Our History

In the summer of 2017, a group of passionate student filmmakers from the University of St Andrews founded the Filmmakers’ Society of St Andrews, with the aim of building a vibrant filmmaking community on campus. Their vision was to equip students with the tools and inspiration to hone their filmmaking skills and artistic expression. This initiative led to the creation of The St Andrews Film Festival, supported by the University of St Andrews and Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA).

Group of nine young adults posing for a photo in an indoor setting, some standing and some kneeling, with stairs and a sign in the background. One person is holding a clapperboard that reads "SA Film festival 2018."

The festival debuted in April 2018, marking a significant milestone for St Andrews by bringing together local and Scottish filmmakers. Highlights included talks from filmmaker Walid Salhab and Laura Walde, Curator of the International Film Festival Kurzfilmtage Winterthur. The festival elevated the town's filmmaking profile and earned recognition, including the Best New Society Award at the 2018 Your Union Society Awards.

In 2019, the festival expanded its reach with a UK-wide competition, attracting sponsorship from local businesses, DCA, NFTS, London Film School, Raindance Film Festival, and others. Filmmakers from across the UK gathered at the Byre Theatre in St Andrews, with industry professionals delivering insightful talks. The Filmmakers’ Society and SAFF’s continued success was recognized with the Award for Continued Excellence at the 'Your Union Society Awards.'

Group of young adults standing together in front of a white backdrop, smiling.
Three young people standing on a stage behind a wooden podium, with a large projection screen behind them displaying some text and a logo for a film festival in Scotland.
A man giving a presentation on cinematography with a projected slide behind him, audience members visible in foreground.

By late 2020, The St Andrews Film Festival had evolved into a charitable organization, deeply committed to independent film production and filmmaking education in Scotland. It also began showcasing acclaimed international films, further establishing its place in the world of independent cinema.

Group of four people standing indoors at the St Andrews Film Society event, with posters and banners in the background.
Two men are standing in a room with wooden walls and chairs, one is older with gray hair and sunglasses, wearing a black blazer; the other is younger with a beard, wearing a plaid shirt, speaking to an audience.

 The SAFF Team

A young man with light skin, dark hair, a beard, smiling, wearing a blue t-shirt, standing outdoors with green trees and a park in the background.

Boris Bosilkov

Festival Director

Mina Radovic

Chief Curator

A young woman with blue eyes and freckles, wearing an off-the-shoulder white dress, sitting in front of a table draped with black cloth and white roses. She holds a white rose near her chest and touches her face with one hand, with a neutral expression.
A young man with light brown hair, dressed in a black shirt and a white and gray jacket, smiling at the camera.

Elitsa Yovcheva

Social Media

Ash Johann

Programmer

Young woman with brown hair and purple earrings holding a camera indoors, with paintings and a plant in the background.
Close-up of a young woman with long brown hair, smiling softly in sunlight.

Mila Cherneva

Graphics Designer

Larissa Shipton

Brand & Marketing