The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has kicked off, offering numerous film options for fans of literature. The event spans from Thursday, Sept. 10 to Sunday, Sept. 20, showcasing a diverse lineup of 293 titles.

CBC Books has reviewed the festival’s offerings and identified several highly anticipated films inspired by literary works that should be on your radar for both reading and viewing.

**YAGA**
Starring Hudson Williams and Carrie-Anne Moss, “YAGA” is set to make its debut at TIFF 2026. Based on Kat Sandler’s work, this Crave Original series marks Sandler’s directorial debut. The narrative unfolds in a remote coastal town, where detectives investigate the disappearance of a local party boy, leading them to a university professor with enigmatic secrets.

**A Long Winter**
Fred Hechinger stars in the film adaptation of Colm Tóibín’s novella, “A Long Winter,” set in the cold Colorado mountains. The story follows Mike as he grapples with his mother’s disappearance during a blizzard, navigating life with his distant father.

**Ba’s Book**
Inspired by Anh Duong’s memoir, “Dear Da-Lê,” “Ba’s Book” is a documentary by Ashley Duong, recounting her father’s experiences as a Vietnamese refugee in Canada. The film retraces her family’s journey from Vietnam to Calgary.

**Being Heumann**
“Being Heumann” delves into the life of disability rights activist Judy Heumann, known as the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement.” Directed by Siân Heder, the film showcases Heumann’s advocacy efforts that led to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

**Carrie**
In the latest adaptation of Stephen King’s “Carrie,” the classic tale of a telekinetic teen seeking revenge gets a modern twist for Gen Z audiences. The film, directed by Mike Flanagan, explores themes of abuse and retribution in high school.

**Clarissa**
“Nigerian filmmakers Arie Esiri and Chuko Esiri reimagine Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” in the Lagos setting of “Clarissa,” offering a fresh perspective on societal issues and relationships in a high-society backdrop.

**Edward Said: Between Worlds**
A documentary honoring Palestinian American scholar Edward Said’s legacy, “Edward Said: Between Worlds,” chronicles Said’s life and contributions to postcolonial studies. The film is a collaboration between Danish American director Maiken Baird and Palestinian American producers.

**How We Stand**
Adapted from Marie Clements’ play, “Tombs of the Vanishing Indian,” “How We Stand” follows the lives of three sisters separated by the Native American Relocation Program, finding unity through shared experiences and humor.

**Tangles**
An animated adaptation of Sarah Leavitt’s graphic memoir, “Tangles,” portrays the challenges of caring for a mother with Alzheimer’s disease. Director Leah Nelson, based in Vancouver, captures the emotional journey with a blend of comedy and compassion.

**Phoolan**
Richie Mehta directs “Phoolan,” inspired by Phoolan Devi’s autobiography, chronicling her rise from a child bride to an influential outlaw in India. The film captures Devi’s daring exploits and resilience amidst adversity.

**Look Back**
Hirokazu Kore-eda’s adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga, “Look Back,” explores the aspirations and challenges faced by two young women aspiring to become manga artists. The film follows their artistic journey over multiple seasons.

**The Idiot(s)**
Based on Andrew D. Kaufman’s literary biography, “The Gambler Wife,” “The Idiot(s)” sheds light on Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s struggles with epilepsy and gambling addiction, as seen through the eyes of his wife, Anna.

**The Smell of Apples**
Set in apartheid-era South Africa, “The Smell of Apples” follows a young white boy’s awakening to the injustices faced by Black South Africans. Director John Trengrove captures the boy’s coming-of-age journey against the backdrop of societal unrest.

**The Unknown**
Arthur Harari’s film, “The Unknown,” adapted from the graphic novel “The Case of David Zimmerman,” delves into themes of identity and transformation through a story of body swapping and personal discovery.

**Julián**
An animated film from Cartoon Saloon, “Julián” tells the heartwarming story of a young Caribbean boy exploring his identity and self-expression through the colorful world of the Mermaid Parade.

These literary-inspired films at TIFF 2026 promise a diverse array of compelling narratives and visual storytelling experiences for audiences to enjoy.