True West Kicks Off 'True Love' Festival With Nick Cage, Cher Under Healdsburg Stars

HEALDSBURG, CA — A new film festival dedicated to stories of romance, friendship, family, heartbreak, and human connection will debut in Healdsburg this month with a free outdoor movie screening.

The True West Cinemas "Film Festival of Love" launches June 24 with a downtown block party beginning at 6 p.m. before audiences gather under the evening sky for a free outdoor screening of the 1987 romantic comedy "Moonstruck" at 8:45 p.m.

True West Cinemas Executive Director Kathryn Philip and Artistic Director John Cooper say the opening-night celebration will bring together film lovers, filmmakers, friends, families, and neighbors.

The event will feature restaurant pop-ups, local wines and beers, and live music before opera singer Melissa Sondhi performs a special set inspired by themes from "Moonstruck," including love, opera, and fate.

The screening serves as the opening event for the new five-day Film Festival of Love, presented by True West Film Center. The festival runs June 24-28 in and around True West Cinemas in downtown Healdsburg.

The festival centers on films that explore love in its many forms, including comedy, tragedy, rebellion, revelation, longing, joy, friendship, family bonds, and community connections.

The goal: curating a wacky, love-fueled festival designed to bring people together at a time that can feel divisive.

Film Lovers Happy Hours

"Moonstruck" follows practical Brooklyn bookkeeper Loretta Castorini, who agrees to marry her dependable but uninspiring boyfriend, Johnny. When Johnny travels to Sicily to visit his dying mother, Loretta reconnects with his estranged brother, Ronny, sparking an unexpected and passionate romance.

Festival passes include reserved seating for the opening-night screening, two drink tickets, and one food ticket. Pass holders and community members should make reservations in advance, although admission to the screening is free.

Additional festival events include Film Lovers Happy Hours from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday at participating Healdsburg locations. Scheduled gatherings include Marine Layer on June 25 and The Harris Gallery on June 26, where pass holders and filmmakers can meet over wine.

A complete festival guide and schedule are available through True West Film Center at: https://truewestfilmcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/film-guide-pdf.pdf

Opening Night Schedule

• 6 p.m. — Block Party
• 8:45 p.m. — Outdoor screening of Moonstruck

When: June 24-28, 2026
Where: True West Cinemas and surrounding downtown Healdsburg venues
Admission: Opening-night screening is free; reservations recommended.