Watch Cher, Nicolas Cage movie 'Moonstruck' for free to kick off Toronto outdoor film festival

The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) is giving Toronto a summer treat with free outdoor movie screenings in August, starting Thursday with CFC founder Norman Jewison's 1987 film Moonstruck, starring Cher and Nicolas Cage.

The theme for the CFC Outdoor Film Festival is "Summer of Love," hosted on the CFC campus as a way to not only bring Toronto movie lovers some joy, but to highlight and celebrate Canadian talent as well.

"My dream is that people are walking their dogs, or going for an evening walk, and they see this film going on and they plop down and enjoy a few minutes of watching a great film under the stars," maxine bailey, CFC Executive Director, told Yahoo Canada.

For those unfamiliar with what the CFC does, bailey describes it as the "pipeline" or the "entry" for anyone who wants to make a film, TV or web series.

"We train writers, directors, producers, editors, music composers, and we have an actor's conservatory," bailey explained. "So if you're into being on screen, or creating for screen, we're the place to continue your education or your knowledge building."

On Aug. 17, as part of the CFC Outdoor Film Festival, the film This Place by CFC alum V.T. Nayani will be shown for free. The movie, which premiered at last year's Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), stars Reservation Dogs star Devery Jacobs. The story is about two women whose paths cross in Toronto. As their love story develops, both women explore the impact of their family legacies.

"The world is upside down right now and a bit topsy turvy, and we thought we would show some films that would make people harken back to when we were all nicer to each other, and had a bit more empathy, and things were a bit lighter," bailey said, adding that it's "rewarding" to give Torontonians the opportunity to see some great films outside this summer.

As part of the CFC's commitment to really showcasing Canadian talent, both Moonstruck and This Place will be preceded by short films from CFC alumni. The short films Jupiter and Dena will be shown on Aug. 10, and Rosie and Queenie & Alpha will be screened on Aug. 17.

'It's shameful that we don't respect and appreciate Canadian talent'

While the CFC provides resources for individuals aspiring to work on films, TV and digital entertainment, Canadians have a history of not necessarily jumping at the chance to consume some homegrown entertainment, or just having trouble accessing this content more broadly.

"I just think it's shameful that we don't respect and appreciate Canadian talent," bailey said. "There are so many talented people in this country and I'd like them to be able to feel that they have a home, and that they can create their work here."

"There's an audience here for them. We know that, at least the people in Toronto, have a really sophisticated taste and it's incredibly diverse. But I don't know why we're always looking south. I think we can look right here in our own backyard about how talented all of our Canadian talent is."

Bailey stressed that projects from homegrown talent reflect the "mosaic" of Canada, and more specifically the city in which these stories are based, and deserve our support.

"I'm not saying that our talent has to remain at home, but it is a shame that they're not given the kind of boost that we give some other talent from other countries," bailey highlighted.

"I don't want [Canadians] to think when they watch Canadian product that they're eating their vegetables. ... It's just talent that we're showing. Pure, raw talent and we want people to take pride in that."

The CFC Outdoor Film Festival will take place on Aug. 10 and Aug. 17 at 2489 Bayview Ave. in Toronto. Guests should arrive at 7:30 p.m. ET.