The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is currently in progress, showcasing a plethora of films catered to book enthusiasts. TIFF 2026 commences on Thursday, September 10, running through Sunday, September 20.
CBC Books has meticulously reviewed the festival’s lineup of 293 titles and has curated a selection of the most eagerly awaited literary-inspired films that are worth both adding to your reading list and watching list.
**YAGA**
The much-anticipated film **YAGA**, directed by Toronto playwright Kat Sandler, marks her debut as a director. The story revolves around Carson, a local detective, and a private investigator on a mission to unravel the disappearance of the resident party enthusiast, Henry Park. As they delve deeper into the case, their investigation leads them to a university professor specializing in urban myths, unveiling a web of secrets and enigmas.
**A Long Winter**
**A Long Winter** portrays the tale of Mike, a young man grappling with his mother’s sudden disappearance in the frigid Colorado mountains during a blizzard. Adapted from Colm Tóibín’s novella, the film delves into Mike’s journey to maturity as he copes with his mother’s absence and navigates a strained relationship with his distant father.
**Ba’s Book**
Inspired by Anh Duong’s memoir **Dear Da-Lê**, **Ba’s Book** is a poignant documentary by Ashley Duong that narrates her father’s experiences as a refugee and his struggles during the Vietnam War. The film delves into the father-daughter narrative, shedding light on their migration from Vietnam to Calgary.
**Being Heumann**
**Being Heumann** chronicles the life of disability rights activist Judy Heumann, renowned as the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement.” The film portrays Heumann’s journey from her battle with polio in infancy to her pivotal role in advocating for disability rights legislation, culminating in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
**Carrie**
The classic horror novel **Carrie** by Stephen King receives a fresh adaptation for Gen Z audiences. The storyline follows Carrie White, a telekinetic teenager seeking vengeance against her high school tormentors. This adaptation by Mike Flanagan adds a modern twist to the chilling narrative.
**Clarissa**
**Clarissa** reimagines Virginia Woolf’s novel **Mrs. Dalloway** in contemporary Nigeria. The film captures the essence of high society in Lagos as Clarissa Dalloway and her husband Richard prepare for a significant social event, delving into themes of political unrest, existentialism, and personal trauma.
**Edward Said: Between Worlds**
A documentary film, **Edward Said: Between Worlds**, pays homage to the life and works of Palestinian American scholar Edward Said. Through archival footage and interviews, the film traces Said’s journey from his birth in Palestine to his influential academic career and activism.
**How We Stand**
Based on Marie Clements’ play **Tombs of the Vanishing Indian**, **How We Stand** portrays the story of a mother and her daughters navigating the aftermath of being relocated under the Native American Relocation Program. The narrative explores themes of connection and resilience amid shared familial trauma.
**Tangles**
**Tangles** adapts Sarah Leavitt’s graphic memoir, depicting her journey as a caretaker for her mother diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The film delves into the complexities of caregiving and family dynamics with a blend of humor and sensitivity.
**Phoolan**
**Phoolan** narrates the gripping story of Phoolan Devi, India’s Bandit Queen, who rose from a lower-caste background to political power. Directed by Richie Mehta, the film captures Devi’s defiance and resilience as she outwits armed forces during a dramatic siege.
**Look Back**
**Look Back**, the live-action adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga, follows the evolving aspirations of two aspiring young manga artists. The film captures their artistic journey from childhood to adulthood, exploring themes of creativity and friendship.
**The Idiot(s)**
Based on Andrew D. Kaufman’s literary biography **The Gambler Wife**, **The Idiot(s)** delves into the life of Fyodor Dostoyevsky and his wife Anna. The film portrays Anna’s concerns for Fyodor’s well-being as he battles health issues and a gambling addiction.
**The Smell of Apples**
Set in apartheid-era South Africa, **The Smell of Apples** centers on Marnus, a young white boy who confronts the harsh realities of racial oppression. The film follows Marnus as he grapples with his privileged upbringing and confronts the systemic injustices of his family.
**The Unknown**
**The Unknown** is a captivating narrative based on the graphic novel **The Case of David Zimmerman** by Lucas Harari and Arthur Harari. The film delves into the mysterious tale