As 2024 draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on an amazing year with LandxSea. None of this would have been possible without your incredible support. From all of us, thank you for being part of our journey!
As we look back, we've shared some of our 2024 highlights below. We'd love to hear from you—what were your favourite moments of 2024, and what do you hope to see from LandxSea next year? Contact us or connect with us on social media to share your thoughts and ideas!
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Annual Festival: Celebrating Stories that Matter
Our second annual Montrose LandxSea Film Fest in September brought together filmmakers, environmentalists, and audiences to explore key themes like coastal erosion, women’s leadership, and the connection between people and animals. The weekend was packed with thought-provoking discussions, inspiring films, and the vibrant spirit of community.
Over 1,650 attendees joined us throughout the festival weekend, and 98% of them left feeling inspired to take meaningful action for the environment—a testament to the power of storytelling and community action.
Highlights included the Opening Night Scottish Premiere of Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story, featuring a special Q&A with Billy & Susan Mail from Shetland, along with a sneak preview for 70 primary school children. We also hosted the Coastal Erosion Summit, where politicians, scientists, businesses, and residents came together to lead vital conversations.
We’re thrilled to share the 2024 Impact Report, which highlights the moments and milestones that made the festival unforgettable.
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Your Year-Round Green Cinema
This year, we launched the Green Screen series at the Montrose Playhouse—a year-round initiative to bring environmental storytelling to the forefront and foster meaningful discussions in our community.
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Fantastic Fungi: This summer, we explored the captivating world of fungi through Fungi: The Web of Life. Featuring insights from Merlin Sheldrake’s groundbreaking work, the event sparked fresh conversations about the essential role fungi play in supporting ecosystems and connecting all life on Earth.
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Trump Trilogy: In the lead-up to the US election, we hosted a thought-provoking weekend screening of Montrose-based filmmaker Anthony Baxter’s trilogy on Donald Trump’s Aberdeenshire golf developments and their environmental impact. Live Q&As featured Anthony and key subjects from the films created a powerful dialogue on environmental justice.
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Celebrating Our Charity Status
This autumn, LandxSea achieved an exciting milestone by becoming a Registered Charity in Scotland (SCIO).
We’re thrilled about the new opportunities this recognition will open up as we look ahead to 2025!
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Building Global Connections
This year, our team proudly represented LandxSea at festivals near and far. Rachel traveled to CinemAmbiente in Italy, EkoFilm in Czechia, and Kendal Mountain Festival, while Holly attended IDFA in Amsterdam, and Anthony joined Sheffield DocFest. Participating in these events not only expanded our global reach but also helped strengthen partnerships that will bring fresh perspectives and opportunities to LandxSea in 2025.
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We were honoured to be part of the 50th Anniversary of EkoFilm, hosted by Czechia's Ministry for Environment, an event that highlighted the global impact of environmental storytelling.
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With festival friends including Becca Harvey (swimmer in The Ice Mile) and Rachel Sarah (director of Finding Bo) at Kendal Mountain Festival.
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Looking Ahead
The coming year promises exciting new opportunities to inspire action and foster conversations around environmental issues:
- Expanding the conversation on coastal erosion through special events in collaboration with Angus Climate Hub—stay tuned for details.
- Continuing our Green Screen series at Montrose Playhouse, showcasing award-winning documentaries and inspiring environmental stories.
- Planning interactive family events for the 2025 festival and working closely with local schools to inspire the next generation of environmental changemakers.
- Opening film submissions for next year’s festival in February—spread the word to filmmakers!
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Thank you again for being part of the LandxSea community. We also want to thank our incredible volunteers and local partners, whose dedication brought LandxSea to life in 2024. Your support truly makes a difference.
Our team has been so inspired by the stories we've shared this year and the passion of our community. Your enthusiasm and support drive everything we do, and we can’t wait to share more with you in 2025.
Wishing you a peaceful and joyful Christmas and New Year!
Warm regards,
LandxSea Team
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P.S. If you’d like to support more events like these, please consider making a donation. Every contribution helps us bring inspiring stories and vital conversations to our community. Donate here
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A heartfelt thanks to our eco-savvy, movie-loving community for their generous support in 2024
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All 2024 Festival photos by Graham Black. Red Phone Booth Pop-Up Cinema by Paul Reid. Scurdie Ness by @BGS___Photography.
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