The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is currently ongoing, offering a wide array of films tailored for book enthusiasts. TIFF 2026 kicks off on Thursday, September 10, and runs through Sunday, September 20.
CBC Books has delved into the roster of 293 films featured at the festival and has curated a selection of the most anticipated movie adaptations inspired by literature that are worth adding to your must-watch and reading lists.
**YAGA**
Starring Hudson Williams and Carrie-Anne Moss, “YAGA” is set to have its world premiere at TIFF 2026. Based on Kat Sandler’s work of the same title, the film marks Sandler’s directorial debut. The story revolves around local detective Carson and a private investigator as they embark on a quest to uncover the mysterious disappearance of party boy Henry Park, which leads them to a university professor deeply entrenched in urban myths.
**A Long Winter**
Fred Hechinger takes the lead in the adaptation of Colm Tóibín’s novella, “A Long Winter,” set in the chilling Colorado mountains. The film follows young man Mike navigating the aftermath of his mother’s vanishing during a blizzard, forcing him to confront his father’s aloofness.
**Ba’s Book**
Inspired by Anh Duong’s “Dear Da-Lê,” “Ba’s Book” is a documentary by Ashley Duong, shedding light on her father’s experiences as a Vietnamese refugee sharing his journey within the Vietnamese diaspora from a paternal perspective.
**Being Heumann**
“Being Heumann,” based on Judith Heumann’s memoir, portrays the life of disability rights activist Judy Heumann, showcasing her significant role in advocating for disability rights.
**Carrie**
Adapted from Stephen King’s novel, “Carrie” receives a fresh interpretation for Gen Z viewers, recounting the telekinetic teenager’s tale seeking vengeance against her high school tormentors.
**Clarissa**
“Clarissa” reimagines Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” in contemporary Nigeria, focusing on Clarissa Dalloway’s preparations for a social event intertwined with reflections on personal relationships and societal issues.
**Edward Said: Between Worlds**
A documentary honoring the legacy of Palestinian American scholar Edward Said, the film traces Said’s journey through archival footage, shedding light on his influential contributions to postcolonial studies.
**How We Stand**
“Tombs of the Vanishing Indian” serves as the foundation for “How We Stand,” spotlighting the lives of three sisters separated following their relocation through the Native American Relocation Program.
**Tangles**
Based on Sarah Leavitt’s graphic memoir, “Tangles” delves into the emotional complexities of caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s disease, offering a poignant narrative of family dynamics and resilience.
**Phoolan**
“Phoolan” narrates the captivating story of Phoolan Devi, known as India’s Bandit Queen, detailing her rise to power and challenges faced on her path to becoming a Member of Parliament.
**Look Back**
Hirokazu Kore-eda’s “Look Back” brings to life Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga, portraying the aspirations and struggles of two young women aspiring to be manga artists.
**The Idiot(s)**
Based on Andrew D. Kaufman’s “The Gambler Wife,” “The Idiot(s)” delves into the life of Fyodor Dostoyevsky and his wife Anna, exploring the challenges they faced as Fyodor grappled with illness and addiction.
**The Smell of Apples**
Set in apartheid South Africa, “The Smell of Apples” follows a young boy’s awakening to the realities of racial oppression and his family’s role in perpetuating injustice.
**The Unknown**
Adapted from Lucas Harari and Arthur Harari’s “The Case of David Zimmerman,” “The Unknown” delves into a tale of body swapping and identity crisis, offering a unique narrative of self-discovery.
**Julián**
“Julián,” based on Jessica Love’s “Julián Is a Mermaid,” tells the heartwarming story of a young boy’s journey of self-expression and acceptance, set against the backdrop of the vibrant Mermaid Parade.
These captivating film adaptations at TIFF 2026 promise to bring literature to life on the big screen, offering audiences a diverse range of stories to explore and enjoy.