Cinema Paradiso – in pictures

Cinema Paradiso tells the story of Salvatore’s (Salvatore Cascio) fascination with film which soon develops into an obsession and shapes his destiny as a filmmaker. Cinema Paradiso won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival in 1989 Photograph: Arrow Films

Salvatore’s love of film starts at a young age after losing his father in the Second World War Photograph: Arrow Films

Salvatore, nick-named Toto, spends every spare moment at the local picture house, the Cinema Paradiso. Here he bonds with Alfredo (Philippe Noiret), the cinema’s projectionist Photograph: Arrow Films

Cinema Paradiso was filmed in director Giuseppe Tornatore’s hometown of Bagheria, Sicily. It was Tornatore’s second film and it won the hearts of international audiences with its charming portrayal of small-town Sicilian life Photograph: Arrow Films

Alfredo soon takes on the role of a father figure to Salvatore and influences his life for years to come. Cinema Paradiso went on to win an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for best foreign language film in 1989 Photograph: Arrow Films

In one of the film’s most famous scenes, Alfredo uses mirrors to project a film on to a building into the piazza to a spellbound crowd of locals Photograph: Arrow Films

The magical moment soon turns to tragedy when the nitrate film catches fire, changing the course of Alfredo and Salvatore’s life. In 1991 Cinema Paradiso picked up a host of Bafta awards including best actor for Philippe Noiret, best original screenplay, and best film music for its score by Ennio and Andrea Morricone Photograph: Arrow Films

The Cinema Paradiso soon rises from the ashes when a local lottery winner builds a new cinema. Being the only other person who knows how to operate the projector, Salvatore soon takes over the day-to-day running of the cinema Photograph: Arrow Films

Salvatore’s (Marco Leonardi) true love is cinema, but it doesn’t stop him trying to win the heart of the beautiful Elena Photograph: Arrow Films

Alfredo often quotes classic films when he gives advice on life and love to the teenage Salvatore. Alfredo only wishes to see Salvatore succeed, even if it means breaking his heart in the process Photograph: Arrow Films

After not returning to his hometown in 30 years, Salvatore makes a pilgrimage back for Alfredo’s funeral Photograph: Arrow Films

The demolition of Cinema Paradiso marks a defining moment in Salvatore’s life, as a potent symbol of his childhood is razed to the ground Photograph: Arrow Films