The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has kicked off, offering a plethora of movies tailored for literature enthusiasts. TIFF 2026 runs from Thursday, Sept. 10 to Sunday, Sept. 20.
After sifting through the festival’s lineup of 293 titles, CBC Books has curated a selection of highly anticipated films inspired by literature that are worth adding to your reading and viewing lists.
**YAGA**
Starring Hudson Williams and Carrie-Anne Moss, “YAGA” will make its global debut at TIFF 2026. Based on Kat Sandler’s work, this Crave Original series marks Sandler’s directorial debut. The storyline unfolds in a remote coastal town where local detective Carson partners with a private investigator to unravel the disappearance of the town’s party boy, Henry Park. Their investigation leads them to a university professor specializing in urban myths, unearthing more secrets than answers.
**A Long Winter**
Fred Hechinger stars in the film adaptation of Colm Tóibín’s novella, “A Long Winter.” Set in the icy Colorado mountains, the period drama follows Mike, a young man grappling with his mother’s disappearance after a blizzard. As days stretch into weeks without any sign of his mother, Mike is forced to navigate life alongside his distant father.
**Ba’s Book**
Inspired by Anh Duong’s “Dear Da-Lê,” “Ba’s Book” is a documentary by Ashley Duong celebrating her father’s journey. Anh Duong’s memoir recounts his experiences during the Vietnam War and as a refugee in the 1970s, now shared through a father’s letters to his child. Ashley’s documentary reconstructs her father’s childhood tales, tracing their migration from Vietnam to Calgary.
**Being Heumann**
Based on Judith Heumann’s memoir, “Being Heumann” portrays the life of disability rights activist Judy Heumann. Known as the pioneer of the Disability Rights Movement, Judy’s advocacy efforts led to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The film delves into her journey from battling polio as a child to championing civil rights for people with disabilities.
**Carrie**
“Carrie,” based on Stephen King’s novel, reimagines the classic horror tale for Gen Z audiences. The story follows Carrie White, a telekinetic teenager seeking revenge on her high school tormentors. Mike Flanagan helms this adaptation, marking his third venture into Stephen King’s works after “Gerald’s Game,” “Doctor Sleep,” and “The Life of Chuck.”
**Clarissa**
Transposing Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” to contemporary Nigeria, “Clarissa” captures the essence of the original novel a century later. The narrative unfolds in Lagos, where Clarissa Dalloway and her husband prepare for a social gathering, reflecting on past relationships, political turmoil, and existential dilemmas.
**Edward Said: Between Worlds**
“Edward Said: Between Worlds” is a documentary chronicling the life of Palestinian American scholar Edward Said. From his birth in Palestine to the Oslo Accords, the film delves into Said’s influential writings like “Orientalism” and “The Question of Palestine,” shaping postcolonial studies.
**How We Stand**
Adapted from Marie Clements’ play “Tombs of the Vanishing Indian,” “How We Stand” narrates the journey of three Indigenous sisters separated after relocating under the Native American Relocation Program. Twenty years later, their paths converge, unveiling shared trauma and resilience.
**Tangles**
Based on Sarah Leavitt’s graphic memoir, “Tangles” delves into the emotional turmoil of discovering her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The animated film portrays Sarah’s transition from carefree living in San Francisco to returning home to support her family during her mother’s illness.
**Phoolan**
“Phoolan” draws inspiration from Phoolan Devi’s autobiography, detailing her transformation from a child bride to the Bandit Queen of India. The film captures a gripping account of Devi’s defiance against oppression and her rise to power in Indian politics.
**Look Back**
Hirokazu Kore-eda’s adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga “Look Back” follows two aspiring manga artists through their personal and professional journeys. The film captures their evolving friendship, artistic rivalry, and shared dreams over the years.
**The Idiot(s)**
Based on Andrew D. Kaufman’s “The Gambler Wife,” “The Idiot(s)” portrays the relationship between Fyodor Dostoyevsky and his wife Anna. The narrative delves into Anna’s concerns for Fyodor’s well-being amidst his brilliance, epilepsy, and gambling struggles.
**The Smell of Apples**
Set in apartheid-era South Africa, “The Smell of Apples” narrates Marnus, a young white boy’s awakening to the realities of racial oppression. The