The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has kicked off, offering a plethora of movies for literature enthusiasts to enjoy. TIFF 2026 runs from Thursday, Sept. 10 to Sunday, Sept. 20.
CBC Books has reviewed the festival’s 293 titles and selected some of the most anticipated films 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 Crave Original series directed by Toronto playwright Kat Sandler follows a local detective and a private investigator as they search for a missing party boy, uncovering mysteries linked to urban myths.
**A Long Winter**
Fred Hechinger stars in “A Long Winter,” an adaptation of Colm Tóibín’s novella. The film, directed by Andrew Haigh, delves into the story of a young man named Mike coping with his mother’s disappearance in the chilling Colorado mountains.
**Ba’s Book**
Inspired by Anh Duong’s memoir “Dear Da-Lê,” “Ba’s Book” is a documentary by Ashley Duong, portraying her father’s experiences as a Vietnamese refugee in Canada.
**Being Heumann**
“Being Heumann” explores the life of disability rights activist Judy Heumann, known as the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement.” Directed by Siân Heder, the film showcases Heumann’s journey from childhood paralysis to leading a movement for disability rights.
**Carrie**
In this adaptation of Stephen King’s novel “Carrie,” director Mike Flanagan brings a fresh take on the classic tale of a telekinetic teenager seeking revenge on her tormentors.
**Clarissa**
“Clarissa” reimagines Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” in Lagos, Nigeria, reflecting on societal issues as the protagonist navigates through a day filled with memories and social gatherings.
**Edward Said: Between Worlds**
A documentary honoring Palestinian American scholar Edward Said’s legacy, “Edward Said: Between Worlds” delves into his life and impact on postcolonial studies.
**How We Stand**
“How We Stand” portrays the story of a family separated under the Native American Relocation Program, emphasizing resilience and connection amidst shared trauma.
**Tangles**
Based on Sarah Leavitt’s graphic memoir, “Tangles” tells the story of a woman grappling with her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis and her role as a caregiver.
**Phoolan**
“Phoolan” narrates the life of India’s Bandit Queen, Phoolan Devi, directed by Richie Mehta, depicting her daring feats and rise to power.
**Look Back**
Hirokazu Kore-eda directs the live-action adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga “Look Back,” chronicling the dreams and struggles of two aspiring manga artists.
**The Idiot(s)**
Based on Andrew D. Kaufman’s literary biography “The Gambler Wife,” “The Idiot(s)” portrays the relationship between Fyodor Dostoyevsky and his wife, Anna.
**The Smell of Apples**
Set in apartheid South Africa, “The Smell of Apples” follows a young boy’s awakening to the racial inequalities surrounding him, directed by South African filmmaker John Trengrove.
**The Unknown**
Based on “The Case of David Zimmerman” by Lucas Harari and Arthur Harari, “The Unknown” explores a photographer’s surreal experience of waking up in a different body.
**Julián**
In “Julián,” a young Caribbean boy’s journey of self-discovery is beautifully depicted as he embraces his identity, directed by Louise Bagnall.
These captivating films promise a diverse and enriching cinematic experience at TIFF 2026.