The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has kicked off, offering a plethora of films for literature enthusiasts to enjoy. TIFF 2026 will run from September 10 to September 20.
CBC Books has sifted through the festival’s lineup of 293 titles and is spotlighting some of the most eagerly anticipated literary-inspired movies, suitable for both your reading and viewing lists.
**YAGA**
**Based on:** *YAGA* by Kat Sandler
Kat Sandler, a Toronto playwright and showrunner, steps into the director’s chair for the debut episode of the Crave Original series, *YAGA*. The story unfolds in a remote coastal town where local detective Carson teams up with a private investigator to solve the mysterious disappearance of party boy Henry Park. Their investigation leads them to a university professor specializing in urban myths, unveiling more secrets than solutions.
**A Long Winter**
**Based on:** *A Long Winter* by Colm Tóibín
Set in the icy Colorado mountains, *A Long Winter* delves into the life of a young man named Mike grappling with his mother’s vanishing after a blizzard. Adapted from Colm Tóibín’s short novel, the narrative follows Mike as he matures while living with his distant father.
**Ba’s Book**
**Inspired by:** *Dear Da-Lê* by Anh Duong
Anh Duong’s 2024 memoir, *Dear Da-Lê*, narrates his tumultuous experiences during the Vietnam War and as a refugee during the Iranian Revolution. In Canada, his daughter, Ashley Duong, pays tribute to her father’s journey through the documentary *Ba’s Book*, recreating his childhood tales and the family’s migration to Calgary.
**Being Heumann**
**Based on:** *Being Heumann* by Judith Heumann with Kristen Joiner
Judy Heumann, known as the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement,” spearheaded efforts for civil rights protection for individuals with disabilities. Her memoir, *Being Heumann*, recounts her personal evolution from battling polio as an infant to becoming a prominent disability rights activist.
**Carrie**
**Based on:** *Carrie* by Stephen King
In the latest adaptation of Stephen King’s novel *Carrie*, the telekinetic teen’s chilling saga is reimagined for modern audiences. The storyline follows Carrie White seeking vengeance on her high school tormentors, exploring themes of abuse and retribution.
**Clarissa**
**Based on:** *Mrs. Dalloway* by Virginia Woolf
*Clarissa* transports Virginia Woolf’s classic *Mrs. Dalloway* to contemporary Nigeria, chronicling Clarissa Dalloway’s preparations for a social gathering in Lagos. As the day unfolds, past relationships resurface, intertwining with political turmoil and personal trauma.
**Edward Said: Between Worlds**
**Inspired by:** the writing of Edward Said
*Edward Said: Between Worlds* unveils the life of Palestinian American scholar Edward Said through archival footage, showcasing his impactful career as an activist, writer, and professor. The documentary encapsulates Said’s journey amidst global politics from his early years in Palestine to his contributions to postcolonial studies.
**How We Stand**
**Based on:** *Tombs of the Vanishing Indian* by Marie Clements
*How We Stand* adapts Marie Clements’ play *Tombs of the Vanishing Indian*, delving into the lives of a mother and her daughters navigating the complexities of the Native American Relocation Program in the 1950s. The narrative explores their divergent paths and shared experiences, culminating in a tale of resilience and connection.
**Tangles**
**Based on:** *Tangles* by Sarah Leavitt
*Tangles* follows Vancouver cartoonist Sarah Leavitt’s journey upon discovering her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, shifting her carefree life to one of caregiving and family support. Directed by Leah Nelson, the animated film portrays the challenges and humor in navigating the realities of dementia.
**Phoolan**
**Based on:** *I, Phoolan Devi: The Autobiography of India’s Bandit Queen* by Phoolan Devi
*Phoolan* captures the life of Phoolan Devi, India’s renowned Bandit Queen, recounting her ascent from a lower-caste girl to a Member of Parliament after enduring years of exploitation and hardship. The film depicts a gripping 48-hour siege in India, showcasing Devi’s defiance against armed forces.
**Look Back**
**Based on:** *Look Back* by Tatsuki Fujimoto
*Look Back* by Hirokazu Kore-eda adapts Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga, tracing the journeys of two aspiring manga artists from childhood to adulthood. The film delves into their artistic ambitions and evolving relationship over the years.
**The Idiot(s)**
**Based on