Measuring Impact

LandxSea Opening Night 2024

Since launching in 2023, the Montrose LandxSea Film Fest has made significant strides in promoting environmental awareness and action through its diverse programmes. We use the power of film to inspire, inform, and motivate audiences to find their environmental passion and make a difference. Below is an overview of our achievements, programmes, and goals as we continue to grow and deepen our impact.

2024 Festival Wrap Report [PDF]

 

2024 Festival at-a-glance

The 2nd Annual Montrose LandxSea Film Fest, Scotland’s leading showcase for environmental films and discussions, took place from 13-15 September 2024 at the Montrose Playhouse Cinema & Arts Hub.

Audiences, filmmakers, local organisations, and environmental thought-leaders from around the world came together in Montrose to address urgent issues surrounding the global climate crisis. Through bold and though-provoking films, the festival sparked meaningful conversations and inspired tangible actions across diverse environmental topics.

Showcased 25 exceptional films from 12 countries over 3 days.

Presented 3 World, 5 UK, and 7 Scottish Premieres.

Welcomed 30 filmmakers and guest speakers from across the globe.

 

Attracted 1,650+ attendees — a 26% increase from 2023 — with screenings at 84% capacity.

Offered over 1/3 of events for free, engaging 600+ attendees.

Earned an impressive 88% audience film rating of 'excellent’ or 'very good'.

98% of attendees reported feeling inspired to take action after attending a festival programme.

Achieved over 2.5 million media impressions

Partnered with 25+ arts and environmental organisations.

 

What People Are Saying

“Film festivals, such as LandxSea, play an important part in Scotland’s screen industry success story by promoting domestic productions, supporting talent development, 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 read the scope of your film festival in sharing environmental programming with audiences, connecting experts on the most pressing environmental issues, inspiring audiences to help bring positive change to our communities and environment.

I appreciate the dual benefits the film festival will bring, both in cultural impacts, as well as contributing to our goal to achieve net zero.” 

     ~ Angus Robertson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, 20 Sept 2024

Wrap Reports

 


How We Measure Impact: Our Programmes

LandxSea expands the traditional film festival experience by combining cinematic excellence with commitment to social and environmental impact, creating a platform that inspires meaningful action and change. We have four core programmes to support this vision:

  1. Curated Film Programme: Engaging local and global audiences with world-class environmental films that spark open dialogue on sustainability, challenges, and solutions.
  2. Green Connect Programme: Bringing audiences together with experts and organisations to explore actionable solutions to for today's most pressing environmental issues.
  3. Filmmaker Development Programme: Empowering filmmakers to amplify their impact through opportunities for networking, industry connections, and direct engagement with audiences.
  4. Youth Programme: Igniting a passion for environmental advocacy and storytelling in young changemakers, encouraging them to shape a more sustainable future.

Below are further details of these programmes and our progress towards our Impact Goals within each one. We also measure our steps towards Sustainability as we go along. However, we know this just the start of our journey: LandxSea is always evolving, and we're committed to expanding our reach and deepening our impact in the years ahead. See the Future Goals section, or drop us a note to have your say.


Audience at LandxSea Film Fest 2023

 

1. Curated Film Programme: Growing Audiences

 

Overview

We create compelling film events that engage local audiences and contribute to the global conversation on sustainable living.

  • Annual Film Festival

Our flagship event, the Montrose LandxSea Film Fest, showcases international environmental films and hosts leading filmmakers and environmental experts at the Montrose Playhouse, a community-owned Cinema & Arts Hub. Additional community events such as our Eco Fair and Beach Dook enhance the festival experience. One-third of our events are free, ensuring broad access.

  • Year-Round Community Screenings

Through partnerships with local organisations, our Green Screen series brings environmental stories to regional audiences year-round.

 

Impact Goals

  • After attending LandxSea events, audiences are more aware of environmental stories and the filmmakers' work.

 

Our Progress

Since launching in September 2023, LandxSea has produced 35 environmental film events, screening 55 films and welcomed 47 guest filmmakers and environmental leaders. These evens have engaged over 3,000 Montrose and Angus residents, building a strong connecion with the local community.

At the 2024 Festival:

  • 25 films from 12 countries were screened, with 56% directed by women, underscoring our commitment to gender parity. 
  • 30 filmmakers and special guests participated in engaging Q&A sessions.
  • Film topics ranged from clean energy to sustainable aquaculture and wildlife conservation.

To ensure accessibility, our Community Fund provided free tickets to youth, schools, community partners, and individuals in need, with 164 free tickets issued across paid screenings. In addiion, 1/3 of our festival evens were free, such as our Coastal Erosion Summit, Eco Fair, Pop-Up Cinema, and Beach Dook, drawing over 600 participants.

For insights from the 2024 Audience Survey, please view the 2024 Festival Impact Report.


Eco Fair on the Mall

 

2. Green Connect Programme: Building Campaigns & Causes

 

Overview

Our Green Connect Programme bridges the gap between film and action, encouraging audience to take meaningful steps towards sustainability.

At every screening, we work with filmmakers and community partners to explore how attendees can contribute to environmental solutions. We provide opportunities for further learning and action, from talks and panel discussions to actionable resources like our Take Action! community connections. Events are tailored to address environmental issues in Montrose and Angus, wile also connecting audiences to global challenges.

Audiences can also share their personal commitments through our Green Pledge initiative, whether by postcard, online, or through our Green Speak Out.

 

Impact Goals

  • After attending a LandxSea event, audiences are:
    • More aware of the environmental issues raised in the films and their connection to the Montrose and Angus region;
    • Ready for action, taking steps such as seeking more informatio, sharing the issues with others, and advocating for change;
    • Engaging in new behaviours, including sustainable lifestyle choices, increasing donations, or volunteering with the festival or community partners.

 

Our Progress

In 2024:

  • 98% of attendees reported feeling inspired to take action after attending a festival programme. Many committed to adopting new sustainable practices, such as making eco-friendly purchases, engaging with community partners, or advocating through local government.
  • Partnered with 20+ community organisations and curated events addressing five key environmental themes.
  • Hosted the Eco Fair, featuring 10 local businesses, organisations, and government agencies, offering attendees practical ways to support sustainability efforts.
  • Audiences shared their intentions and committments through initiatives likes Green Pledge and Green Speak Out, amplifying the festival's impact.

2024 Partnership Spotlights

LandxSea's success is built on collaboration with diverse community and environmental partners whose unique insights and dedication amplify our impact. Here are come of the exceptional organisations we worked with in 2024:

  • Angus Climate Hub: A driving force for climate action at the community level, the Hub brought invaluable expertise to the Coastal Erosion Summit, showcasing the Storm Angus Experiences community-sourced film project and facilitating though-provoking audience discussions on regional environmental challenges.
  • Montrose Playhouse: As our flagship venue, the community-owned Playhouse provides not only a stunning space but also a committment to sustainability, working with us to ensure every event rerflects our eco-friendly values.
  • Scottish Wildlife Trust—Montrose Basin: This vital partner enriched our People & Animals theme, delivering educational content for young audiences and helping facilitate our Schools Programme screening of Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story.

Together, these partners—and many others—bring our films to life, inspiring audiences to turn powerful ideas into meaningful action.


Nishtha Jain at LandxSea Film Fest 2023

 

3. Filmmaker Development Programme: Supporting Professional Careers

 

Overview

We support local, national, and international filmmakers by offering opportunities to showcase new works, connect with industry professionals, and deepen the impact of their stories.

Our events showcase new, international films, with many being introduced to UK audiences for the first time. In 2024, we introduced the LandxSea Awards, to celebrate the creativity and impact of our participating filmmakers. In 2025 we'll launch First Cut: Works-In-Progress, providing a platform for emerging projects, and the Impact Film series focusing on social impact in documentary filmmaking.

We are part of the international Green Film Network, helping our filmmakers connect with festivals and professionals globally.

 

Impact Goals

  • After participating in a LandxSea event, filmmakers are more connected to Montrose and Angus audiences, as well as local and global partners.

 

Our Progress

Since September 2023, LandxSea has supported 58 filmmakers from around the globe, showcasing their work in Montrose and providing opportunities to connect with audiences, media, and environmental organisations. The feedback from participating filmmakers has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the festival's impact on their work and reach.

At the 2024 Festival:

  • Showcased 3 World Premieres, 5 UK Premieres, and 7 Scottish Premieres, presenting bold new stories to national audiences.
  • Offered 5 debut filmmakers the chance to share their unique voices, fostering fresh talent and perspectives.
  • Launched the North Light Award, a juried prize of £500 celebrating Scottish environmental storytelling.
  • Honoured audience favourites with the new Audience Award, showcasing the festival's connection with its viewers.

Moving Images Caravan Cinema

 

4. Youth Programme: Inspiring New Generations

 

Overview

  • We inspire the next generation of environmental advocates and filmmakers by providing access to green films and filmmaking opportunities.

Launched in 2024, our Schools Programme initiative brings young people to the festival for inspiring green films and discussions.

Our Young Filmmaker Competition offers young creatives a platform to showcase their work, with free submissions.

Through our Youth Ticket Fund, free tickets are distributed to local youth age 18 and under across all programmes in the festival.

 

Impact Goals

  • After attending LandxSea events, young people are:
    • More aware of the diverse world of cinema, including the films, filmmakers, and creative processes behind them;
    • More knowledgeable about the environmental issues explored in the films, with a particular focus on their relevance to Montrose and Angus;
    • More connected to their local community, including artists, audiences and partner organisations;
    • Inspired to tell their own stories, using film as a medium for expression and change.

 

Our Progress

In 2024, we prioritised engaging young audiences by:

  • Providing over 160 complimentary tickets to youth under 18 across festival screenings, ensuring accessibility for all.
  • Hosting 115 pupils from 6 local primary and secondary schools at our inaugural Schools Programme, featuring Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story and X Trillion. Each session included lively Q&As with film participants and local environmental experts, sparking curiosity and discussion.
  • Continuing the Kids' Club, which introduced family audiences to the animated classic Song of the Sea, fostering an early appreciation of environmental storytelling. 

Fest Crew on the Montrose Basin

 

Additional Impact: Sustainability Metrics

At LandxSea, we are dedicated to reducing our environmental footprint across all festival operations by integrating sustainability in every aspect of the event.

  • Zero Waste Initiatives: Prioritising reusable, recyclable, sustainable, or biodegradable materials at all events.
  • Local Sourcing: Partnering with local businesses to minimise transport emissions.
  • Food & Drink: Supporting local caterers, promoting plant-based options, and actively reducing food waste.
  • Conscious Travel: Encouraging low- or zero-carbon travel for audiences, filmmakers, and guest speakers.

For more, please visit our Sustainability page.


Audience at the LandxSea Film Fest 2023

 

Future Goals

As we look ahead, LandxSea is committed to expanding and refining our impact with these exciting initiatives:

  • First Cut: Works-in-Progress Programme (2025): A platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase and workshop environmental films-in-progress, fostering creative development and collaboration.
  • Impact Film (2025):A dynamic discussion series exploring the social impact of documentary filmmaking and its potential to drive change.
  • Expanded Youth Programming: Extending our Schools Programme to reach more schools across Angus.
  • New Themes: Delving into critical topics like Climate Justice and Biodiversity Loss to spark timely and impactful conversations.
  • Increased Partnerships: Building connections with grassroots organisations, climate activists, and international networks to amplify our reach and strengthen collaborative efforts.

LandxSea will continue to lead the way in using the power of film to inspire environmental education, awareness, and action. Together with our partners, artists, and audiences, we aim to create lasting change through storytelling.


LandxSea Beach Dook

 

2024 Sponsors & Partners

 

A heartfelt thanks to our eco-savvy, movie-loving community for their generous support.

Film Hub Scotland BFI FAN logo

Angus Climate Hub The Montrose Playhouse

Make Your Impact Today

Ready to get involved? Here’s how:

  • Donate: Support the LandxSea mission by making a donation. Your contribution helps us keep screenings accessible, grow our youth programming, and continue to host world-class environmental films and events in Angus. Montrose LandxSea Film Festival SCIO is a Registered Charity in Scotland (SC053626).
  • Volunteer: Join our dedicated team of volunteers to help make the festival happen. From working with filmmakers to assisting at events, we have roles for everyone passionate about sustainability.
  • Make a Green Pledge: Share your environmental goals by participating in our Green Speak Out initiative. Whether you’re reducing plastic use or joining a community garden, we want to hear how you’re making a change.
  • Attend: Tickets for LandxSea events are available year-round. Keep an eye on our programming and be part of the conversation on climate, conservation, and environmental justice. Sign-up for our Newsletter to be the first to hear, or follow @landxseafest

 

Photo credits: Graham Black, Anthony Baxter, Rachel Caplan, Montrose LandxSea Film Fest.