Curatorial Team Volunteers needed for Sands 2026
Sands: International Film Festival of St Andrews is looking for Film Studies students who are interested in being on the curatorial team for the 2026 Festival.
The festival will take place Friday 17- Sunday 19 April 2026 at the Byre Theatre, St Andrews.
The curatorial team holds an important role within the festival, both in selecting a portion of the films programmed at Sands, as well as being involved in the presenting of the events during the festival weekend.We are looking for a diverse group of film studies students who are passionate about film and about sharing new voices and stories with the St Andrews community.
No prior curatorial experience required. All you need is an interest in critically engaging with different types of cinema, an open mind, and a commitment to the selection process.
The team will have to attend approximately 6 online meetings between mid October and early December. You will be expected to prepare for those by watching approximately 2 films prior to each meeting.
There may be additional meetings and additional opportunities to get involved closer to the festival, such as writing about the films for promotional purposes.
If you are interested in being considered for this year’s curatorial team, please send an email to sands@st-andrews.ac.uk (by 25 September 2025), and you will be sent a short film coverage assignment to be submitted by 1 October 2025.
If you aren’t interested in this particular opportunity, but would still like to be involved with Sands, please stay tuned for information about other volunteer roles over the coming weeks and months.
Sands: International Film Festival of St Andrews
Produced by the Byre Theatre with the University’s Department of Film Studies as a key partner, Sands: International Film Festival of St Andrews continues its journey as a three day event committed to providing an exciting and diverse showcase of international cinema as well as film-related events and workshops for local, national and international audiences.
Festival Director Ania Trzebiatowska’s focus is on creating an accessible, audience-friendly event that pushes boundaries and introduces new filmmaking voices to our communities.
Since its inception, the grounding philosophy of Sands has been to nurture new voices in filmmaking by showcasing their work and connecting them with the wider filmmaking community.
Sands also provides unique opportunities for growth, connection, and learning, creating a platform for international exchange in both formal and informal settings and opportunities for emerging Scottish filmmakers. Heading into its third year, Sands creates an important and safe space for exchanging ideas, opinions and inspirations and is, again in the inclusive and welcoming space of the Byre Theatre.
Find out more about the festival at sandsiff.com.
University
Just ask!
For anything that you can’t find on this website, please call the box office on 01334 475000.
Alternatively, reach us via the Contact page.
Sands thanks these generous supporters and partners.
Lead Sponsor
The Murphy Family
Lead supporters
Presenting media sponsor
‘AGBO is delighted to once again co-sponsor this year’s festival. Sands serves as a hub where the convergence of arts, culture, and technology takes place, all within the esteemed backdrop of St Andrews – one of the world’s premier universities’.
Donors
Lauren B. Cramer Private Foundation, Kristi Helgeson and Michael Chalcraft.
If you are interested in supporting Sands: International Film Festival of St Andrews please contact Alex Hayes, Head of Development (Arts & Divinity) alex.hayes@st-andrews.ac.uk