When we were young, we believed that a plastic fortune teller named Zoltar really could make our wishes come true. And when we were young, we believed movies were so magical they could change the world. It’s no surprise, then, that the theme of the second Christie Pits Film Festival is tales of youth and growing up.

The free grassroots film festival partners with the Open Roof Festival to dish out three summer nights of outdoor film screenings, featuring a line-up of nostalgic coming-of-age movies. It kicks off this Sunday.

Big — July 22

Tom Hanks has never been so darn affable than as twelve year old Josh Baskins in this 1988 movie about every kid’s dream: to become a grown-up. When his wish actually comes true, things get really awk for young Josh (that love scene with Elizabeth Perkins still makes us cringe a bit). The flick has many memorable cinematic moments, including this one when Hanks plays a little “Heart and Soul” at New York’s FAO Schwarz. You see? Affable.

Cinema Paradiso — July 29

Try not shedding a tear while watching this film, which won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1990. The Italian favourite chronicles the childhood of Salvatore, a filmmaker, during the time when he fell in love with the movies at his village's theater and formed a deep friendship with the theater's projectionist, Alfredo. If the beauty of Salvatore’s and Alfredo’s friendship doesn’t tug at your heartstrings, then the melodic soundtrack must (you robot!).

Viewer's Choice — August 12

The final night of the fest will feature a surprise screening, decided by a Facebook vote. The voting is now closed, but contenders included An Education, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial and Rebel Without a Cause. Our ‘80s child within is really gunning for E.T.

Christie Pits Film Festival, Christie Pits, July 22-August 12.