Award-Winning Film Celebrates the Legacy of Sveva Caetani

The Vernon premiere of Sveva Caetani: Recapitulation – A Journey will take place on July 12, 2026, at the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre.

Born into an Italian aristocratic family, Sveva Caetani came to Vernon in 1921. Following the death of her father, she was kept in isolation for more than 25 years by her mother. Emerging in mid-life, she became a beloved teacher and went on to create Recapitulation, a monumental series of 56 paintings that transformed her life story into one of Canada's most extraordinary artistic achievements. The series was later donated to the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and has recently returned home to the Caetani Centre. Upon her death, Sveva bequeathed her home to the community, where it continues today as the Caetani Centre, a vibrant cultural centre for the arts.

Interest in Sveva's life and artwork continues to grow internationally. Following a major exhibition at Rome's MAXXI Museum in October and a subsequent invitation to screen the film there in May, more than 1,000 visitors attended a major exhibition of her work at the Coldstream Community Hall this past April, curated by the Caetani Centre.

Created by artist and publisher of Sveva’s book Recapitulation, Heidi Thompson in collaboration with Armenian cinematographer Nikita Bagratuni, the award-winning film combines Sveva's own words, music, and imagery from her visionary painting series to create an immersive cinematic experience.

The evening begins with an Art Exhibition and Reception from 5:30–6:30 PM, followed by the film screening at 7:00 PM. 

Watch the film trailer: https://filmfreeway.com/SvevaCaetaniFilmTrailer

Use promo code SVEVAJULY12 for a 20% discount on tickets at checkout.