The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has kicked off, offering a diverse selection of movies for literature enthusiasts. TIFF 2026 is scheduled to run from September 10 to September 20.
Among the festival’s 293 titles, CBC Books has curated a list of highly anticipated films inspired by literature that are worth adding to your watchlist and reading list.
### **YAGA**
**Based on:** *YAGA* by Kat Sandler
Toronto playwright Kat Sandler debuts as a director with the premiere of *YAGA*, a Crave Original series. The story unfolds in a remote coastal town where local detective Carson, teamed with a private investigator, sets out to uncover the disappearance of party boy Henry Park. Their investigation leads them to a university professor specializing in urban myths, revealing more secrets than answers.
### **A Long Winter**
**Based on:** *A Long Winter* by Colm Tóibín
Set in the chilling Colorado mountains, *A Long Winter* is a period drama following young man Mike as he copes with his mother’s vanishing during a blizzard. Adapted from Colm Tóibín’s novella, the film portrays Mike’s coming-of-age journey as he navigates life alongside his distant father.
### **Ba’s Book**
**Inspired by:** *Dear Da-Lê* by Anh Duong
Anh Duong’s memoir *Dear Da-Lê* serves as the inspiration for the documentary film *Ba’s Book*, created by his daughter Ashley Duong. The film delves into the family’s migration from Vietnam to Calgary, with Ashley reimagining her father’s childhood stories.
### **Being Heumann**
**Based on:** *Being Heumann* by Judith Heumann with Kristen Joiner
The film adaptation of *Being Heumann* chronicles disability activist Judy Heumann’s journey from paralysis as a baby to her activism for disability rights. Directed by Siân Heder, the film sheds light on Heumann’s pivotal role in advocating for the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
### **Carrie**
**Based on:** *Carrie* by Stephen King
In the latest adaptation of Stephen King’s *Carrie*, the telekinetic teenager’s story is reimagined for Gen Z audiences. Director Mike Flanagan brings a fresh perspective to the classic tale, catering to modern horror enthusiasts.
### **Clarissa**
**Based on:** *Mrs. Dalloway* by Virginia Woolf
*Nigerian filmmakers Arie Esiri and Chuko Esiri transport Virginia Woolf’s *Mrs. Dalloway* to Lagos, Nigeria, exploring societal themes through the eyes of Clarissa Dalloway and her husband Richard as they prepare for a social gathering.
### **Edward Said: Between Worlds**
**Inspired by:** the writing of Edward Said
*Edward Said: Between Worlds* delves into the life of Palestinian American scholar Edward Said, highlighting his activism and scholarly contributions. The documentary captures Said’s impact on postcolonial studies and global politics.
### **How We Stand**
**Based on:** *Tombs of the Vanishing Indian* by Marie Clements
*How We Stand* adapts Marie Clements’ play, portraying the lives of Native American sisters separated after a relocation program. The film explores their shared trauma and resilience, offering a poignant narrative.
### **Tangles**
**Based on:** *Tangles* by Sarah Leavitt
*Tangles* brings to life Sarah Leavitt’s graphic memoir about her journey as a caretaker for her mother with Alzheimer’s disease. The animated film captures the complexities of family dynamics and caregiving.
### **Phoolan**
**Based on:** *I, Phoolan Devi: The Autobiography of India’s Bandit Queen* by Phoolan Devi
*Phoolan* recounts the life of Phoolan Devi, India’s Bandit Queen, from her early struggles to her rise as a Member of Parliament. Director Richie Mehta depicts Devi’s gripping story of resilience and defiance.
### **Look Back**
**Based on:** *Look Back* by Tatsuki Fujimoto
Hirokazu Kore-eda helms the live-action adaptation of *Look Back*, a manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto. The film follows two aspiring manga artists from childhood to adulthood, exploring their artistic pursuits and evolving friendship.
### **The Idiot(s)**
**Based on:** *The Gambler Wife* by Andrew D. Kaufman
*The Idiot(s)* portrays the relationship between Fyodor Dostoyevsky and his wife Anna, shedding light on Anna’s pivotal role in shaping Fyodor’s literary career. The film is based on Andrew D. Kaufman’s literary biography.
### **The Smell of Apples**
**Based on:** *The Smell of Apples* by Mark