The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is currently ongoing, featuring a variety of movies that will appeal to book enthusiasts. TIFF 2026 commenced on Thursday, Sept. 10 and will run until Sunday, Sept. 20.
CBC Books has reviewed the festival’s extensive lineup of 293 titles and has spotlighted some of the most eagerly awaited literary-inspired films that should be added to both your reading and watching lists.
**YAGA**
“YAGA,” based on Kat Sandler’s work, is a Crave Original series directed by Toronto playwright Kat Sandler. The story follows Carson, a local detective, and a private investigator as they delve into the disappearance of party boy Henry Park in a remote coastal town. Their investigation leads them to a university professor specializing in urban myths, uncovering more mysteries than answers.
**A Long Winter**
Adapted from Colm TóibÃn’s novella, “A Long Winter” is a period drama set in the cold Colorado mountains. The story revolves around Mike, a young man coping with his mother’s disappearance during a blizzard, forcing him to live with his distant father.
**Ba’s Book**
Inspired by Anh Duong’s memoir “Dear Da-Lê,” “Ba’s Book” is a documentary by Ashley Duong that retraces her father’s experiences as a Vietnamese refugee, showcasing their family’s journey from Vietnam to Calgary.
**Being Heumann**
“Being Heumann,” based on Judith Heumann’s memoir, tells the story of disability rights activist Judy Heumann’s fight for civil rights legislation. The film portrays her journey from childhood polio paralysis to adult activism.
**Carrie**
The adaptation of Stephen King’s “Carrie” targets Gen Z audiences, reimagining the classic tale of a telekinetic teenager seeking vengeance on high school bullies. This version is directed by Mike Flanagan and stars Summer H. Howell in the titular role.
**Clarissa**
“Clarissa” reimagines Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” in modern-day Nigeria, focusing on the titular character preparing for a social gathering in Lagos, reflecting on past relationships and societal issues.
**Edward Said: Between Worlds**
“Edward Said: Between Worlds” is a documentary highlighting the life of Palestinian American scholar Edward Said, known for his influential works “Orientalism” and “The Question of Palestine.”
**How We Stand**
Adapted from Marie Clements’ play “Tombs of the Vanishing Indian,” “How We Stand” follows the lives of three sisters separated under the Native American Relocation Program.
**Tangles**
Based on Sarah Leavitt’s graphic memoir, “Tangles” portrays a woman’s journey as she becomes a caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer’s disease.
**Phoolan**
“Phoolan” narrates the life of Indian bandit queen Phoolan Devi, focusing on a dramatic 48-hour siege in rural India.
**Look Back**
The live-action adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga “Look Back” follows two aspiring manga artists through their growth and artistic rivalry.
**The Idiot(s)**
“The Idiot(s)” depicts the struggles of Fyodor Dostoyevsky and his wife Anna, based on Andrew D. Kaufman’s literary biography “The Gambler Wife.”
**The Smell of Apples**
Set in apartheid South Africa, “The Smell of Apples” explores the awakening of a privileged white boy to the harsh realities of racial oppression.
**The Unknown**
Based on Lucas Harari and Arthur Harari’s graphic novel, “The Unknown” delves into the journey of a photographer who wakes up in a different body after a party.
**Julián**
“Julián” is an animated film portraying a young Caribbean boy’s discovery of self-expression and self-identity while staying with his grandmother in Brooklyn.
These diverse films offer a range of compelling narratives inspired by literary works, providing audiences with a mix of thought-provoking and entertaining storytelling.