Sands: International Film Festival of St Andrews

Sands returns for 2027 Friday 16 – Sunday 18 April

Curatorial Team Volunteers needed for Sands 2027

Sands: International Film Festival of St Andrews is looking for Film Studies students to join the curatorial team for its 2027 edition.

Sands is a three-day festival of contemporary and classic international cinema, alongside a range of industry events. It runs Friday 16 – Sunday 18 April 2027 at the Byre Theatre and other venues in St Andrews.

The curatorial team plays an important role: selecting a portion of the films Sands programmes, and helping present events across the festival weekend. We’re looking for a diverse group of students passionate about film and about sharing new voices and stories with the St Andrews community.

No prior curatorial experience needed – just an interest in engaging critically with different kinds of cinema, an open mind, and a commitment to the selection process.

The team will attend roughly 6 – 8 online meetings between mid-October and early December, watching 2 – 3 films to prepare for each. There may be further meetings and chances to get involved closer to the festival, such as writing about the films for promotional purposes.

To be considered, email sands@st-andrews.ac.uk by 6.00pm on Monday 28 September.

You’ll then receive a short film coverage assignment, due by 6.00pm on Monday 5 October 2026.

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.

Lead Sponsor

The Murphy Family

Lead supporters

Presenting media sponsor

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