The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is currently ongoing, showcasing a plethora of films tailored for literature enthusiasts. TIFF 2026 commenced on Thursday, September 10 and will run until Sunday, September 20.
Exploring the festival’s lineup of 293 titles, CBC Books has curated a selection of highly anticipated films inspired by literary works that are sure to captivate both bookworms and movie buffs.
**YAGA**
*Based on:* YAGA by Kat Sandler
Kat Sandler, a Toronto playwright and showrunner, steps into the realm of directing with the debut episode of the Crave Original series, YAGA. The narrative unfolds in a secluded coastal town, following local detective Carson and a private investigator as they delve into the mysterious disappearance of Henry Park, the town’s resident party boy. Their investigation leads them to a university professor specializing in urban myths, revealing a web of hidden secrets waiting to be uncovered.
An adaptation of Sandler’s 2018 play, YAGA reimagines the enigmatic witchy character from Slavic folklore in a contemporary mystical whodunnit setting. The stellar Canadian cast of the 2026 series features Hudson Williams from Heated Rivalry and Carrie-Anne Moss renowned for her role in The Matrix franchise.
**A Long Winter**
*Based on:* A Long Winter by Colm Tóibín
Set amidst the icy Colorado mountains, A Long Winter narrates the tale of Mike, a young man grappling with his mother’s sudden disappearance during a blizzard. Adapted from Irish writer Colm Tóibín’s novella, the story delves into Mike’s coming-of-age journey as he navigates life alongside his distant father in the absence of his mother.
Directed by English filmmaker Andrew Haigh, known for his work on All of Us Strangers, the film showcases a talented cast including Fred Hechinger from The White Lotus and Toronto-born actor D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai recognized for his role in the FX series Reservation Dogs.
**Ba’s Book**
*Inspired by:* Dear Da-Lê by Anh Duong
Anh Duong’s poignant 2024 memoir, Dear Da-Lê, unfolds through a series of narrative letters penned by Duong to his daughter, recounting the hardships he endured during the Vietnam War and as a refugee amid the Iranian Revolution in the 1970s. Transitioning to Canada, Duong shares his journey within the Vietnamese diaspora, portraying a father’s emotional narrative to his child.
In a touching tribute to her father’s experiences, Ashley Duong crafts a documentary, Ba’s Book, vividly recreating her father’s childhood tales and reflecting on their family’s migration from Vietnam to Calgary.
**Being Heumann**
*Based on:* Being Heumann by Judith Heumann with Kristen Joiner
Celebrating the legacy of disability rights activist Judy Heumann, the film Being Heumann delves into her remarkable journey as the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement.” From her struggles with polio as an infant to her groundbreaking activism for civil rights legislation, Judy’s resilience and advocacy paved the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Directed by filmmaker Siân Heder, renowned for her Academy Award-winning film CODA, Being Heumann captures Judy’s inspiring life story and her pivotal contributions to the disability rights movement.
**Carrie**
*Based on:* Carrie by Stephen King
In the latest adaptation of Stephen King’s chilling novel Carrie, the classic tale of the telekinetic teenager takes on a fresh perspective for Gen Z audiences. Following the journey of Carrie White, a sheltered girl seeking vengeance on her high school tormentors, the narrative explores themes of abuse and supernatural retribution in a modern context.
Renowned horror director Mike Flanagan, known for his adaptations of Stephen King’s works, brings his unique vision to Carrie, adding another gripping installment to his repertoire of supernatural thrillers.
**Clarissa**
*Based on:* Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
A contemporary reimagining of Virginia Woolf’s iconic novel Mrs. Dalloway, Clarissa transports the narrative to Lagos, Nigeria, over a century later. The story follows Clarissa Dalloway and her husband Richard as they prepare for a social gathering, intertwining themes of past relationships, political turmoil, and existential reflections amidst the vibrant backdrop of Lagos.
Crafted by Nigerian filmmakers Arie Esiri and Chuko Esiri, Clarissa offers a fresh interpretation of Woolf’s timeless exploration of human connection and introspection.
**Edward Said: Between Worlds**
*Inspired by:* The writing of Edward Said
Edward Said: Between Worlds is a compelling documentary chronicling the life and impact of Palestinian American scholar Edward Said. Through a rich tapestry of archival footage, the film captures Said’s evolution as an activist, writer, and academic, tracing his seminal contributions to postcolonial studies and
