The Santa Fe Opera Presents: Film & Opera in Conversation - Brief Encounter (1945)

Director Alessandro Talevi introduces a screening of David Lean’s Brief Encounter (1945), written by Noel Coward, a poignant cinematic exploration of love, restraint and missed connection. The film’s emotional landscape offers a compelling companion to Eugene Onegin by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, in which deeply felt emotions unfold beneath the rigid conventions of society.
Recognized as one of the leading opera directors of his generation, Alessandro Talevi is known for his imaginative and psychologically insightful productions. His work has been seen at major houses worldwide including Teatro Real, La Fenice, Opera North and the Santa Fe Opera, where he returns this season to direct Eugene Onegin. Born in Johannesburg, he studied music and art history before training at the Royal Academy of Music in London and now lives in Turin.
Film Runtime: 86 minutes
MPA Rating: NR
The Santa Fe Opera and the Center for Contemporary Arts (CCA) invite you to set the stage for the 2026 Festival Season with a specially curated film series exploring the powerful intersection of cinema and opera.
Each screening is thoughtfully paired with a production from the Santa Fe Opera’s summer season, offering new perspectives on timeless stories of love, identity, transformation and human connection. Featuring introductions and conversations with members of the season’s creative teams, these evenings provide a unique opportunity to experience opera through a cinematic lens.
Join us Wednesdays at 6 pm throughout July for evenings of film, conversation and discovery.
Start Time: 6 pm
Location: Center for Contemporary Arts (CCA)
1050 Old Pecos Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87505