Sandra is a film curator who has worked in independent film since the late 1980s, with roles in exhibition, festivals, funding, production, education and training. She was Head of Festivals and Artistic Director of the BFI London Film Festival from 2002-2011, and prior to that was Cinemas Director at Manchester Cornerhouse.
She has also programmed and worked in an advisory capacity for a range of other UK and international festivals, including the Rome International Film Festival (2012-2014) and the Pinyao Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon Film Festival (2017-2020). Other work includes writing and broadcasting about films and the wider culture for a range of outlets including the BBC, and hosting industry debates, masterclasses and Q&As with contemporary British and international filmmakers organisations such as BAFTA and The British Council, as well as distributors including Searchlight UK and Warner Bros.. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, holds two honorary doctorates, and is a recipient of the Chevalier de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and the BIFA Special Jury Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Independent Film.
