The third annual Sands International Film Festival in St Andrews, Scotland, has been a star-studded event with a mix of fiction and non-fiction titles curated by Ania Trzebiatowska. This year, the festival has attracted quite a crowd, including the likes of Joe and Anthony Russo, known for their work on Avengers: Endgame, and Tom Holland, the beloved Spider-Man actor. Trzebiatowska, who is a full-time programmer at Sundance, leads the festival with a team of part-time student programmers from the University of St. Andrews.
Joe and Anthony Russo, the directors behind hit films like Avengers: Endgame, were present at the festival. Joe Russo expressed his admiration for the town of St. Andrews and its warm and enthusiastic community. Tom Holland, accompanied by his younger brother Harry, presented a short film titled Last Call, which explores the emotional journey of a mother trying to reconnect with her son. The audience at The Byre Theatre was captivated by the film’s storytelling and performances, particularly highlighting its thematic resemblance to Andrew Haigh’s All of Us Strangers.
Harry Holland, while introducing Last Call, shared the personal inspiration behind the project. Crafted during his time on the set of his brother’s film Cherry, Harry’s short film delves into themes of mental health and reflection. Despite being written five years ago, the film’s relevance remains poignant in today’s context. Last Call was showcased alongside Naqqash Khalid’s debut feature In Camera, adding depth to the weekend’s film lineup.
In addition to the Holland brothers’ collaboration, Sands International Film Festival featured a diverse selection of films. From Anna Hints’ Sundance-winning documentary Smoke Sauna Sisterhood to Daisy Ridley’s captivating performance in Sometimes I Think About Dying, the festival offered a range of cinematic experiences. Notably, the screening of Anthony and Joe Russo’s lesser-known comedy Welcome to Collinwood, featuring stars like George Clooney and Sam Rockwell, attracted attention. The Russos will engage in an onstage Q&A with producer Steven Soderbergh, marking a special moment in the festival’s program.
Sands International Film Festival serves as a celebration of cinematic artistry and storytelling. The festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse voices and talent is evident in its film selection. As the weekend continues with screenings, discussions, and special events, attendees have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of filmmaking. The presence of acclaimed filmmakers and actors adds a touch of glamour to the festival, making it a must-visit event for film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.