The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is currently ongoing, showcasing a wide array of films for literature enthusiasts. TIFF 2026 commenced on September 10 and will run until September 20.
Within the festival’s lineup of 293 titles, CBC Books has singled out some of the most anticipated cinematic adaptations inspired by literary works. These films are not only worth adding to your watchlist but also to your reading list.
**YAGA**
“YAGA” by Kat Sandler serves as the foundation for this film. Directed by Toronto playwright and showrunner Kat Sandler, the Crave Original series “YAGA” debuts at TIFF 2026. The storyline revolves around a local detective named Carson and a private investigator tasked with uncovering the disappearance of party enthusiast Henry Park. As they delve deeper, their investigation leads them to a university professor specializing in urban myths, revealing more secrets than solutions.
**A Long Winter**
Based on Colm Tóibín’s novella “A Long Winter,” this film is a period drama set in the cold Colorado mountains. The narrative follows a young man named Mike coming to terms with his mother’s disappearance post-blizzard. Living alongside his distant father, Mike undergoes a journey of self-discovery as he copes with the absence of his mother.
**Ba’s Book**
Inspired by Anh Duong’s memoir “Dear Da-Lê,” “Ba’s Book” is a documentary crafted by Ashley Duong, showcasing her father’s experiences as a Vietnamese refugee. The film retraces her father’s childhood tales and their family’s migration from Vietnam to Calgary.
**Being Heumann**
“Being Heumann” is a film adaptation of Judy Heumann’s memoir, highlighting her advocacy for disability rights. The movie portrays Judy’s life, from being paralyzed by polio as a child to becoming a prominent figure in the Disability Rights Movement.
**Carrie**
Based on Stephen King’s novel “Carrie,” this adaptation revisits the classic tale of a telekinetic teenager seeking vengeance on her high school tormentors. Mike Flanagan directs this iteration, catering to a Gen Z audience with a modern retelling of the horror story.
**Clarissa**
“Clarissa” reimagines Virginia Woolf’s novel “Mrs. Dalloway” in contemporary Nigeria. Set in Lagos, the film follows Clarissa Dalloway as she prepares for a social gathering, intertwining themes of past relationships, political unrest, and trauma.
**Edward Said: Between Worlds**
A documentary honoring the legacy of Palestinian American scholar Edward Said, “Edward Said: Between Worlds” delves into Said’s life, activism, and writings, offering a glimpse into his impact on postcolonial studies.
**How We Stand**
Adapted from Marie Clements’ play “Tombs of the Vanishing Indian,” “How We Stand” portrays the lives of three sisters separated under the Native American Relocation Program, showcasing their journey of connection and resilience.
**Tangles**
Based on Sarah Leavitt’s graphic memoir “Tangles,” this animated film explores the emotional complexities of caregiving for a mother with Alzheimer’s disease. Through humor and compassion, the story captures the challenges and coping mechanisms within the family.
**Phoolan**
“Phoolan” is a cinematic adaptation of Phoolan Devi’s autobiography, narrating her rise from a lower-caste background to becoming a Member of Parliament in India. The film chronicles a thrilling siege led by Devi and her bandits against armed forces.
**Look Back**
“Hirokazu Kore-eda adapts Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga “Look Back,” portraying the journey of two aspiring manga artists from childhood to adulthood. The story delves into their evolving friendship and artistic pursuits over the years.
**The Idiot(s)**
Based on Andrew D. Kaufman’s literary biography “The Gambler Wife,” “The Idiot(s)” explores the relationship between Fyodor Dostoyevsky and his wife Anna, shedding light on Anna’s pivotal role in Fyodor’s literary endeavors.
**The Smell of Apples**
Set in apartheid South Africa, “The Smell of Apples” follows a young boy’s realization of the racial injustices plaguing his society. The film exposes the boy to the harsh realities of oppression and privilege during a pivotal moment in his life.
**The Unknown**
Adapted from Lucas Harari and Arthur Harari’s graphic novel “The Case of David Zimmerman,” “The Unknown” delves into a photographer’s surreal experience of waking up in a different body. The film explores themes of identity and self-discovery.
**Julián**
“Julián” is an animated film based on Jessica Love’s picture book “Julián Is a Mermaid,” depicting a young Caribbean boy’s journey of self-expression and acceptance as he embraces his identity.
These captivating film adaptations at TIFF 202