility
- Hearing Loops
- Captioned/subtitled screenings where possible
- Live captioning (CART) for all Festival talks and Q&As. (real‑time text on screen, provided by a real human!)
Do you have Accessible Programme Guides?
Yes. We provide an easy-to-read version of the festival programme designed for screen readers, low-vision users, and anyone who prefers simplified formatting.
These versions use large text, clear headings, and plain language, and are available in HTML, PDF, Word, RTF, TXT, ODT, and EPUB formats.
Do I have to attend the whole festival?
Not at all. Many people come for just one film or a day trip, while others spend the whole weekend exploring different screenings and events.
You can build your own festival experience — dip in for an evening screening, come for a family event, or make a full weekend of it.
Is this just for environmental activists?
No... and that’s the point.
LandxSea is for anyone curious about the world around them. Our films cover wildlife, food, music, art, sport, science, and human stories from across the globe.
Some are hopeful, some challenging, many uplifting, but all are designed to start conversations.
What is the atmosphere like?
Friendly, relaxed, and welcoming. Many visitors say the festival feels more like a friendly community gathering than a formal event.
LandxSea is as much about community and shared experience as it is about cinema. People stay after screenings to chat, meet filmmakers, and exchange ideas. Many of our audience members tell us they came for one film, and ended up staying for the rest of the weekend.
Think of it less as a formal film festival and more as a gathering of curious people who care about stories, nature, and the future.
When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets for 2026 will go on sale on in early August via the Montrose Playhouse box office, online, by phone (07395 071 636), or in person.
Be the first to hear updates and sign-up to our newsletter →
Are there free or reduced tickets available?
Yes. We believe cinema should be for everyone. Through generous support from our funders & sponsors, we can keep ticket prices at a low-cost (at the usual cinema ticket prices) for these premium events.
There are concessions for seniors and students.
Carers and young people age 18 or under can also attend any programme for free.
If cost is a barrier, free Community Tickets are available — no questions asked. You can select the option when booking online, call the box office, or speak to the team at the Montrose Playhouse.
Coming to multiple shows? We also have ticket bundles available — check the box office for details.
We also offer several free events across the weekend so that as many people as possible can take part in the festival.
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 by post, 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.
Are there special events?
Yes. Our Opening Night Premiere is always a highlight, alongside filmmaker Q&As, creative 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 for young people. We work closely with local educators to connect film with climate literacy, creativity, and storytelling.
Where do the film age ratings come from?
Many of our films are UK or Scottish premieres and independent productions that 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 help.
Do you have press materials?
Yes, we’d love to connect. Join our Press List or contact us.
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, creative setup, or joining our year-round Festival Planning Committee or film submissions Screening Team, 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, The Times, STV News, The Guardian, and The National.
You can also visit our testimonials and press coverage pages.
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.
Are there other festivals like LandxSea?
We’re the first UK member of the international Green Film Network — a coalition more than 30 environmental film festivals across 23 countries.
Each year, we spotlight international films and guests through this collaboration.
I missed the festival, where can I see the films again?
Stay tuned to our newsletter and social 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?
Film Submissions for the 2026 Festival closed on 22 April.
The next call for entries will open on 1 Feb 2027.
- Learn more about submitting your film →
- Add us to your FilmFreeway watchlist →
- Join our Call for Entries 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].