Submit Your Film to LandxSea

 

Now Accepting Submissions for Montrose LandxSea Film Festival 2025

The festival takes place 12-14 September 2025 at the Montrose Playhouse, Scotland.

 


Audience at the 1st Montrose LandxSea Film Fest in Sept 2023. Photo: Anthony Baxter Filmmaker Nishtha Jain at the UK Premiere of 'The Golden Thread' at LandxSea 2023. Photo: Graham Black Audience at the 1st Montrose LandxSea Film Fest in 2023. Photo: Anthony Baxter Swimmers at our 1st Annual Festival Beach Dook [swim] in September 2023, including our visiting filmmaker guests! Photo: Anthony Baxter

Join Scotland's Environmental Film Festival

LandxSea is where films ignite action. As Scotland’s leading environmental film festival, we celebrate bold, thought-provoking storytelling that challenges, inspires, and connects audiences to the planet’s most pressing issues.

We seek compelling films exploring environmental challenges, innovative solutions, and human-nature relationships. Whether it’s a gripping documentary, artistic short, or powerful narrative, we want stories that spark conversation and drive change.

Why Submit?

  • Screen your film at the renowned Montrose Playhouse.
  • Take part in dynamic discussions with passionate audiences and industry experts.
  • Connect with filmmakers and eco-leaders from around the world.
  • Compete for awards recognising excellence in environmental storytelling.

Key Deadlines

  • Early Bird: 24 February 2025
  • Regular: 24 March 2025
  • Late: 21 April 2025

 

Prefer not to use FilmFreeway? Download the Entry Form and submit via email following the instructions below.

Questions? Email us at [email protected]

 


Film's focus Patrick Dykstra and filmmaker Mark Fletcher at the UK Premiere of 'Patrick and the Whale' at LandxSea 2023. Photo: Graham Black Audience at the 1st Montrose LandxSea Film Fest in September 2023. Photo: Graham Black Film's focus Becca Harvey at the screening of 'The Ice Mile' at LandxSea 2023. Photo: Graham Black The Montrose Playhouse: a state-of-the-art, community-owned Cinema & Arts venue in East Scotland which opened in 2021.

 

About Montrose LandxSea Film Festival

Founded in 2023, LandxSea is Scotland’s dedicated environmental film festival, held annually in the coastal town of Montrose, Northeast Scotland. We showcase groundbreaking films, special guests, and thought-provoking discussions.

Our focus is the deep connection between land and sea, with a diverse selection of environmentally-focused films. The festival is hosted at the Montrose Playhouse, a state-of-the-art, community-owned cinema and arts venue that opened in 2021.

Proudly, LandxSea is the first UK member of the Green Film Network, an international coalition of 32 film festivals across 23 countries dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and action through cinema.

LandxSea is grateful to have support from Screen Scotland, part of Creative Scotland, and Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network, awarding funds from Screen Scotland and National Lottery funding from the BFI. The festival is a registered charity in Scotland.

To learn more, visit landxsea.org/impact

 


Film Submission Rules

 

Eligibility

  • Films MUST have an environmental topic or angle.
  • We encourage diverse perspectives, including coastal cultures, environmental justice, and indigenous climate action.
  • All lengths and genres welcome, including documentaries, narratives, animations, and student films.

Topical areas include (but are not limited to):

  • Climate Action
  • Coastal Cultures
  • Environmental Justice
  • Energy Transition
  • Healthy Food Systems
  • Oceans & Rivers
  • Outdoor Activities
  • Sustainable Living
  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Youth Activism

Submission Requirements

  • Films must have been completed after 1 January 2023.
  • Dialogue must be English or subtitled in English.
  • Feature films are defined as 50 minutes or longer.
  • Films at the "work-in-progress" stage must clearly indicate incomplete elements.
  • Multiple entries allowed (each requires a separate submission).
  • Youth Filmmakers (aged 18 and under) submit for free!

Selection Notification

All entrants will receive notification by 1 July 2025.


Exhibition Formats

Selected films must be provided in one of the following formats for screening at the Montrose Playhouse:

  • DCP (preferred)
  • Digital file (ProRes, H264)

Shipping

Filmmakers are responsible for shipping screening materials (DCP drives). LandxSea covers return or forward shipping.


Film Categories

  • Features: These anchor our festival programme, offering compelling storytelling that inspires and informs. We welcome films 50 minutes or longer, including documentaries, narrative dramas, and animations that explore diverse perspectives on environmental themes.
  • Mid-Length: Running between 20 and 50 minutes, mid-length films bridge the gap between shorts and features. This category welcomes documentaries, narrative dramas, and animations. Selected films may screen individually or as part of a curated shorts programme.
  • Shorts: Great storytelling often comes in small packages. Shorts are defined as works under 20 minutes in length, including documentaries, narrative dramas, and animations. Selected short films may be showcased alongside feature films or as part of a curated shorts programme.
  • Shorts (3 mins and under): Big impact in a small timeframe! Short films of 3 minutes or less are eligible for free submission. This category celebrates concise and powerful storytelling across all genres, including documentary, narrative drama, and animation.
  • Young Filmmaker Competition: Are you a young storyteller with an environmental message? This is your opportunity to showcase your film on the big screen at LandxSea, in front of an engaged festival audience. To qualify, the film’s director must be 18 or younger as of 14 September 2025.
    Competition Details & Entry Form

Awards & Prizes

Each year, we recognise outstanding environmental films and filmmakers.

North Light Award

  • Juried award for Best Scottish Environmental Film with a £500 cash prize.
  • Recognises excellence in independent filmmaking in Scotland, celebrating innovative storytelling and fresh perspectives on environmental issues.
  • Films of any length are eligible. To qualify, the film must either be created by filmmakers (director or producer) who are currently residing in Scotland or significantly feature Scotland in its content.
  • Finalists will be announced in August and showcased at LandxSea 2025.
  • Further Award details

Young Filmmaker Competition

  • Juried award for filmmakers aged 18 and under.
  • Celebrates short films that present positive solutions to the challenges of climate change.
  • Includes a £150 cash prize and the Young Filmmaker Award for the best film.
  • Competition Details & Entry Form

Audience Award

  • Voted by audiences at screenings. All feature presentations are included.

All submitted films are eligible for these awards, as determined by the Festival.


How to Enter

 

Deadlines & Entry Fees

  • Early Bird: Before 24 February 2025
    Feature: £15 | Mid-Length: £10 | Shorts: £5
  • Regular: Before 24 March 2025
    Feature: £17.50 | Mid-Length: £12.50 | Shorts: £7.50
  • Late: Before 21 April 2025
    Feature: £20 | Mid-Length: £15 | Shorts: £10

** Age 18 and under: Free

Discounts are available for students and FilmFreeway Gold members. Check FilmFreeway for details.


Submit Online (Preferred)

Submit electronically at filmfreeway.com/LandxSeaFest


Submit by Email (Alternative to FilmFreeway)

If you prefer not to submit online at FilmFreeway, please download the Entry Form and return it to us via email and select from these payment and screener preview options.

Entry Fee Payments (via email)

Payments must be in UK Pounds only. The submission fee is non-refundable. Select one of these options:

Please note that any international exchange rates are determined on the date of the transaction. Please add any bank fees to the entry amount.

Preview Screener Submission (via email)

  • Option 1: Provide an online streaming link (Vimeo, YouTube, etc.) and password (if required).
  • Option 2: Submit a media file via email or Dropbox to [email protected].

We do not accept mailed physical entries (DVDs, USBs, etc.). Contact us if you need assistance.


Terms & Conditions

  1. Eligibility: LandxSea reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any submitted project.
  2. Archiving: Submitted materials become the property of LandxSea for internal use and archiving.
  3. Exhibition Formats: If accepted, filmmakers must provide a screening copy in one of the prescribed formats (DCP or digital file). Filmmakers bear the cost of shipping these materials to the festival. LandxSea will cover return or forward shipping.
  4. Rights & Clearances: Filmmakers must ensure all necessary rights and clearances have been obtained for public screening. LandxSea is not liable for any copyright infringement.
  5. Promotional Use: By submitting, you grant LandxSea the right to use submitted materials (trailers, stills) for non-commercial promotional purposes, including festival trailers and media coverage.
  6. Liability: LandxSea is not responsible for lost or damaged materials.
  7. Awards: Cash prizes will be disbursed within 4-6 weeks after the festival’s closing night. LandxSea reserves the right to modify awards and criteria.
  8. Agreement: By submitting, you confirm that you have read and agree to the festival’s rules and terms.

Questions? Email us at [email protected]


What our Filmmakers & Guests are saying

“It was such a pleasure to share the film with the Montrose audience. I carry back a lot of warmth and love. Every film seeks its right audience and my film found it in Montrose.” ~ Nishtha Jain, The Golden Thread

“An incredible collection of the best environmental films, it's hard to believe this festival is only two years old! The festival team offered exceptional support for exhibiting filmmakers. The Montrose Playhouse Cinema was a particular highlight with fantastic facilities and a professional, friendly team! A brilliant festival that celebrates environmental storytelling.”Ted Simpson, The Eagle with the Sunlit Eye

“The Montrose LandxSea Film Festival created a unique space for discussing environmental solutions and fostering cross-cultural learning. It was a real privilege to see how the audience connected with the film and its themes, which are more important now than ever with the growing threat of climate change. I wish the festival and its amazing team continued success in the years to come.” - Daniesky Acosta, Cuban Bees: The Organic Revolution

“Seeing my first short film on the big screen - our world premiere! The reception was so positive, it blew me away. I can't think where else we would have had such a warm initiation into the filmmaking community.” - Louisa Jones, Plan Z: From Lab Coats to Handcuffs

“It is really encouraging to see more and more new environmental film festivals, like Montrose LandxSea Film Fest, emerging. Our planet is on its knees, so providing platforms for debate and the sharing of ideas has never been more vital. It is lovely when festivals champion small indies like ours and help to get the message out. Our wee team were so excited that our rewilding story 'The Bough Breaks', had found its way into a programme of films, that promised to focus on the big issues. Great communication and hospitality! Our thanks go out to all the team and fellow filmmakers for an inspiring weekend.”  - Caroline, Danny & Gabriel Strong, The Bough Breaks

“Great to meet the lovely people of Montrose at the LandxSea Fest screening of Riverwoods yesterday. And thanks too for the searching questions.” ~ Peter Cairns, producer of Riverwoods

“What a weekend spent in Montrose explore some lesser known parts of Scotland. My heart is so full, so thank you for everyone who has been a part of it - new or old - I think it is going to take a few days to process all of it. Thank you to the incredible LandxSea Fest for having me and let's hope we can turn this into an annual visit.” ~ Becca Harvey, star of The Ice Mile

See more feedback from audiences, partners, and press at landxsea.org/reactions

 


 

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🎬 Call for Entries: LandxSea 2025! 🌊 🌍

Submissions are now open for LandxSea — Scotland’s Environmental Film Festival, taking place 12-14 September 2025 at The Montrose Playhouse!

We’re looking for bold, thought-provoking films that explore environmental challenges, innovative solutions, and the deep connections between people and the natural world. Whether it’s a gripping documentary, artistic short, or powerful narrative, we want stories that spark conversation and inspire change.

✨ Why Submit?
- Screen your film at the renowned Montrose Playhouse
- Take part in dynamic discussions with passionate audiences & industry experts
- Connect with filmmakers & eco-leaders from around the world
- Compete for awards recognising excellence in environmental storytelling

📅 Key Deadlines:
- Early Bird: 24 Feb 2025
- Regular: 24 Mar 2025
- Late: 21 Apr 2025

Submit now:https://www.landxsea.org/submit

 

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Photo credits: Anthony Baxter; Graham Black; The Montrose Playhouse; @BGS_Photography