1 Go global.  

Film screenings, panels, artist talks, and parties make up the Santa Fe International Film Festival at Violet Crown Cinema, the Jean Cocteau Cinema, the Center for Contemporary Arts, and the Railyard Park. You can purchase tickets to individual events or a festival pass, which grants access to everything. And there’s a lot! The showcase includes over 300 hours of films from around the world, representing places like Ukraine, Canada, Romania, and the United Kingdom. Documentary filmmaker Godfrey Reggio will receive a lifetime achievement award at the Lensic Performing Arts Center.

Zorro's title character is played by Cesar Delgado. Photograph courtesy of Lance W. Ozier.

2 Shout “Bravo!”

Opera Southwest presents the world premiere of Zorro on Sunday afternoon at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, in Albuquerque. Composed by Héctor Armienta, who also created a beloved operatic interpretation of Bless Me, Ultima, the story follows Diego de la Vega through Los Angeles, when it was still a colony of Spain, as he uses his swordsmanship to fight for impoverished and enslaved citizens.

“It’s a thrilling score,” says Tony Zancanella, executive director at Opera Southwest. “It’s loaded with really good numbers; I keep walking out of rehearsals humming the tunes.” The lighthearted and cinematic script is one that welcomes folks to the opera world. “If you’re not sure if you like opera, this would be a great one to see,” Zancanella says. Opera Southwest productions tend to sell out, so nab your ticket online to make sure you have a seat.

In addition to being a poet, Anne Haven McDonnell is also an associate professor of creative writing at the Institute of American Indian Arts. Photograph courtesy of Institute of American Indian Arts.

3 Let poetry enchant you.

Anne Haven McDonnell reads from her first poetry collection Breath on a Coal at SOMOS Salon & Bookshop, in Taos, on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. An associate professor of English and creative writing at the Institute of American Indian Arts, McDonnell has had work published in The Georgia Review, Orion Magazine, Narrative Magazine, and elsewhere. “She primarily writes nature poems, and her imagery is brilliant and stark,” says Jan Smith, executive director at SOMOS. The event is free to attend, and you can purchase a copy of McDonnell’s book and get it signed.

from left Nomad Ensemble features Carla Kountoupes on the violin and Jeffrey Smith on the viola. Photograph courtesy of Nomad Ensemble.

4 Enjoy classical music.

Eric Sewell’s Nomad Ensemble takes the stage at New Mexico Tech’s Macey Center, in Socorro, on Friday at 7:30 p.m. The free concert is part of the Presidential Chamber Music Series founded by Adam Gonzales more than 30 years ago. Sewell, a Socorro resident and violinist, founded the ensemble, which also includes Thomas Green, Jeffery Smith, Lisa Donald, and Carla Kountoupes. The quintet’s set list highlights Green’s double bass with compositions from Franz Shubert and Felix Mendelssohn.

“Every show Eric has curated for us in this chamber music series has been wonderful,” says Ronna Kalish, director of the performing arts series. “The music is wonderful, and he has very interesting stories about the composers. He really brings the music to life.”

5 See a scary show.

Founded in 2014 by musician Joe West, Theater of Death is an annual horror-tinged presentation in the French theater tradition of Grand Guignol. It happens this weekend at Beer Creek Brewing Company, near Madrid. The show, titled Virus!!, is a series of short plays inspired by germs that deliver a unique—and timely—take on disease and health.

Read more: For more things to do, check out our online calendar of events.