The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has kicked off, offering a wide array of movies tailored for enthusiasts of literature. The event spans from Thursday, September 10 to Sunday, September 20, showcasing a total of 293 titles.
CBC Books has meticulously reviewed the lineup of the festival and handpicked some of the most eagerly awaited films inspired by literary works, which are worth adding to your must-watch and must-read lists.
**YAGA**
Starring Hudson Williams and Carrie-Anne Moss, the world premiere of “YAGA” at TIFF 2026 is based on Kat Sandler’s work. The film, directed by Toronto playwright Kat Sandler, follows the journey of local detective Carson and a private investigator as they delve into the disappearance of party boy Henry Park in a coastal town. Their investigation leads them to a university professor delving into urban myths, unraveling a tale of secrets and mysteries.
**A Long Winter**
Fred Hechinger stars in “A Long Winter,” adapted from Colm Tóibín’s novella. Set in the icy Colorado mountains, the film narrates the story of Mike, a young man coping with his mother’s vanishing post-blizzard. Directed by Andrew Haigh, the movie portrays Mike’s struggles living with his distant father as he grapples with the prolonged absence of his mother.
**Ba’s Book**
Inspired by Anh Duong’s “Dear Da-Lê,” “Ba’s Book” is a documentary by Ashley Duong chronicling her father’s experiences as a Vietnamese refugee. The film retraces the family’s migration from Vietnam to Calgary, encapsulating the father’s journey through narrative letters and childhood tales recounted by his daughter.
**Being Heumann**
“Being Heumann,” based on Judith Heumann’s memoir, delves into the life of disability rights activist Judy Heumann. The film, directed by Siân Heder, chronicles Heumann’s advocacy for disability rights, starting from her childhood paralysis to her pivotal contributions leading to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
**Carrie**
Mike Flanagan’s adaptation of Stephen King’s “Carrie” introduces a modern rendition of the classic horror tale. The film portrays the telekinetic teenager Carrie White seeking vengeance against her high school tormentors, catering to Gen Z audiences with its fresh take on the 1974 novel.
**Clarissa**
In “Clarissa,” Sophie Okonedo embodies the character of Clarissa Dalloway in a Nigerian adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway.” The film unfolds in Lagos, offering a contemporary twist to the original narrative as it explores themes of memory, social gatherings, and historical reflections.
**Edward Said: Between Worlds**
“Edward Said: Between Worlds” is a documentary honoring the Palestinian American scholar’s legacy. Through archival footage and interviews, the film traces Said’s life and intellectual contributions, shedding light on his activism, writings, and impact on postcolonial studies.
**How We Stand**
A poignant adaptation of Marie Clements’ play “Tombs of the Vanishing Indian,” “How We Stand” delves into the lives of Indigenous siblings separated by the Native American Relocation Program. The film navigates themes of trauma, family bonds, and resilience as the siblings reunite after two decades of divergent paths.
**Tangles**
Based on Sarah Leavitt’s graphic memoir, “Tangles” brings to life the emotional journey of a daughter caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s disease. The animated film directed by Leah Nelson captures the complexities and challenges of caregiving, portraying the family’s coping mechanisms and emotional struggles.
**Phoolan**
“Phoolan” portrays the remarkable life of Phoolan Devi, India’s Bandit Queen, tracing her journey from oppression to empowerment. Directed by Richie Mehta, the film encapsulates a gripping siege in India, showcasing Devi’s defiance and cunning tactics against formidable adversaries.
**Look Back**
Hirokazu Kore-eda’s adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s “Look Back” unfolds the poignant story of two aspiring manga artists navigating dreams, jealousy, and artistic growth. The film follows the young protagonists through their creative evolution, set against the backdrop of their shared passion for manga creation.
**The Idiot(s)**
“The Idiot(s)” delves into the relationship between Fyodor Dostoyevsky and his wife Anna, based on Andrew D. Kaufman’s literary biography. The film offers a glimpse into Anna’s concerns for Fyodor’s well-being, grappling with his health issues and gambling addiction while paving the way for his literary masterpiece, “The Idiot.”
**The Smell of Apples**
Set in apartheid South Africa, “The Smell of Apples” narrates the awakening of a young white boy to the harsh realities of racial oppression. Directed by John Trengrove, the film captures Marnus’ eye-opening
