The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is currently in progress, offering a wide array of films for enthusiasts of literature. Running from Thursday, Sept. 10 to Sunday, Sept. 20, TIFF 2026 boasts 293 titles on its lineup.
Among the selections at the festival, CBC Books has sifted through and singled out some of the most anticipated cinematic adaptations inspired by literary works that viewers can add to both their reading and watching lists.
**YAGA**
“YAGA,” based on Kat Sandler’s work, marks the directorial debut of Toronto playwright and showrunner Kat Sandler. The narrative revolves around Carson, a local detective in a remote coastal town, embarking on a quest with a private investigator to unravel the mysterious disappearance of Henry Park, the town’s resident party boy. As they delve deeper into the case, their investigation leads them to a university professor specializing in urban myths, revealing a web of secrets and enigmas.
**A Long Winter**
Colm Tóibín’s novella, “A Long Winter,” forms the basis of this period drama set in the cold mountains of Colorado. The story follows Mike, a young man grappling with his mother’s vanishing during a blizzard. As days stretch into weeks without a trace of his mother, Mike confronts his emotions while living alongside his estranged father.
**Ba’s Book**
Inspired by Anh Duong’s “Dear Da-Lê,” this documentary film by Ashley Duong sheds light on her father’s experiences as a Vietnamese refugee during the Vietnam War and the Iranian Revolution in the 1970s. Through a series of narrative letters, Duong’s father narrates his journey within the Vietnamese diaspora, encapsulating the hardships and triumphs of his life.
**Being Heumann**
“Being Heumann,” based on Judith Heumann’s memoir, chronicles the life of disability rights activist Judy Heumann. The film portrays Heumann’s challenges, from being paralyzed by polio in infancy to her groundbreaking advocacy efforts that led to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
**Carrie**
In this adaptation of Stephen King’s “Carrie,” the classic tale of a telekinetic teenager takes on a contemporary twist for Gen Z audiences. The story follows Carrie White, a sheltered girl seeking vengeance on her high school tormentors. Director Mike Flanagan brings a fresh perspective to King’s iconic work, adding a new layer to the horror narrative.
**Clarissa**
“Clarissa” reimagines Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” in modern-day Nigeria, where the titular character, Clarissa Dalloway, navigates a world of political turmoil and personal reflection amidst preparations for a social gathering in Lagos.
**Edward Said: Between Worlds**
“Edward Said: Between Worlds” is a documentary film celebrating the life and legacy of Palestinian American scholar Edward Said. Through archival footage and interviews, the film delves into Said’s impact on postcolonial studies and his activism in shaping global politics.
**How We Stand**
Based on Marie Clements’ play “Tombs of the Vanishing Indian,” “How We Stand” traces the lives of three sisters separated under the Native American Relocation Program in the 1950s. Despite their divergent paths, the siblings find solace and connection through shared experiences and resilience.
**Tangles**
“Tangles,” adapted from Sarah Leavitt’s graphic memoir, portrays a daughter’s journey through her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The animated film captures the challenges and emotions of caregiving and family dynamics with a blend of humor and sensitivity.
**Phoolan**
“Phoolan” draws inspiration from Phoolan Devi’s autobiography, chronicling her rise from a lower-caste background to becoming one of India’s most notorious outlaws. The film captures a pivotal moment in Devi’s life during a daring siege against armed forces, showcasing her defiance and courage.
**Look Back**
“Hirokazu Kore-eda’s “Look Back,” based on Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga, follows the intertwined paths of two aspiring manga artists as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of their shared passion over the years.
**The Idiot(s)**
Adapted from Andrew D. Kaufman’s “The Gambler Wife,” “The Idiot(s)” delves into the relationship between Fyodor Dostoyevsky and his wife Anna, shedding light on the personal struggles and sacrifices that influenced the literary master’s work.
**The Smell of Apples**
Set in apartheid-era South Africa, “The Smell of Apples” explores a young boy’s realization of racial injustice and his family’s involvement in oppression. As he confronts the harsh realities of his upbringing, Marnus grapples with his perceptions of privilege and morality.
**The Unknown**
“The Unknown,” based on Lucas Harari and Arthur Harari’s graphic novel, follows
