As we look at the news, the internet, and social media, there’s doubt that our entire society seems to have suffered massive anxiety about 2016. Going into 2017, we hope for change but it’s also possible we’re at the threshold of the apocalypse.

It’s an interesting time to be living in — which beautifully plays into many of the major themes in the new Canadian independent film Sadie’s Last Days on Earth, making its one-night only debut at Peterborough’s Market Hall on Thursday, January 12th, 2017.

Produced by BrancSeater Productions, Sadie’s Last Days on Earth is the latest in A71 Entertainment’s continuing film screenings at Market Hall. Founded by former Peterborough residents Chad Maker and Kirk Comrie, A71 Entertainment gives audiences across Ontario and beyond the opportunity to see homegrown independent films that might normally slip under the radar of the blockbuster fare offered at major movie theatre chains.

Sadie’s Last Day on Earth is the story of an 18-year-old Sadie (Morgan Taylor Campbell), who becomes convinced the end of the world is near. As she begins preparations for the upcoming apocalypse, Sadie puts together a list of things she needs to achieve before the end, from learning how to sew to kissing a boy to winning back her best friend Brennan (Clark Backo).

At the helm of Sadie’s Last Days on Earth are writer/director Michael Seater and producer Paula Brancati. It’s the second feature film by the pair of Toronto-based actors, who visited Peterborough back in December 2015 when A71 Entertainment brought their first film, People Hold On, to the Market Hall.

According to Paula, Sadie’s Last Days on Earth was inspired by the belief the world would end on December 21, 2012 because of the end of the Mayan calendar (among other things).

“We’re ambiguous about what time the film takes place in, but it’s an interesting time for this film to come out,” Paula tells me in a phone interview. “Especially with the political temperature these last few months and with everything that went on in the world last year.”

Probably best remembered by audiences for her role as Jane Vaughn in Degrassi: The Next Generation or as Jenny Zalen in CBC’s cult favorite Being Erica, Paula is currently performing the role of Miss Honey in the Toronto stage production of Matilda: The Musical.

She not only co-produced Sadie’s Last Days on Earth, but also appears in the film as Sadie’s teacher Connie.

“I definitely had my producer hat on very tightly leading up to our three days shooting Connie,” Paula says. “But Mike wanted to take me off e-mails for the three days we were doing my scenes.”

Paula describes the significance of Connie’s role in the film.

“Once Sadie goes full on into preparing for the apocalypse, she’s lost her best friend Brennan,” Paula explains. “One of the things on Sadie’s list to get Brennan back, so she confides in Connie. Connie also confides in her because she’s ending a relationship. So they have a unique language they share, and they trust each other and treat each other as equals.”

Although Sadie’s Last Days on Earth looks like a quirky teen comedy following in the traditions of Heathers or Ghost World, the film presents a commentary on anxiety through its strong female protagonist.

“Sadie is an incredible heroine and a wonderful leading character to watch,” Paula says. “She’s so charming and hilarious in expressing all of her neuroses in the film. Our girl Morgan Taylor Campbell is fantastic in this. I think it’s a really cool time for female characters who are strong, and we’re seeing that in television and film in many ways.’

Paula’s involvement in Hold On People and Sadie’s Last Days on Earth has proved her to be a successful producer. But her role in the film doesn’t mean she intends to revert to acting.

“I think there’s a world where it’s possible to do all of it, if you’re willing to put in the time and you have incredible team members,” Paula explains. “I love working with Mike and starting our company has changed the course of my career, and it’s changed the ways I can be involved in this business that I love so much.”

Both Paula and co-producer Michael Seater started acting at a very young age. Michael is best known for his lead role in the popular Canadian teen sitcom Life with Derek, and he also appeared in a recurring role as criminal mastermind James Gillies in Murdoch Mysteries, as well as other television and film work.

“Neither Mike nor I went to formal school for production training, but we have had thousands and thousands of hours on sets since we were very little,” Paula says. “So finding each other has been a joy, and being able to produce content that we feel is worth watching, and hiring our friends to act in it, or finding a crew in line with our tastes, and being able to continue to build on that relationship is a dream. It’s so much fun to be able to make films with people you admire.”

Sadie’s Last Days on Earth opened in Toronto on December 9th with a limited run, but gained a tremendous response.

“We ended up staying in theaters longer than we had expected because ticket sales were great, and we were sharing space with Star Wars: Rouge One,” Paula says.

“I was pleased that people wanted to come out and see a Canadian indie at a time when there was so much award-season fare that was available. I think that there is space for all kinds of film, and I think that our audience is hungry for content that feels fresh.”

Support Canadian cinema! Don’t miss the chance to see Sadie’s Last Days on Earth at Market Hall on Thursday December 12th. The film begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $10.

VIDEO: Sadie’s Last Days on Earth Trailer

Every Thursday, we publish live music and performance events at pubs and clubs in Peterborough and The Kawarthas based on information that venues provide to us directly or post on their website or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, January 5 to Wednesday, January 11.

If you’re a pub or club owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, please email our Nightlife Editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com.

Canadian Celtic rockers Mudmen, known far and wide as a wildly entertaining musical act, are returning to Peterborough’s Market Hall on Saturday, January 14th at 8 p.m.

The band is known for its high-energy songs and two — count ’em — bagpipes.

The Campbell brothers, Robby and his older brother Sandy, are the founding members of the band and they are the pipers as well.

Not many folks can say they learned bagpipes in their teenage years, but both brothers did.

“My brother was supposed to learn the fiddle but the fiddle teacher died,” Robby tells me. “The barber in town was offering free bagpipe lessons if you joined the pipe band. Sandy and I were both 13 when we started.”

Robby says bagpipes are a special instrument.

“They’ve been used in wars and at funerals to honour fallen police officers, fire fighters, war veterans, etc. And legendary recording artists such as Paul McCartney, Peter Gabriel, and AC/DC have all used them. That’s pretty special, too.”

Robby points out that when they’re properly played the pipes are a fascinating instrument, and suggests that they’re sometimes portrayed negatively because of their loud nature.

The bagpipes have carried the brothers and their band a long way. The Campbells, from Alvinston (near Petrolia), have been making records and touring since the early 1990s. They changed their name from The Campbell Brothers to Mudmen in 1998 and haven’t looked back.

Robby explains the source of their longevity:

“Tenacity. Scottish Canadians don’t give up easy. We feel our best work is yet to come and, after touring for nearly 20 years, we still love entertaining.”

With nine studio records under their belt — including their latest, Old Plaid Shirt, released this past fall — and more than 2,500 shows to date, Mudmen have cemented themselves as a talented and hardworking staple of the Celtic rock scene.

The other members of the band are Mike Meacher (lead singer, guitar, banjo), Dan Westenenk (bass guitar, back-up vocals), and Jeremy Burton (drums, percussion). They’re all Ontario boys, with the exception of Dan who hails from Antigonish in Nova Scotia.

A Mudmen show is a rollicking affair with something for people of all ages. Robby describes their live performances as “fun, family friendly and entertaining.”

“We’re an approachable band and it’s an affordable evening out,” he adds.

VIDEO: Mudmen Promo

The band’s career highlights include meeting and performing for Queen Elizabeth II on Canada Day at Parliament Hill in Ottawa several years ago, playing on the new CBC Hockey Night in Canada theme song, and performing at the 1984 Edmonton Oilers reunion with Wayne Gretzky and the whole team present.

Their music has also has been featured on television shows and specials, video games, several of Don Cherry’s ‘Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em” videos. They’ve opened for The Guess Who and ZZ Top, and in the past performed with Johnny Reid at the Canadian Country Music Awards.

Next year is the band’s 20th anniversary and Robby mentions the band will likely release another album and perhaps a “life and times” book to celebrate the occasion.

Robby encourages fans coming to see them on January 14th at The Market Hall to wear plaid in honour of Mudmen’s new album Old Plaid Shirt.

“We’d love it if the crowd shows support in plaid,” he says. “Everyone owns a plaid shirt.”

Mudmen have performed in Peterborough before (their last show was at the Market Hall last January) and Robby says their first impression of the city was very positive.

“Fleming College was Mudmen’s first show in Peterborough, opening for Bif Naked,” Robby recalls. “We were standing in the hallway outside of the dressing room waiting for show time and the crowd started chanting, ‘MUDMEN, MUDMEN, MUDMEN!’ You can’t buy that feeling.”

Advance tickets for Mudmen are $20 (including fees) for general admission seats ($23 at the door) or $25 (including fees) for assigned cabaret-style table seating ($28 at the door).

Tickets are available at the Market Hall Box Office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org. Tickets for tables 9 and 12 are available (cash only) at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425).

VIDEO: Mudmen at opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics 2016

Four questions for Robby Campbell

Favourite food? “Pizza is a Mudmen favourite and of course haggis!”

First record you owned? “AC/DC’s High Voltage.”

Favourite sports team? “Edmonton Oilers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Ottawa Senators, and the Toronto Maple Leafs have all played or hired Mudmen, so we support the teams that support us.”

How do you take your coffee? “Extra large with double cream.”