The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is currently in progress with a plethora of movies catering to book enthusiasts. TIFF 2026 spans from Thursday, Sept. 10 to Sunday, Sept. 20.
CBC Books has sifted through the extensive lineup of 293 titles at the festival and is spotlighting some of the most eagerly awaited literary-inspired films that should be on both your reading and viewing lists.
**YAGA**
Starring Hudson Williams and Carrie-Anne Moss, the world premiere of YAGA will take place at TIFF 2026. Based on Kat Sandler’s YAGA, the film marks Toronto playwright and showrunner Kat Sandler’s directorial debut. The story unfolds in a remote coastal town where local detective Carson, together with a private investigator, embarks on a mission to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of resident party boy Henry Park. Their investigation leads them to a university professor specializing in urban myths, revealing more secrets than answers.
An adaptation of Sandler’s 2018 play, YAGA reimagines the witchy character from Slavic folklore in a modern-day mystical whodunit. The star-studded Canadian cast includes Hudson Williams from Heated Rivalry and Carrie-Anne Moss of The Matrix franchise.
**A Long Winter**
Fred Hechinger takes the lead in the film adaptation of Colm Tóibín’s novella, A Long Winter. Set in the icy Colorado mountains, A Long Winter narrates the tale of a young man named Mike grappling with his mother’s disappearance following a blizzard. Mike’s journey to maturity unfolds as he copes with the absence of his mother, navigating life alongside his distant father.
Directed by English filmmaker Andrew Haigh, known for All of Us Strangers, the film features Fred Hechinger from The White Lotus and Toronto-born actor D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai of the FX series Reservation Dogs.
**Ba’s Book**
Inspired by Anh Duong’s Dear Da-Lê, Ba’s Book delves into Anh Duong’s 2024 memoir, which recounts the author’s experiences during the Vietnam War and the Iranian Revolution. In Canada, Ashley Duong, Anh Duong’s daughter, pays tribute to her father’s narrative through a documentary named Ba’s Book. The film delves into her father’s childhood stories and their family’s migration from Vietnam to Calgary.
**Being Heumann**
Based on Judith Heumann’s memoir, Being Heumann depicts the life of disability rights activist Judy Heumann. Known as the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement,” Heumann’s advocacy led to the creation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The film, directed by Siân Heder, showcases Heumann’s journey from paralysis due to polio as a child to her impactful activism as an adult.
**Carrie**
The latest adaptation of Stephen King’s Carrie caters to Gen Z audiences, presenting the classic story of a telekinetic teenager seeking revenge on her high school tormentors. The film is directed by Mike Flanagan, known for adapting King’s works like Gerald’s Game and Doctor Sleep.
**Clarissa**
Reimagining Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway in Nigeria, Clarissa portrays the titular character navigating a high-society event in Lagos. The film, helmed by Nigerian filmmakers Arie Esiri and Chuko Esiri, delves into Clarissa Dalloway’s journey as she prepares for a significant social gathering.
**Edward Said: Between Worlds**
Edward Said: Between Worlds, a documentary film, sheds light on the life and works of Palestinian American scholar Edward Said. The film, directed by Danish American director and Palestinian American producers, offers a glimpse into Said’s impactful career and his contributions to postcolonial studies.
**How We Stand**
Adapted from Marie Clements’ play Tombs of the Vanishing Indian, How We Stand narrates the story of a mother and her daughters navigating the Native American Relocation Program. The film explores the sisters’ divergent lives and shared trauma, ultimately finding connection and belonging.
**Tangles**
Tangles, an animated adaptation of Sarah Leavitt’s graphic memoir, delves into the author’s journey upon discovering her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The film portrays the challenges of becoming a caretaker and the family’s coping mechanisms with humor and care.
**Phoolan**
Based on Phoolan Devi’s autobiography, I, Phoolan Devi: The Autobiography of India’s Bandit Queen, Phoolan narrates the life of the iconic Indian outlaw. The film, directed by Mississauga-born filmmaker Richie Mehta, captures a thrilling biopic centered around Devi’s defiance and power.
**Look Back**
Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, Look Back adapts Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga, following two aspiring manga artists through their journey from childhood to adulthood.
