The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is currently in progress, offering a wide array of movies inspired by literature for enthusiasts. TIFF 2026 commences on Thursday, September 10, and runs until Sunday, September 20.
CBC Books has meticulously reviewed the festival’s lineup of 293 titles, spotlighting some of the most eagerly anticipated films inspired by literary works that are worth adding to your reading and viewing list.
**YAGA**
Starring Hudson Williams and Carrie-Anne Moss, “YAGA” will debut at TIFF 2026. Based on Kat Sandler’s work, the film, directed by Toronto playwright Kat Sandler, unveils a mystery in a remote coastal town where a local detective and a private investigator delve into the disappearance of a resident party boy, encountering unexpected secrets along the way.
An adaptation of Sandler’s 2018 play, “YAGA” transforms the witchy character from Slavic folklore into a contemporary mystical whodunnit. The Canadian star-studded cast includes Hudson Williams from “Heated Rivalry” and Carrie-Anne Moss from “The Matrix” series.
**A Long Winter**
Fred Hechinger stars in the movie adaptation of Colm Tóibín’s novella, “A Long Winter.” Set in the icy Colorado mountains, the film narrates the story of a young man, Mike, grappling with his mother’s disappearance during a blizzard, leading him to a journey of self-discovery alongside his distant father.
Directed by English filmmaker Andrew Haigh, known for “All of Us Strangers,” the film features Fred Hechinger from “The White Lotus” and D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, a Toronto-born actor recognized for his role in the FX series “Reservation Dogs.”
**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 Vietnamese refugee through a series of narrative letters. The film delves into the family’s migration from Vietnam to Calgary, encapsulating their journey and struggles.
Ashley Duong pays homage to her father’s story through “Ba’s Book,” reimagining his childhood tales and the challenges faced by the Vietnamese diaspora in Canada.
**Being Heumann**
Based on Judith Heumann’s memoir “Being Heumann,” the film chronicles Judy Heumann’s activism as a disability rights advocate, emphasizing her journey from childhood paralysis due to polio to her pivotal role in shaping the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The movie, directed by Siân Heder, sheds light on Heumann’s inspiring life and achievements.
Judy Heumann’s remarkable advocacy for disability rights is portrayed in the film “Being Heumann,” showcasing her unwavering commitment to securing civil rights for individuals with disabilities.
**Carrie**
In the latest adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic novel “Carrie,” the tale of the telekinetic teenager is reimagined for Gen Z audiences. The narrative delves into Carrie White’s tumultuous journey as she grapples with her supernatural abilities and seeks vengeance against her tormentors. Director Mike Flanagan breathes new life into this classic horror story, catering to contemporary audiences.
Mike Flanagan, acclaimed for his adaptations of Stephen King’s works, brings a fresh perspective to “Carrie,” offering a modern twist on the beloved horror classic for a new generation of viewers.
