In a small Sicilian village just after World War II, a young boy named Salvatore, nicknamed Toto, becomes enamored with the local cinema and forms a deep bond with the theater's projectionist, Alfredo. The cinema, called Cinema Paradiso, is the heart of the town, where the vibrant community gathers to escape the hardships of post-war life and where Toto finds solace and joy amidst the magic of the movies. Fascinated by the projectionist's craft, Toto spends every moment he can in the projection booth, learning the trade and dreaming of a life beyond his provincial upbringing. Alfredo, despite his gruff exterior, takes a liking to the curious Toto, gradually teaching him the secrets of projecting films. The two develop a father-son relationship, united by their shared love for film.

Their bond deepens as Toto grows up surrounded by the flickering images of the screen, with Alfredo often sharing life lessons couched in the parables of cinema. As the young boy reaches adolescence, he falls in love for the first time, and his personal growth parallels the evolution of movie-going during this era—the advent of new film technologies and the societal changes that challenge the traditional ways of the villagers. The cinema not only serves as a backdrop for Toto's formative experiences but also becomes a mirror reflecting the community's collective memory, aspirations, and transformation through the years.