The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is currently taking place with a diverse selection of movies catering to book enthusiasts. Running from Thursday, Sept. 10, to Sunday, Sept. 20, TIFF 2026 features a lineup of 293 titles.
Among the films showcased at the festival, CBC Books has curated a list of highly anticipated literary-inspired movies that are sure to captivate audiences. Here are some highlights from the lineup:
**YAGA**
Starring Hudson Williams and Carrie-Anne Moss, “YAGA” will debut at TIFF 2026. Directed by Toronto playwright Kat Sandler, the film is based on the Crave Original series that follows a local detective and a private investigator as they unravel the mystery surrounding a missing party boy in a coastal town.
**A Long Winter**
Fred Hechinger stars in the adaptation of Colm Tóibín’s novella, “A Long Winter.” Set in the cold Colorado mountains, the period drama follows a young man named Mike coping with his mother’s disappearance during a blizzard and navigating life with his distant father.
**Ba’s Book**
Inspired by Anh Duong’s memoir “Dear Da-Lê,” “Ba’s Book” is a documentary created by Ashley Duong, shedding light on her father’s experiences as a refugee and sharing their family’s journey from Vietnam to Calgary.
**Being Heumann**
Ruth Madeley portrays disability activist Judy Heumann in “Being Heumann,” based on Heumann’s memoir that traces her journey from childhood paralysis to becoming a leading figure in the Disability Rights Movement.
**Carrie**
“Carrie,” based on Stephen King’s novel, reimagines the classic tale of a telekinetic teenager seeking revenge on her high school tormentors. The film, directed by Mike Flanagan, caters to Gen Z audiences with a fresh take on the horror story.
**Clarissa**
“Clarissa,” a modern adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway,” transposes the narrative to Lagos, Nigeria, exploring themes of memory and societal challenges as the titular character navigates a day filled with introspection and social obligations.
**Edward Said: Between Worlds**
The documentary “Edward Said: Between Worlds” delves into the life of the Palestinian American scholar, showcasing his activism and contributions to postcolonial studies through archival footage and interviews.
**How We Stand**
“How We Stand,” adapted from Marie Clements’ play “Tombs of the Vanishing Indian,” follows the lives of three sisters who reunite after being separated under the Native American Relocation Program, finding solace in shared experiences and humor.
**Tangles**
Based on Sarah Leavitt’s graphic memoir, “Tangles” portrays the emotional journey of a woman coming to terms with her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, exploring themes of family and caregiving.
**Phoolan**
“Phoolan” tells the story of Phoolan Devi, India’s Bandit Queen, highlighting her rise to power and the challenges she faced, culminating in a thrilling biopic centered on a 48-hour siege in India.
**Look Back**
“Hirokazu Kore-eda directs the live-action adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga “Look Back,” chronicling the dreams and challenges faced by two aspiring manga artists as they navigate the complexities of friendship and artistry.
**The Idiot(s)**
“The Idiot(s),” inspired by Andrew D. Kaufman’s literary biography, portrays the relationship between Fyodor Dostoyevsky and his wife Anna, delving into their personal struggles and the creative process behind Fyodor’s seminal works.
**The Smell of Apples**
Set in apartheid South Africa, “The Smell of Apples” follows a young boy’s realization of the systemic oppression faced by Black South Africans, challenging his privileged upbringing and prompting a deeper understanding of social injustice.
**The Unknown**
Adapted from the graphic novel by Lucas Harari and Arthur Harari, “The Unknown” is a thought-provoking film that explores identity and self-discovery through the lens of body-swapping, offering a unique and intriguing narrative.
**Julián**
“Julián,” an animated film from Cartoon Saloon, depicts the heartwarming story of a young Caribbean boy embracing his true self as he navigates self-expression and acceptance, set against the backdrop of the Mermaid Parade in Brooklyn.
These diverse and engaging films showcased at TIFF 2026 promise to captivate audiences with their rich storytelling and unique perspectives.
