The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is currently in progress, offering a rich selection of movies catering to book enthusiasts. TIFF 2026 runs from Thursday, Sept. 10 to Sunday, Sept. 20.
CBC Books has reviewed the lineup of the festival’s 293 films and has identified some of the most eagerly awaited literary-inspired movies to consider for both your reading and viewing pleasure.
**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*. This series is set in a secluded coastal town where Carson, a local detective, teams up with a private investigator to unravel the mystery behind the disappearance of the town’s notorious partygoer, Henry Park. As their investigation leads them to a university professor specializing in urban myths, they discover she holds more secrets than answers.
**A Long Winter**
**Based on:** *A Long Winter* by Colm TóibÃn
Located in the frosty Colorado mountains, *A Long Winter* is a period drama following a young man named Mike coping with his mother’s vanishing after a blizzard. Adapted from the short novel by Irish writer Colm TóibÃn, the story delves into Mike’s coming-of-age journey as he navigates life alongside his distant father.
**Ba’s Book**
**Inspired by:** *Dear Da-Lê* by Anh Duong
Anh Duong’s 2024 memoir, *Dear Da-Lê*, recounts his experiences during the Vietnam War and as a refugee during the Iranian Revolution, now shared within Canada’s Vietnamese diaspora through the lens of a father communicating with his daughter. Ashley Duong, his daughter, pays tribute to her father’s tale by crafting the documentary *Ba’s Book*, reimagining his childhood anecdotes as the family transitions from Vietnam to Calgary.
**Being Heumann**
**Based on:** *Being Heumann* by Judith Heumann with Kristen Joiner
Known as the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement,” Judy Heumann’s activism paved the way for the first civil rights legislation protecting individuals with disabilities. Her memoir, *Being Heumann*, chronicles her personal evolution from childhood polio paralysis to adult activism, influencing the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The film adaptation, *Being Heumann*, directed by Siân Heder, delves into Heumann’s impactful journey.
**Carrie**
**Based on:** *Carrie* by Stephen King
In this latest adaptation of Stephen King’s horror classic, *Carrie*, the story of the telekinetic teenager is reimagined for Gen Z audiences. The narrative follows Carrie White, a sheltered girl seeking revenge on her high school tormentors, exploring themes of abuse and vengeance. Renowned horror director Mike Flanagan brings this iconic tale to life for Prime audiences.
**Clarissa**
**Based on:** *Mrs. Dalloway* by Virginia Woolf
*Clarissa* reimagines Virginia Woolf’s 1925 novel *Mrs. Dalloway* in a contemporary Nigerian setting, focusing on Clarissa Dalloway and her husband Richard as they prepare for a lavish social gathering in Lagos. The narrative delves into Clarissa’s introspection on past relationships amidst societal reflections on political unrest, existentialism, and trauma.
**Edward Said: Between Worlds**
**Inspired by:** the writing of Edward Said
*Edward Said: Between Worlds* is a documentary celebrating the life and work of Palestinian American scholar Edward Said, known for his contributions to postcolonial studies through books like *Orientalism* and *The Question of Palestine*. The film, co-directed by Danish American filmmaker Sarah Mowaswes and Palestinian American producer Razan Ghalayini, offers a comprehensive look at Said’s influence on global politics.
**How We Stand**
**Based on:** *Tombs of the Vanishing Indian* by Marie Clements
*How We Stand* adapts Marie Clements’ 2012 play, *Tombs of the Vanishing Indian*, telling the story of a mother and her daughters navigating the Native American Relocation Program’s impact. The narrative explores themes of separation, trauma, and eventual reconnection among the sisters, beautifully portraying their shared experiences and resilience.
**Tangles**
**Based on:** *Tangles* by Sarah Leavitt
The animated film *Tangles* draws from Vancouver cartoonist Sarah Leavitt’s graphic memoir, depicting her journey through her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The story captures the challenges and complexities of becoming a caregiver while navigating family dynamics and personal growth. Director Leah Nelson brings Leavitt’s emotional narrative to life through hand-drawn animations.
**Phoolan**
**Based on:** *I, Phoolan Devi: The Aut