“This Is How The World Ends” launches a physical-media rebellion in the digital age

Title: This Is How the World Ends

Writer & Director: Robert dos Santos

Producers: Byron Davis, Suraya Suliman 

Cast: Sean Cameron Michael (The Mummy, How To Catch A Killer, Invictus) Frances Shalto-Douglas (The Kissing Booth, Boy Kills World, Fatal Seduction) Josh Kempen (Winnie Mandela, Last King of The Cross)

Genre: Adventure / Sci-Fi

Runtime: 90 Minutes

Country: USA / South Africa

In an era defined by streaming algorithms, AI-generated content, and an ongoing debate about the future of theatrical cinema, one film company is taking a radically different path.

Seemingly going backwards to go forwards, And Films has announced the upcoming release of This Is How The World Ends, a feature film that will debut on VHS, marking thefirst worldwide straight-to-VHS release in 20 years and the first of its kind in the modern digital age.

Once considered a mark of failure in the 1990s, the phrase “straight-to-VHS” historically signalled that a film wasn’t good enough to make it to theatres. But with This Is How The World Ends, that label is being reclaimed, and transformed into a statement.

“‘Straight to VHS used to be a slur in the 90s.” said writer and director Robert dos Santos in a statement. “But not anymore. Today it represents that your film is crafted with intention, and made for those who truly love films.”

In a media landscape dominated by LLM’s and algorithmic recommendations, the filmmakers behind This Is How The World Ends are embracing a different philosophy: cinema as something tangible, collectible, and human.

“In the digital world of AI, streaming, and downloads, we’ve lost touch with what it means to fall in love with cinema.” the filmmakers continued. “We’ve lost the shared experience of sitting together to watch a film, the feeling of picking up a film you own, and the ability to place it on a shelf for all to see. Physical media gave us that connection, and like with vinylrecords, it’s time to bring it back.”

The decision to release the film exclusively on VHS is a deliberate rebellion against the increasingly digital nature of modern entertainment. While studios race toward streaming-first models and AI experimentation, the creators of This Is How The World Ends are turning toward an audience first model and physical media.

“This is a film that is made by humans, for humans.” dos Santos said, “This is cinema you can hold, touch, and most importantly own.”

The film’s title, This Is How The World Ends, reflects the moment the industry, and the world,finds itself in today: a period of technological upheaval, cultural uncertainty, and debate about whether cinema as we know it is disappearing.

Rather than mourn that shift, the filmmakers are using it as a starting point. By releasing the film on VHS before stepping out into streaming and other formats, looking to spark a revival of physical formats and reintroduce audiences to a form of media consumption built on intentionality rather than convenience.

The VHS release of This Is How The World Ends will mark the beginning of what the company hopes will become a broader movement within independent filmmaking: a return to physical formats as both an artistic statement and a new distribution model. Bringing awareness to the format, the release coincides with international VHS day, on 7 June 2026.

FILM SUMMARY

When the war between humans and the AI Machine States breaks out, misinformation and confusion reigns supreme. While the government pumps out reports that everything is going to be okay, the underground news reports that this might very well be the end.

In the midst of this uncertainty, something unique is happening. The party to end all parties, dubbed the last party on earth, is taking place deep in the desert. While some are living with blinkers on, Dani Freeman knows that this is the end, and she makes the choice to journey deep into the desert to experience what life has to offer for one last time.

Believing that this war will blow over, Tom Freeman is sent to track down his sister and bring her back. But with a world that is falling apart at the seams, he must overcome a dangerous journey to the end of the world, as well as his own mortality.

ABOUT THE FILMING

This Is How The World Ends was filmed during a live event in the driest part of Southern Africa. In May 2023, amongst 30 000 people, the filmmakers took to the dust and were able to capture images which cannot be found elsewhere on earth.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

With 40+ international awards and nominations to his name Robert dos Santos is without a doubt one of the visionaries changing the face of film today. 

This once upon a time lawyer has thrown his court robes aside and plunged headfirst into the world of directing with explosive results. Winning at the Los Angeles Film awards and earning an honorary mention by Hollywood New Directors he has worked with countless high profile international brands ranging from Warner Group to Canal+ to Multichoice. 

A master of storytelling with a focus on strong narratives each of his projects exude a confident and effortless cinematic touch that will take your breath away. This is without a doubt a director to keep your eyes on.

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Website: https://www.thisishowtheworldends.com

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What happens when a 55-year-old English IT manager with a lifelong love of Scotland decides Scotland needs a new football anthem? The answer is Saltire (Tartan Army), the latest release from Rodeo Terrorists. Packed with Celtic flair, electronic punch and terrace-ready hooks, the single is a humorous yet heartfelt Scottish football anthem celebrating the legendary Tartan Army and the passion of Scotland supporters worldwide. Out now (27th March 2026), the track is already making noise with its bold, feel-good spirit.

Richard’s story is far from ordinary. Before returning to music as a DIY creator, he worked behind the scenes building websites for global stars including Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, NSYNC and Steps, while also collaborating across the wider industry. Having studied in Scotland, the country has long felt like a second home — making Saltire (Tartan Army) a genuine labour of affection as much as a tongue-in-cheek outsider tribute.

Written in just 30 minutes during a break at work, Saltire (Tartan Army) blends folk-inspired melodies with electronic pop-rock energy — described as if The Waterboys collided with New Order’s World In Motion. Designed to be fun, catchy and full of banter, the track captures football rivalry, national pride and the unmistakable humour surrounding Scotland’s football culture.

Beyond the laughs, the release also carries personal meaning. Richard is keen to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease and will use the single to help raise funds for MND Scotland in memory of a close friend who passed away.

Raw, witty and impossible to ignore, Saltire (Tartan Army) is a modern Scottish football anthem proving these songs should still be fun — and that big ideas can come from the most unexpected places.

Follow Rodeo Terrorists

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X: https://x.com/RodeoTerrorists

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Website: https://rodeoterrorists.com/

Shaped by extensive listening to the people of Birmingham, the 2026-27 Season responds to a city where music plays a vital role in daily life, with 96% of residents saying it is important to them. Research also revealed a strong desire for live music and shared cultural experiences, with more than half of respondents valuing a ‘great night out’ with family and friends, alongside a growing appetite for diverse and cross‑genre programming. Embracing scale, risk and joy in equal measure, the new season opens on 17 September 2026.

Looking ahead to the new season, Emma Stenning, CEO at the CBSO comments: “Over the past two years we have listened closely to the people of Birmingham – through research, audience feedback and the work of our Community Board – and that dialogue has shaped a season designed to offer something for everyone. We continue our Mahler journey and present a complete Beethoven symphony cycle with our Music Director Kazuki Yamada, while welcoming Ilan Volkov as our new Principal Guest Conductor and Collaborative Artists Jess Gillam, Alice Sara Ott and Rushil Ranjan, each bringing fresh energy and ideas to the CBSO. Our return to Coventry Cathedral for Britten’s War Requiem will be a defining moment of the season, sharing a powerful message of peace that feels especially resonant today. Alongside this, film and pop concerts, cross‑cultural collaborations and our family programming allow us to broaden our audiences, reflect the diversity of our city and invest in the next generation of music‑lovers. We hope you’ll join us for a truly special year of music‑making.”

Full details on the CBSO website at cbso.co.uk/season

CBSO 2026-27 Season at a glance: 10 highlights

1.     War Requiem returns to Coventry Cathedral 

For Remembrance Day, Kazuki Yamada brings Britten’s humanitarian masterpiece home to Coventry Cathedral, with a plea for peace as resonant now as the day it was written. A timeless, intensely moving meditation on man’s inhumanity to man, the CBSO gave the world premiere of the piece at Coventry Cathedral in 1962 and the Orchestra’s return in 2026 also marks 50-years since Benjamin Britten’s death. This performance will be followed by an international tour.

2.     Mahler symphonies to open and close the season

Kazuki Yamada and the CBSO continue their Mahler cycle: a signature artistic journey that explores music grappling with life, death and renewal. The 2026-27 Season opens with Mahler’s ‘Resurrection’ Symphony, in a concert which also celebrates the 1000th performance of the CBSO Chorus. The season will close in June 2027 with Mahler’s 3^rd Symphony.

3.     Three Collaborative Artists redefining what an orchestra can do

This season sees the CBSO welcome Alice Sara Ott, Jess Gillam and Rushil Ranjan as Collaborative Artists, who each offer fresh perspectives and exciting programming across genres, venues and formats. Pianist Alice Sara Ott brings major concerto and chamber performances at home and on tour, saxophonist Jess Gillam appears as a soloist, presenter and creative collaborator across concerts and education projects, and composer‑producer Rushil Ranjan expands the orchestra’s sound world through his genre‑defying Orchestral Qawwali Project.

4.     Beethoven’s full symphony cycle

Marking 200 years since Beethoven’s death, Kazuki Yamada and the CBSO will perform all nine symphonies in 2027, celebrating one of the most famous and enduring symphonic cycles of all time alongside performances of the Violin Concerto and a wide‑ranging programme of chamber music.

5.     A major commitment to new music

In addition to exciting projects with CBSO’s Collaborative Artists – Alice Sara Ott, Jess Gillam and Rushil Ranjan – the CBSO’s first Composer in Residence, GRAMMY-nominated composer Anna Clyne, is central to the season; including the world premiere of her new viola concerto ‘Resonant Forms’ with Lawrence Power, a performance of PALETTE by the CBSO Orchestral Residency scheme, and a Decca recording of Glasslands with Jess Gillam and Alpesh Chauhan. 

6.     Ilan Volkov debut season

The CBSO will welcome Ilan Volkov for his first season as Principal Guest Conductor and repertoire will feature Bruckner’s 7th Symphony, Messiaen’s Turangalila and a Shakespeare inspired programme.

7.     Film and pop music concerts

From Classic FM Hall of Fame and Jules Buckley’s Quincy Jones celebration to Guitar Heroes, ABBA and Home Alone – the CBSO season is packed with popular family-orientated concerts that celebrate milestones in popular culture. There will also be concerts that celebrate special anniversaries; such as  50 years of Star Wars: A New Hope and the 20^thanniversary of Casino Royale in partnership with esk live and B:Music; and 25 years of the legendary film, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring presented by The Flying Music Company at BP Pulse Live.

8.     Kazuki Yamada’s generous and joyful programming

The CBSO’s Music Director, Kazuki Yamada also champions programmes that invite audiences in through joy and familiarity this season, treating much‑loved repertoire with the same care, imagination and musical rigour as the symphonic canon. From a festive ‘double Nutcracker’ that sets Tchaikovsky alongside Duke Ellington’s sparkling reinvention, to a Night at the Opera with an all-star cast, celebrating the enduring power of great melody and drama.

9.     Concerts for young children and families 

From toddlers to teenagers, the CBSO’s family and Notelets concerts are presented by CBSO musicians and designed to remove barriers and spark a lifelong connection with music. Created especially for under‑6s, Notelets are joyful, interactive performances where children can sing, dance and discover orchestral instruments for the very first time, supported by free creative activities and opportunities to meet the musicians. Across the season, BSL‑interpreted family concerts further widen access, ensuring orchestral music is welcoming and inclusive for audiences of all ages.

10.  A season that embraces scale, risk and joy in equal measure

From vast, ambitious works such as Messiaen’s Turangalila Symphony and Weinberg’s rarely performed operatic epic The Passenger, to symphonic film, jazz‑inflected reimaginings and large‑scale popular orchestral projects, the season demonstrates a willingness to programme at full stretch – artistically, logistically and imaginatively. Rather than separating the serious from the celebratory, the CBSO places demanding contemporary and 20th‑century masterpieces alongside exuberant, high‑craft crossover, asserting that ambition, curiosity and pleasure can and should coexist on the same stage.

Kazuki Yamada, Music Director, CBSO, comments: “It brings me so much happiness to be looking forward to another season with this wonderful orchestra and our fantastic audiences. And what a year of music making it’s going to be: 18 concerts at home and another 21 across the UK and around the world. Wherever we perform, I am always proud to share the CBSO’s incredible energy, openness and spirit with our audiences.”

The CBSO would also like to thank the many guest musicians, soloists and ensembles that will join them for the 2026–27 season. For full details, visit the CBSO website. 

23RD JULY – 2ND AUGUST, BAMPTON, WEST OXFORDSHIRE

TICKETS ON SALE – MARCH 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, BAMPTON, WEST OXFORDSHIRE — Fools Delight, the UK’s most intimate and magical circus, is set to return to Ham Court this summer with a brand-new production: Tyger.

Running from 23rd July to 2nd August, this year’s show promises a perilous and beautiful journey through the fearful symmetry of the human experience.

Created by a team of world-class circus artists, producers and culinary creatives, including Lil Rice, Sam Goodburn and Dave Cross, Fools Delight blends the most spellbinding circus artistry with an exquisite three-course communal feast.

Inspired by William Blake’s iconic poem, Tyger is a bold exploration of the contradictions and dichotomies within us all. The production will feature a series of stunning circus duos that bring this duality to life through high-skill acrobatics and aerial dance, exploring the fearful symmetry inherent in the human spirit.

Resident clown Sam Goodburn returns to light the way through the spectacle, joined by the electrifying presence of drag queen Force Majeure, Lil Rice on vocals and the Cyr wheel, and a cast of fallen angels. The performance will be further heightened by dramatic elemental displays, featuring both fire and water acts.

“Tyger is a circus retelling of the perilous path we walk between measure & might.”

“A show of circus duos exploring the ‘fearful symmetry’ in all of us; with acrobatics, aerial dance, drag queens, fallen angels, fire & water acts and the return of our Clown Sam Goodburn, to light the way.” ~ Lil Rice, Fool’s Delight Producer 

A Feast for the Senses

True to the Fools Delight tradition, the Dinner Show remains at the heart of this year’s run of shows. Guests will enjoy a mouth-watering three-course feast created by Head Chef Dave Cross, whose culinary magic is designed to flow seamlessly with the performance. This summer features 10 exclusive dinner shows, ensuring an intimate atmosphere where the performative plating makes every guest part of the story. 

Daytime Delights and Special Guests

Fool’s Delight 2026 summer season also offers a variety of daytime programming and special cultural events. For the first time, legendary clown Tweedy will bring his high energy to Fools Delight for a series of brand new solo daytime shows, followed by family-focused Fools Day performances towards the end of the run. 

Wild Arts will also be taking over the Fools Big Top to perform two nights of Opera on Monday 21st and Tuesday 28th of July. 

The Young Fools Initiative

This year also marks the official launch of the Young Fools Initiative, a programme dedicated to supporting young professionals during the challenging transition between completing their training and securing their first professional role. 

By providing a pathway for young people in rural areas to enter the professional arts world, the initiative offers real-world mentorship in vital positions such as assistant director, company manager, costume and tent mistress roles. This provides a high-pressure, real-life scenario that allows emerging talent to put their learning into practice while supported by seasoned industry professionals.

For more information and to buy tickets to what promises to be the most beautiful dinner show this summer, visit www.foolsdelight.co.uk. 

Prices start from £60/adults and £10/children.

For tickets, visit www.bookwhen.com/foolsdelightcircus.

Listing Information

Location: Ham Court, Bampton, West Oxfordshire

Open Dress Rehearsal: 22nd July.

Main Show Dates: 23rd July – 2nd August.

Tickets: On sale from March 2026 via www.foolsdelight.co.uk or www.bookwhen.com/foolsdelightcircus. 

Artist: Damien Cain
Single: Caleb
Release Date: May 29 2026

Internationally acclaimed alternative rock artist Damien Cain marks a striking new chapter in his career with the release of his upcoming single “Caleb”, a deeply personal duet created in collaboration with UK vocalist Jamie Wiltshire. Blending emotional honesty with cinematic intensity, the track stands as one of Cain’s most intimate and culturally relevant works to date.

Emerging from a career that spans over three decades, Damien Cain is no stranger to reinvention. From his early beginnings in the late ‘80s underground scene to achieving international recognition in the ‘90s and 2000s — including the cult success of “Age of Darkness” (over 250,000 units sold, IMPALA Diamond Award) — Cain has consistently carved his own path. Now based in Ireland after relocating in 2020, his recent work reflects a renewed sense of clarity, introspection, and artistic freedom.

“Caleb” is more than just a song — it is a statement. Centered on themes of identity, love, and emotional vulnerability beyond traditional norms, the track brings a rare and authentic queer narrative into a genre where such stories remain underrepresented. The duet format adds a compelling dynamic, with Jamie Wiltshire — chosen purely for his vocal and emotional resonance — helping bring the story to life with depth and sincerity.

The release follows the success of Cain’s 2026 album Standarte, which has received widespread critical acclaim across Europe and beyond. Praised for its emotional depth and genre-blending sound — spanning alternative rock, gothic influences, and melodic metal — the album reached #4 on both US and German Alternative Charts and earned recognition from publications including Sonic Seducer, ORKUS!, and ProgRockJournal.

After stepping away from the industry for several years, Cain’s return has been defined not by commercial pressure, but by authenticity. “Caleb” reflects this evolution — a piece born from lived experience, artistic integrity, and the freedom to create without compromise.

With its release set for May 29, 2026, “Caleb” positions Damien Cain as both a legacy artist and a voice of contemporary relevance — bridging decades of musical experience with a fearless commitment to emotional truth.

“This is not about trends,” Cain explains. “It’s about telling real stories — the ones that matter.”

Follow Damien Cain

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damiencainireland/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/damiencainofficial

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@damien.m.cain
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Website: https://www.damiencain.com

Percentage of North East-based small businesses predicting growth each Quarter over the last year

The findings are from the Business Barometer study by Novuna Business Finance, which has tracked small business growth outlook every quarter since 2015. The new data also suggests early signs of a north-south divide emerging for the summer months. In addition to the rise in the percentage of small businesses predicting growth across the North East, there was a similar rise in the North West, with small business growth forecasts up from 22% to 26% since last quarter. In contrast, the percentage of small businesses in London predicting growth fell (from 40% to 37%). The same was true in the South East, with growth forecasts falling from (23% to 21%).

These rising growth forecasts from North East-based small businesses are all the more impressive given the challenging context in which many enterprises operate. The Novuna Business Finance findings come at a time when more than two thirds of North East small businesses (68%) fear disruption to their enterprises that will result from current geo-political and economic uncertainty. Of those that expressed concerns: 

·      38% of small businesses feared the impact the Middle East war would have on their business and supply chain. This rose sharply to 70% for small businesses in the transport and distribution sector, 68% for those in the agriculture sector and 61% of manufacturing small businesses.

·      20% of respondents in the North East said they still feared the potential impact of US tariffs on the UK.

·      11% of small businesses also said that the war in Ukraine and instability in the broader region would impact their business and supply chain.

·      As a result of all this uncertainty on the UK economy, 74% of North East-based small businesses said they feared the prospect of the UK Government raising UK taxation later in the year.

These findings follow Novuna Business Finance research in March on rising energy prices, after the outbreak of war in the Middle East region, which revealed that small businesses estimated their transport costs would increase by an average of £753.56 a month, and the cost of running machinery estimated to rise by an average of £785.92.

Sabrina Ahmed, Head of Customer Engagement at Novuna Business Finance comments: “After 10 years of tracking small business outlook across the North East, it is positive to see a rise in small business growth forecasts despite the seriousness of current worries over energy prices, the fear of future tax rises and general macro-economic uncertainty. We have learned so far this year that many small businesses are working hard to reduce fixed costs, free up working capital and are taking steps to diversify their business. All these practical steps are supporting a rise in the number of North East businesses predicting growth over the next three months. Novuna Business Finance is committed to supporting established enterprises with funding that will help them navigate market uncertainty and  power future growth.”

Artist: Pete Cater
EP: West Side Story
Release Date: May 1st 2026

Acclaimed British jazz drummer Pete Cater returns this May with the release of his highly anticipated EP West Side Story, alongside a series of live performances under The Great Drum Show.

Set for digital release on May 1st, 2026, West Side Story showcases Cater at his creative peak. Recorded in an unconventional setting—a school hall during the summer break—the EP delivers a rich, high-end sound that rivals world-class studio productions. Featuring a lineup of exceptional musicians, the project highlights Cater’s lifelong dedication to musical excellence and innovation.

With a career spanning decades, Pete Cater has built a reputation as one of the UK’s most respected jazz drummers. His accolades include being voted 5th Best Jazz Drummer in the World by Rhythm Magazine readers, alongside multiple awards such as Best Big Band at the British Jazz Awards and Best Drummer at the Radio 2 National Big Band Contest.

Cater’s journey into music began early. Born in Staffordshire in 1963, he was immersed in jazz from infancy, inspired by his father, a semi-professional drummer. By his early teens, he was already performing live, developing a sound far beyond his years. A bold move to London at age 29 marked a turning point, laying the foundation for a career defined by resilience, independence, and artistic integrity.

Now based in West Sussex, Cater continues to push boundaries—not only as a performer but also through his record label, which supports fellow musicians and independent releases. His work reflects a deep commitment to grassroots music culture, as well as a desire to spotlight the challenges faced by independent artists in today’s industry.

Alongside the EP release, fans can experience Pete Cater live at the following dates:

• May 17th – The Great Drum Show, Pizza Express, Soho

• May 20th – The Great Drum Show, Concorde Club, Eastleigh

Known for his dynamic performances and commanding stage presence, Cater’s live shows promise an unforgettable experience for jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Beyond music, Cater brings a unique voice to broader cultural conversations. A passionate advocate for fitness and wellbeing, he challenges age-related stereotypes, maintaining peak physical condition in his 60s while encouraging others to do the same. His outspoken views on the music industry and dedication to independent artistry add further depth to his profile, making him a compelling figure both on and off the stage.

With West Side Story, Pete Cater reaffirms his status as a leading force in contemporary jazz—an artist still evolving, still challenging expectations, and still driven by the same passion that began in childhood.

Follow Pete Cater

Website: www.petecater.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petecaterdrums

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petecater

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YouTube: https://youtube.com/@petecaterdrums