The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is currently ongoing, showcasing a plethora of films inspired by literary works for book enthusiasts. TIFF 2026 kicks off on Thursday, September 10, and runs until Sunday, September 20.

Among the festival’s 293 titles, CBC Books has sifted through and identified some highly anticipated literary-inspired movies that are sure to captivate audiences and entice them to explore both the big screen adaptations and the original written works.

**YAGA**
Starring Hudson Williams and Carrie-Anne Moss, the film “YAGA” is set to have its world premiere at TIFF 2026. This movie is based on the work of Toronto playwright and showrunner Kat Sandler. The storyline revolves around Carson, a local detective, and a private investigator searching for a missing party boy named Henry Park, which leads them to a university professor entrenched in urban myths.

**A Long Winter**
Fred Hechinger stars in the adaptation of Colm Tóibín’s novella, “A Long Winter,” set in the cold Colorado mountains. The story centers on a young man named Mike coping with his mother’s disappearance during a blizzard, navigating life alongside his distant father.

**Ba’s Book**
Inspired by Anh Duong’s memoir “Dear Da-Lê,” “Ba’s Book” is a documentary by Ashley Duong, depicting her father’s experiences as a refugee from the Vietnam War and the Iranian Revolution, shedding light on their journey within the Vietnamese diaspora.

**Being Heumann**
“Being Heumann” portrays the life of disability rights activist Judy Heumann, known as the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement,” who fought for civil rights legislation protecting individuals with disabilities. The film showcases her journey from adversity to advocacy, highlighting her impactful contributions.

**Carrie**
Adapted from Stephen King’s novel, “Carrie” takes a fresh approach in this Gen Z-focused retelling of the telekinetic teenager’s revenge on high school bullies. Mike Flanagan directs this latest adaptation of King’s work, adding to his repertoire of successful literary adaptations.

**Clarissa**
“Clarissa” reimagines Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” in modern-day Nigeria, exploring societal nuances and personal reflections through the lens of a high-society figure preparing for a social gathering in Lagos.

**Edward Said: Between Worlds**
A documentary chronicling the life of Palestinian American scholar Edward Said, known for his influential works in postcolonial studies, capturing his global impact and intellectual legacy.

**How We Stand**
Based on Marie Clements’ play “Tombs of the Vanishing Indian,” “How We Stand” delves into the lives of three Indigenous sisters separated by the Native American Relocation Program, finding solace and connection amidst shared trauma.

**Tangles**
Adapted from Sarah Leavitt’s graphic memoir, “Tangles” narrates the challenges of caregiving for a mother with Alzheimer’s disease, exploring themes of family, grief, and resilience through a poignant animated portrayal.

**Phoolan**
Richie Mehta’s “Phoolan” recounts the remarkable story of Phoolan Devi, India’s Bandit Queen, highlighting her rise to power and defiance against oppression in a gripping biopic.

**Look Back**
Hirokazu Kore-eda’s live-action adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga “Look Back” follows two aspiring manga artists through their journey from childhood dreams to adult realities, exploring themes of artistry and friendship.

**The Idiot(s)**
Based on Andrew D. Kaufman’s literary biography, “The Idiot(s)” sheds light on the life of Fyodor Dostoyevsky and his wife Anna, unraveling the struggles of genius and addiction in the backdrop of 19th-century Russia.

**The Smell of Apples**
Set against the backdrop of apartheid South Africa, “The Smell of Apples” tells the story of a young boy’s awakening to the harsh realities of racial injustice, challenging his privileged worldview.

**The Unknown**
Adapted from the graphic novel “The Case of David Zimmerman,” “The Unknown” delves into themes of identity and transformation as a struggling photographer finds himself in a perplexing situation, leading to a soul-searching journey.

**Julián**
In “Julián,” a heartwarming animated film, a young Caribbean boy’s desire to be part of the Mermaid Parade in Brooklyn unfolds, celebrating self-discovery and acceptance in a vibrant tale of identity and freedom.