The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is currently taking place, offering a wide array of films for enthusiasts of literature. TIFF 2026 kicked off on Thursday, September 10, and will run until Sunday, September 20.
CBC Books has meticulously scrutinized the festival’s lineup of 293 titles, pinpointing some of the most eagerly awaited cinematic adaptations inspired by literature. Here are some of the standout literary-inspired films that are sure to captivate audiences and make their way onto both reading and viewing lists.
**YAGA**
The upcoming film “YAGA,” directed by Toronto playwright and showrunner Kat Sandler, marks her directorial debut with the premiere episode of the Crave Original series. The plot revolves around a local detective and a private investigator in a remote coastal town investigating the disappearance of a resident known for partying. The investigation leads to a university professor specializing in urban myths, unveiling a web of secrets and mysteries.
**A Long Winter**
“A Long Winter,” a period drama set in the icy mountains of Colorado, narrates the story of Mike, a young man grappling with his mother’s sudden disappearance during a blizzard. Adapted from Colm TóibÃn’s short novel, the film portrays Mike’s coming-of-age journey as he copes with his mother’s absence and navigates life with his distant father.
**Ba’s Book**
Inspired by Anh Duong’s memoir “Dear Da-Lê,” the documentary “Ba’s Book” pays tribute to the experiences of Vietnamese diaspora shared by Duong with his daughter, Ashley Duong. The film reconstructs Duong’s childhood tales, reflecting on his family’s migration from Vietnam to Calgary.
**Being Heumann**
“Being Heumann” delves into the life of disability rights activist Judy Heumann, known as the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement.” The film chronicles Heumann’s activism, from her early struggles with polio to her pivotal role in advocating for disability rights legislation, culminating in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
**Carrie**
The film adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic horror novel “Carrie” offers a fresh take on the classic tale of a telekinetic teenager seeking vengeance. The story unfolds as Carrie White, a sheltered girl with an abusive mother, unleashes her powers on her high school tormentors in a gripping narrative tailored for Gen Z audiences.
**Clarissa**
“Clarissa” reimagines Virginia Woolf’s renowned novel “Mrs. Dalloway” in contemporary Nigeria, portraying the life of Clarissa Dalloway as she navigates societal expectations and past relationships amidst political unrest and personal reflection.
**Edward Said: Between Worlds**
“Edward Said: Between Worlds” is a documentary honoring the life and work of Palestinian American scholar Edward Said. The film showcases Said’s impactful career, from his scholarly contributions to his activism, providing insights into his legacy within the context of global politics.
**How We Stand**
“How We Stand” adapts Marie Clements’ play “Tombs of the Vanishing Indian,” depicting the journey of a mother and her daughters uprooted by the Native American Relocation Program and their quest for connection and healing amidst shared trauma.
**Tangles**
The animated film “Tangles” is based on Sarah Leavitt’s graphic memoir, recounting her experiences as she navigates her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis and the challenges of becoming her caretaker. The film delicately captures the complexities of caregiving and family dynamics in the face of illness.
**Phoolan**
“Phoolan” recounts the life of Phoolan Devi, India’s Bandit Queen, tracing her evolution from a marginalized child bride to a formidable outlaw challenging the status quo. The film portrays a gripping biopic of Devi’s defiance and resilience in the face of adversity.
**Look Back**
Hirokazu Kore-eda’s adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga “Look Back” follows the journey of two aspiring young manga artists as they navigate friendship, rivalry, and artistic growth over the years.
**The Idiot(s)**
“The Idiot(s)” portrays the tumultuous relationship between Fyodor Dostoyevsky and his wife Anna, shedding light on Anna’s pivotal role in Fyodor’s literary pursuits. The film, inspired by Andrew D. Kaufman’s literary biography, delves into the complexities of their intertwined lives and creative endeavors.
**The Smell of Apples**
Set in apartheid-era South Africa, “The Smell of Apples” delves into the life of a young white boy, Marnus, who confronts the harsh realities of racial injustice and privilege. The film captures Marnus’ awakening to the systemic oppression faced by Black South Africans, challenging his perceptions of his own reality.
**The Unknown**
“The Unknown,” directed by Arthur Harari, explores the enigmatic tale of a struggling photographer who wakes
