The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is currently in progress, offering a variety of movies tailored for enthusiasts of literature. TIFF 2026 kicks off on Thursday, September 10 and runs until Sunday, September 20.
After carefully reviewing the festival’s lineup of 293 films, CBC Books has curated a selection of highly anticipated movies inspired by literary works that are worth adding to your reading and viewing lists.
**YAGA**
*Starring Hudson Williams and Carrie-Anne Moss, “YAGA” is set to premiere at TIFF 2026. Based on Kat Sandler’s work, this film marks Sandler’s directorial debut, portraying the story of a local detective and a private investigator on a quest to uncover the mysterious disappearance of a resident party boy named Henry Park. As they delve into the investigation, they encounter a university professor specializing in urban myths, revealing a web of hidden secrets.*
**A Long Winter**
*Fred Hechinger stars in the film adaptation of Colm Tóibín’s novella, “A Long Winter,” set in the chilling Colorado mountains. The narrative revolves around Mike, a young man coping with his mother’s sudden disappearance following a blizzard, forcing him to navigate life alongside his emotionally distant father.*
**Ba’s Book**
*Inspired by Anh Duong’s “Dear Da-Lê,” Ashley Duong pays tribute to her father’s experiences in the documentary “Ba’s Book,” chronicling their family’s journey from Vietnam to Calgary. This poignant film reconstructs her father’s childhood memories within the Vietnamese diaspora.*
**Being Heumann**
*Ruth Madeley takes on the role of disability rights activist Judy Heumann in “Being Heumann,” based on Heumann’s memoir co-authored with Kristen Joiner. The movie portrays Heumann’s remarkable journey from paralysis due to polio as an infant to her pivotal role in advocating for disability rights legislation.*
**Carrie**
*In the latest adaptation of Stephen King’s “Carrie,” director Mike Flanagan presents a fresh take on the classic horror tale targeted at Gen Z audiences. The story revolves around Carrie White, a telekinetic teenager seeking retribution against her high school tormentors.*
**Clarissa**
*Sophie Okonedo stars in “Clarissa,” a modern reimagining of Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” set in Nigeria. The film follows Clarissa Dalloway and her husband Richard as they prepare for a lavish social gathering in Lagos, delving into themes of past relationships, political unrest, and existential reflections.*
**Edward Said: Between Worlds**
*Offering a glimpse into the life of Palestinian American scholar Edward Said, “Edward Said: Between Worlds” is a documentary showcasing Said’s activism, writings, and influence on postcolonial studies. The film provides a comprehensive look at Said’s legacy amid global political events.*
**How We Stand**
*Amber Midthunder stars in “How We Stand,” a film adaptation of Marie Clements’ play “Tombs of the Vanishing Indian,” portraying the story of three Native American sisters separated by deceit and reunited by shared trauma and resilience.*
**Tangles**
*Based on Sarah Leavitt’s graphic memoir, “Tangles” delves into the emotional journey of a young woman coping with her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The film captures the complexities of caregiving and family dynamics with a blend of humor and empathy.*
**Phoolan**
*Sneha Kumari leads the cast in “Phoolan,” a film inspired by Phoolan Devi’s autobiography. The movie chronicles Devi’s transformation from a marginalized child bride to a formidable bandit queen in India.*
**Look Back**
*Hirokazu Kore-eda directs the live-action adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga “Look Back,” portraying the evolving friendship and artistic aspirations of two talented young women as they navigate challenges and dreams.*
**The Idiot(s)**
*Depicting the narrative of Fyodor Dostoyevsky and his wife Anna, “The Idiot(s)” explores Anna’s pivotal role in Fyodor’s life as he grapples with health issues and addiction. The film is based on Andrew D. Kaufman’s literary biography.*
**The Smell of Apples**
*Set in apartheid-era South Africa, “The Smell of Apples” follows a young white boy’s awakening to the injustices faced by Black South Africans. The film, directed by John Trengrove, delves into themes of privilege, oppression, and moral reckoning.*
**The Unknown**
*From Arthur Harari comes “The Unknown,” an adaptation of the graphic novel co-created with Lucas Harari, unraveling the enigmatic tale of a photographer who wakes up in another person’s body. Léa Seydoux takes on the lead role in this captivating exploration of identity.*
**Julián**
*In the animated