Composer behind Moulin Rouge score to appear at Scottish film festival

Craig Armstrong is to hold an in conversation event with Edith Bowman at Sands: International Film Festival of St Andrews, alongside a performance of his work by university musicians.

The event will offer audiences a chance to hear Armstrong reflect on his creative process and the role of music in cinematic storytelling.

The festival, held at the town’s Byre Theatre from 17 to 19 April and now in its fifth year, has unveiled its full line up for 2026.

Bart Schrijver’s reflective drama The North, tracing a decade-long friendship against the landscapes of the Scottish Highlands is also in the programme, while the festival’s signature This Much I Know series returns, offering audiences the opportunity to hear directly from leading figures in the film industry.

Held across three days, the festival showcases films from around the world, alongside intimate talks and masterclasses with acclaimed filmmakers, composers, producers, and writers.

Festival director Ania Trzebiatowska said: “Sands is a celebration of storytelling and its power to bring people into shared emotional and imaginative spaces, creating moments of connection where films become catalysts for conversation, understanding, and inspiration.”

This year, festival screenings are expanding to T2 Social - the historic St. Andrews cinema space and new venture from Justin Timberlake and Tiger Woods.