The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has kicked off, showcasing a diverse array of films for literature enthusiasts. TIFF 2026 is scheduled from September 10 to September 20.
CBC Books has sifted through the festival’s roster of 293 films and identified some of the most highly anticipated literary-inspired movies that should make it onto both your reading and viewing lists.
**YAGA**
“YAGA” by Kat Sandler serves as the inspiration for this film. Kat Sandler, a well-known Toronto playwright and showrunner, makes her directorial debut with the premiere episode of the Crave Original series, “YAGA.” The story unfolds in a secluded coastal town where local detective Carson, along with a private investigator, embarks on a mission to unravel the mystery behind the disappearance of the town’s party boy, Henry Park. Their investigation leads them to a university professor specializing in urban myths, revealing a web of secrets waiting to be uncovered.
**A Long Winter**
Colm TóibÃn’s novella “A Long Winter” forms the basis of this film. Set in the frosty Colorado mountains, the period drama revolves around a young man named Mike grappling with his mother’s disappearance following a blizzard. Adapted from the short novel by Irish writer Colm TóibÃn, the film portrays Mike’s coming-of-age journey as he copes with his mother’s absence alongside his distant father.
**Ba’s Book**
Inspired by Anh Duong’s memoir “Dear Da-Lê,” this film delves into the narrative of a father sharing his traumatic experiences during the Vietnam War and the Iranian Revolution with his daughter. The documentary, “Ba’s Book,” crafted by his daughter Ashley Duong, reconstructs her father’s childhood tales, documenting their family’s migration from Vietnam to Calgary.
**Being Heumann**
The film “Being Heumann” is based on Judith Heumann’s memoir, chronicling her journey as a disability activist. Judy Heumann, known as the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement,” fought for civil rights legislation protecting individuals with disabilities. The movie portrays her evolution from being paralyzed by polio as a child to her impactful activism in adulthood.
**Carrie**
Stephen King’s novel “Carrie” receives a Gen Z makeover in this film adaptation. The story follows Carrie White, a telekinetic teenager seeking vengeance against her high school tormentors. Director Mike Flanagan reimagines this classic horror tale for contemporary audiences, marking his third Stephen King adaptation.
**Clarissa**
Reimagining Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway,” “Clarissa” transplants the narrative to modern-day Nigeria. The film unfolds in Lagos, where Clarissa Dalloway and her husband prepare for a grand social event, intertwining past relationships with contemporary political tensions, existential reflections, and personal trauma.
**Edward Said: Between Worlds**
“Edward Said: Between Worlds” is a documentary celebrating the life and work of Palestinian American scholar Edward Said. The film showcases Said’s impact on postcolonial studies through archival footage and insights from his daughter, Najla Said, offering a comprehensive view of his contributions amid global political landscapes.
**How We Stand**
Adapted from Marie Clements’ play “Tombs of the Vanishing Indian,” “How We Stand” narrates the story of three Native American sisters separated under the Native American Relocation Program. Twenty years later, their divergent paths converge, highlighting shared trauma and resilience in the face of adversity.
**Tangles**
An animated adaptation of Sarah Leavitt’s graphic memoir “Tangles” explores the emotional journey of discovering her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The film captures the poignant moments of caregiving, family dynamics, and personal growth amidst the challenges of dementia.
**Phoolan**
“Phoolan” delves into the life of Phoolan Devi, India’s Bandit Queen, chronicling her rise to power and political prominence. The film captures a riveting 48-hour siege led by Devi and her bandits, portraying her defiance against societal norms and her remarkable journey as an outlaw.
**Look Back**
“Hirokazu Kore-eda directs the live-action adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s one-shot manga “Look Back,” tracing the intertwined paths of two aspiring manga artists from childhood to adulthood. The film captures their evolving dreams, artistic pursuits, and evolving relationship over the seasons.
**The Idiot(s)**
Based on Andrew D. Kaufman’s literary biography “The Gambler Wife,” “The Idiot(s)” delves into Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s life through the eyes of his wife Anna. The film explores Anna’s dedication to Fyodor amid his health struggles and gambling addiction, shedding light on the woman behind the literary genius.
**The Smell of Apples**
Set in apartheid South Africa, “The Smell of Apples” follows a young white