The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has kicked off, offering a diverse selection of movies inspired by literary works for book enthusiasts. Running from Thursday, Sept. 10 to Sunday, Sept. 20, TIFF 2026 features 293 titles, including several highly anticipated films based on books.
CBC Books has sifted through the extensive lineup and curated a list of some of the most eagerly awaited literary-inspired movies that are sure to captivate audiences and find a place on both reading and viewing lists.
**YAGA**
“YAGA,” directed by Toronto playwright Kat Sandler, marks her directorial debut with the premiere of the Crave Original series at TIFF 2026. The story revolves around local detective Carson and a private investigator on a mission to uncover the mysterious disappearance of Henry Park, the town’s resident party boy. As they delve deeper into the case with a university professor specializing in urban myths, they encounter more enigmas than answers.
**A Long Winter**
Set against the icy backdrop of the Colorado mountains, “A Long Winter” portrays the journey of a young man named Mike grappling with his mother’s vanishing act post-blizzard. Adapted from Colm Tóibín’s novella, the narrative unfolds as Mike navigates his newfound reality alongside his distant father.
**Ba’s Book**
Inspired by Anh Duong’s memoir “Dear Da-Lê,” “Ba’s Book” is a documentary crafted by Ashley Duong, shedding light on her father’s poignant tales. The film delves into her family’s migration from Vietnam to Calgary, capturing the essence of their experiences within the Vietnamese diaspora.
**Being Heumann**
“Being Heumann,” based on Judith Heumann’s memoir, chronicles the life of disability rights activist Judy Heumann. The film portrays her journey from battling polio as a child to spearheading the fight for disability rights legislation, culminating in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
**Carrie**
The classic horror novel “Carrie” by Stephen King gets a Gen Z makeover in Mike Flanagan’s adaptation. The story follows the telekinetic Carrie White as she exacts revenge on her high school tormentors, blending elements of horror and teenage angst for modern audiences.
**Clarissa**
Reimagining Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway,” “Clarissa” transports the narrative to Nigeria, where the titular character navigates a day filled with past memories, political discussions, and personal revelations amidst the backdrop of Lagos.
**Edward Said: Between Worlds**
“Edward Said: Between Worlds” delves into the life of Palestinian American scholar Edward Said through archival footage, offering insights into his activism and intellectual contributions that shaped postcolonial studies.
**How We Stand**
Adapted from Marie Clements’ play “Tombs of the Vanishing Indian,” “How We Stand” explores the lives of three sisters grappling with a past marked by relocation, trauma, and shared resilience.
**Tangles**
Based on Sarah Leavitt’s graphic memoir, “Tangles” delves into the emotional journey of a woman navigating her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis and the complexities of caregiving and family dynamics.
**Phoolan**
“Phoolan” brings to life the gripping story of Phoolan Devi, India’s Bandit Queen, chronicling her rise from oppression to power and her legendary exploits in a thrilling biopic.
**Look Back**
Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, “Look Back” adapts Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga, following the intertwined lives of two aspiring manga artists over the years.
**The Idiot(s)**
Based on Andrew D. Kaufman’s literary biography, “The Idiot(s)” delves into the relationship between Fyodor Dostoyevsky and his wife Anna, exploring themes of brilliance, struggle, and addiction.
**The Smell of Apples**
Set in apartheid-era South Africa, “The Smell of Apples” unfolds the story of a young boy, Marnus, as he confronts the harsh realities of racial injustice and privilege.
**The Unknown**
Adapted from the graphic novel “The Case of David Zimmerman,” “The Unknown” weaves a tale of body-swapping and identity exploration, led by acclaimed filmmaker Arthur Harari.
**Julián**
In “Julián,” a heartwarming animated film, Louise Bagnall captures the journey of a young Caribbean boy embracing his true self amidst the vibrant backdrop of Brooklyn.
These captivating film adaptations offer a diverse array of stories that promise to engage and resonate with audiences at TIFF 2026.