The International Film Festival of St Andrews, known in full as Sands: International Film Festival of St Andrews, is an annual film festival held in St Andrews, Scotland. It is co-produced by the Byre Theatre and the Film Studies Department at the University of St Andrews with lead sponsorship from Joe Russo through his production company, AGBO.[1] The festival is a three-day event showcasing international cinema to local, national and international audiences, as well as hosting film-related events and workshops for filmmakers and creators.[2] In 2024, the inaugural Sands golf tournament became part of the festival's wider activities.[3]
History
Since his daughter's enrolment at the university to study film in 2014, Joe Russo had developed affection for Scotland and a close relationship with St Andrews. This included working with the university's film academics to judge student film festivals and delivering guest lectures. Impressed with his experience and engagement with the community, he eventually approached the university to start a film festival.[4]
The event is not to be confused with the St Andrews Film Festival founded in 2018[11] and the student-run St Andrews Green Film Festival founded in 2013.[12]
