More than movies. A movement.
Film has the power to spark change. At LandxSea, we use it to do just that.
Since launching in 2023, Montrose LandxSea Film Festival has grown into a year-round platform for environmental cinema, education, creativity and community action.
We bring powerful stories to the screen, welcome filmmakers and environmental experts to Montrose, create opportunities for young people and help audiences connect what they have seen with meaningful ways to respond.
Whether we are hosting a filmmaker Q&A, welcoming pupils to their first festival screening, supporting an international premiere or taking the conversation out onto the beach, our aim is the same: that the experience stays with people long after the credits roll.
Explore Our Impact
Impact at a Glance · Impact Reports · Our Programmes · Access & Sustainability · What Comes Next
Impact at a Glance
Growing environmental cinema, conversation and participation in Montrose and beyond.
Since LandxSea Began
74
environmental film events
89
films screened
88
guest filmmakers and environmental experts
5,800+
audience engagements in Montrose and Angus
LandxSea Film Festival 2025
22
films from 14 countries
1,050+
festival attendances
30
filmmakers and guest speakers
10
World and Scottish premieres
93%
rated films excellent or very good
89%
felt inspired to take action
25%
of festival events offered free
2.5m+
media impressions
64% of films in the 2025 programme were directed by women, and more than 35 organisations contributed to festival activity and engagement.
Read Our Impact Reports
LATEST REPORT
2025 LandxSea Film Festival Impact Report
Explore the festival programme, audience feedback, access work, partnerships, environmental action and the difference LandxSea is making for filmmakers, young people and communities.
How We Create Impact
Our work is built around four connected programme areas.
Curated Film Programme
Exceptional environmental cinema that expands understanding, sparks conversation and connects global stories with local experience.
Green Connect Programme
Conversations, partnerships and practical next steps that help audiences turn inspiration into action.
Filmmaker Development
Supporting environmental storytellers through premieres, audience engagement, awards, networks and creative exchange.
Youth & Schools
Accessible screenings and creative opportunities that help young people engage with film, nature and environmental ideas.
Why This Work Matters
“Film festivals such as LandxSea play an important part in Scotland’s screen industry success story by showcasing high-quality films and bringing important issues to the fore, such as sustainability and the environmental challenges that we face.
It is encouraging to see the festival connecting audiences with experts, inspiring positive change and creating both cultural and environmental benefits.”
Angus Robertson MSP
Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture
Read audience and filmmaker testimonials → · Explore press coverage →
Audience at LandxSea Film Festival. Photo: Anthony Baxter.
1. Curated Film Programme
Environmental cinema that sparks conversation, connection and reflection.
At the heart of LandxSea is a commitment to extraordinary storytelling. Our programme brings together local voices and global perspectives, using cinema to explore urgent environmental challenges, celebrate creative responses and deepen understanding of the places and communities affected.
Our Impact Goal
Audiences leave LandxSea more aware of environmental stories, more connected with the people behind them and more curious about the issues explored on screen.
What We Do
- Present the annual LandxSea Film Festival at Montrose Playhouse.
- Programme Scottish, UK and international premieres alongside filmmaker Q&As and expert conversations.
- Connect environmental stories with Montrose, Angus and the wider northeast coast.
- Continue the conversation throughout the year through LandxSea Monthly.
- Provide free and affordable access through community tickets, youth tickets and selected free events.
Our Progress
- 74 environmental film events produced since September 2023.
- 89 films brought to audiences in Montrose and Angus.
- 88 filmmakers and experts welcomed for audience conversations.
- 22 films from 14 countries presented at the 2025 festival.
- 64% of the 2025 films were directed by women.
- 93% of audience ratings described films as excellent or very good.
2. Green Connect Programme
From inspiration to action.
Films can open a door, but meaningful change often begins with what happens next. Green Connect links audiences with filmmakers, campaigners, researchers, artists and community organisations, helping people find practical and creative routes into action.
Our Impact Goal
Audiences feel more connected to environmental issues, more confident about possible responses and more motivated to take a meaningful next step.
What We Do
- Host talks, panels and in-depth Q&As with experts, campaigners and people directly affected by environmental change.
- Connect audiences with local and national organisations through our Community Directory.
- Offer practical and creative ideas through our Take Action programme.
- Invite audiences to reflect, respond and make a Green Pledge.
- Develop artist-led projects exploring coastal change, community and place.
Our Progress
- 89% of 2025 attendees reported feeling inspired to take action.
- More than 35 environmental, cultural and community organisations contributed to the festival.
- Audiences identified intentions including greener purchasing, community participation and engagement with local government.
- Creative workshops and participatory activities offered accessible ways to explore environmental change beyond the cinema.
- Take Action resources now connect audiences with organisations and opportunities throughout the year.
3. Filmmaker Development Programme
Supporting the storytellers who spark change.
Environmental filmmakers need more than a screen. They need engaged audiences, meaningful discussion, professional connections and opportunities for their work to travel further.
LandxSea creates an intimate and supportive setting where filmmakers can share new work, meet audiences and partners, exchange ideas and explore the wider impact of their stories.
Our Impact Goal
Filmmakers leave LandxSea feeling recognised, supported and more connected—to audiences, the region and a wider network of creative and impact opportunities.
What We Do
- Showcase new environmental films, including UK and Scottish premieres.
- Create direct and thoughtful exchanges between filmmakers and audiences.
- Platform emerging and underrepresented voices.
- Celebrate excellence through the North Light Award and Audience Award.
- Connect filmmakers with press, partners, peers and impact practitioners.
- Participate in the international Green Film Network.
Our Progress
- 78 filmmakers supported since September 2023.
- Two world premieres and eight Scottish premieres presented in 2025.
- Two first-time directors given a festival platform in 2025.
- A £500 North Light Award presented for excellence in Scottish environmental filmmaking.
- Audience Awards provide filmmakers with direct recognition from festival-goers.
- Filmmakers consistently highlight LandxSea’s warm welcome, careful programming and engaged audiences.
4. Youth & Schools Programme
Inspiring the next generation of environmental thinkers and storytellers.
Our Youth & Schools Programme introduces children and young people to environmental cinema in creative, accessible and age-appropriate ways.
Through screenings, filmmaker conversations, practical workshops and free ticketing, we create opportunities for younger audiences to think critically, explore their own creativity and see that their perspectives matter.
Our Impact Goal
Young people feel more informed, inspired and connected—to cinema, environmental issues, their communities and their own capacity to tell stories.
What We Do
- Present free Schools at the Festival screenings with post-film discussion.
- Work with educators and environmental experts to connect films with climate literacy.
- Offer free festival tickets for audiences aged 18 and under.
- Provide free submissions for young filmmakers.
- Develop beginner-friendly filmmaking, animation and sound workshops.
- Programme family screenings and participatory cinema experiences.
2025 Progress
- More than 50 complimentary tickets provided to young audiences across the festival.
- Pupils from local schools and colleges attended films including Future Council and Lowland Kids.
- Young audiences met environmental professionals and youth campaigners through post-film discussion.
- Family audiences created live sound and music for animated films through the Enchanted Cinema.
- Financial barriers were reduced through free screenings, workshops and youth ticketing.
Explore Youth & Schools at LandxSea →
LandxSea participants at Montrose Basin. Photo: Graham Black.
Access & Sustainability
Impact also means considering who can take part and how our activity affects the world around us.
Access & Inclusion
- 52 free tickets distributed through community access in 2025.
- 25% of festival events offered free.
- 100% of film screenings presented with subtitles.
- Live captioning introduced for Q&As and in-conversation events.
- Programme materials provided in accessible digital formats.
- Step-free access, wheelchair spaces, hearing loops, Changing Places facilities and free companion tickets available at Montrose Playhouse.
- Quiet spaces, clear signage and trained staff supported a welcoming festival environment.
Sustainability in Practice
Environmental responsibility is not only something we programme—it shapes how we work.
- Prioritising reusable, recyclable, sustainable and biodegradable materials.
- Working with local suppliers and businesses wherever possible.
- Supporting plant-based food choices and reducing food waste.
- Encouraging rail, public transport and shared travel for audiences and guests.
- Reviewing our own environmental performance and identifying improvements each year.
What Comes Next
We want LandxSea to grow in impact, reach and relevance—not simply in size.
Our 2026 Priorities
- Deliver our fourth LandxSea Film Festival in Montrose from 11–13 September 2026.
- Grow LandxSea Monthly as a consistent year-round programme of films and conversations.
- Expand free schools activity, youth ticketing and beginner-friendly creative workshops.
- Deepen our artist-led climate work exploring coastal change, place and community imagination.
- Create stronger connections between films, community organisations and practical opportunities for action.
- Continue improving live captioning, accessible information, community ticketing and inclusive participation.
- Support environmental filmmakers through premieres, audience engagement, professional exchange and impact-focused conversations.
- Measure and reduce the environmental footprint of our programmes and events.
LandxSea is still young, and we are continuing to learn. Audience feedback, community relationships and filmmaker experience all help shape what the organisation becomes next.
Share an idea or talk to us about our impact →
LandxSea Beach Dook. Photo: Anthony Baxter.
Impact Is Collective
LandxSea is made possible by audiences, filmmakers, volunteers, trustees, schools, artists, environmental organisations, community partners, funders and local businesses.
We are grateful to everyone who contributes time, ideas, expertise, resources and encouragement.
Make Your Impact
There is a place for you in the LandxSea story.
Come to a screening, make a pledge, volunteer, partner with us or help sustain environmental cinema in Montrose.
Sign up for LandxSea news → · Follow @landxseafest →
Photo credits: Graham Black, Anthony Baxter, Rachel Caplan and Montrose LandxSea Film Festival.