The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is in full swing with a diverse selection of films catering to avid readers. TIFF 2026 kicked off on Thursday, September 10 and will run until Sunday, September 20.

CBC Books has delved into the festival’s extensive lineup of 293 films and has curated a list of the most anticipated movies inspired by literature. These films are not only a treat for the eyes but also offer a tantalizing addition to both your reading and watching lists.

**YAGA**
Starring Hudson Williams and Carrie-Anne Moss, “YAGA” is set to make its world premiere at TIFF 2026. Inspired by Kat Sandler’s work, this film marks Sandler’s directorial debut. The storyline revolves around a detective and a private investigator’s quest to unravel the mysterious disappearance of a local party boy, Henry Park, in a remote coastal town. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they encounter a university professor specializing in urban myths, revealing a web of secrets waiting to be unveiled.

**A Long Winter**
Fred Hechinger stars in “A Long Winter,” a film adaptation of Colm Tóibín’s novella. This period drama unfolds in the icy Colorado mountains, following a young man named Mike grappling with his mother’s vanishing post-blizzard. As days turn into weeks without any trace of his mother, Mike navigates life alongside his distant father, coming of age amidst the stark winter landscape.

**Ba’s Book**
“Bah’s Book,” a documentary by Ashley Duong, draws inspiration from Anh Duong’s memoir “Dear Da-Lê.” The film documents Anh Duong’s experiences as a refugee, narrated through a series of heartfelt letters penned to his daughter. Ashley Duong, his daughter, pays homage to her father’s journey by recreating his childhood tales, shedding light on their family’s migration from Vietnam to Calgary.

**Being Heumann**
“Being Heumann,” based on Judith Heumann’s memoir, chronicles the life of disability activist Judy Heumann. Known as the pioneer of the Disability Rights Movement, Heumann’s memoir portrays her resilience from battling polio as a child to championing civil rights for people with disabilities. The film adaptation, directed by Siân Heder, delves into Heumann’s remarkable journey, culminating in the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

**Carrie**
In the latest adaptation of Stephen King’s classic horror novel, “Carrie,” director Mike Flanagan offers a fresh take on the telekinetic teenager’s chilling tale. Set for Gen Z audiences, the film follows Carrie White’s journey as she navigates abuse and seeks vengeance against her high school tormentors.

**Clarissa**
“Clarissa” reimagines Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” in contemporary Nigeria, exploring themes of social gatherings, political unrest, and personal introspection. Arie Esiri and Chuko Esiri transport Woolf’s narrative to Lagos, where Clarissa Dalloway and her husband navigate societal norms amidst a backdrop of cultural shifts and personal revelations.

**Edward Said: Between Worlds**
“Edward Said: Between Worlds” is a poignant documentary celebrating the life and legacy of Palestinian American scholar Edward Said. The film traces Said’s journey from his birth in Palestine to his influential academic career, showcasing his pivotal contributions to postcolonial studies.

**How We Stand**
Adapted from Marie Clements’ play “Tombs of the Vanishing Indian,” “How We Stand” delves into the intricate lives of three Indigenous sisters grappling with displacement and shared trauma. Against the backdrop of the Native American Relocation Program, the film explores themes of resilience, identity, and familial bonds.

**Tangles**
“Tangles,” an animated film based on Sarah Leavitt’s graphic memoir, offers a touching portrayal of a daughter’s journey as she navigates her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Set in 1990s San Francisco, the film showcases the complexities of caregiving, family dynamics, and the power of love amidst adversity.

**Phoolan**
“Phoolan” narrates the extraordinary life of India’s Bandit Queen, Phoolan Devi, from her tumultuous childhood to her rise as a Member of Parliament. Filmmaker Richie Mehta captures Devi’s daring exploits and resilience in a riveting biopic set against the backdrop of an intense 48-hour siege in India.

**Look Back**
“Hirokazu Kore-eda’s “Look Back” is the live-action adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga, offering a compelling tale of two aspiring young artists navigating the challenges of pursuing their dreams. The film, shot in 35mm, follows the protagonists through their evolving friendship and artistic pursuits.

**The Idiot(s)**
Based on Andrew D. Kaufman’s literary biography, “The Gambler Wife,” “The Idiot(s