“YAGA” and More: TIFF 2026 Films Inspired by Literature

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is currently in progress, offering a plethora of movies catered to book enthusiasts. TIFF 2026 kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 10 and will run until Sunday, Sept. 20.

CBC Books has meticulously reviewed the festival’s lineup of 293 titles and has curated a selection of highly anticipated films inspired by literature to include on both your reading and watching lists.

**YAGA**

Starring Hudson Williams and Carrie-Anne Moss, “YAGA” is set to make its world debut at TIFF 2026. Based on Kat Sandler’s work, the film revolves around Carson, a local detective, teaming up with a private investigator to unravel the disappearance of Henry Park, the town’s party enthusiast. Their investigation leads them to a university professor specializing in urban myths, uncovering a web of secrets and mysteries.

An adaptation of Sandler’s 2018 play, “YAGA” reimagines the mystical character from Slavic folklore into a contemporary whodunnit story. The Canadian-heavy cast includes Hudson Williams from “Heated Rivalry” and Carrie-Anne Moss of “The Matrix” franchise.

**A Long Winter**

In “A Long Winter,” Fred Hechinger stars in the film adaptation of Colm Tóibín’s novella. The narrative unfolds in the icy mountains of Colorado, portraying a young man named Mike grappling with his mother’s disappearance following a blizzard. Derived from Tóibín’s short novel, the story delves into Mike’s coming-of-age journey as he copes with his mother’s absence 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 “Dear Da-Lê,” “Ba’s Book” is a documentary by Ashley Duong chronicling her father’s experiences as a refugee during the Vietnam War and the Iranian Revolution. The film portrays Duong’s migration from Vietnam to Calgary through a father’s narrative addressed to his daughter.

**Being Heumann**

“Being Heumann,” based on Judith Heumann’s memoir, delves into the life of disability rights activist Judy Heumann, known as the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement.” The film captures her journey from childhood paralysis due to polio to advocating for civil rights legislation, culminating in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Directed by Siân Heder, the film sheds light on Heumann’s impactful activism.

**Carrie**

In the adaptation of Stephen King’s “Carrie,” the classic tale of the telekinetic teenager is reimagined for Gen Z audiences. The story follows Carrie White’s vengeful path against her high school tormentors, exploring themes of abuse and revenge in a modern context.

**Clarissa**

“Clarissa” reimagines Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” in contemporary Nigeria, where the titular character navigates social gatherings against a backdrop of political unrest, existentialism, and trauma.

**Edward Said: Between Worlds**

“Edward Said: Between Worlds” is a documentary encapsulating the life of Palestinian American scholar Edward Said, known for his influential works in postcolonial studies. The film weaves archival footage with Said’s life events, highlighting his activism and scholarship.

**How We Stand**

Adapted from Marie Clements’ play “Tombs of the Vanishing Indian,” “How We Stand” explores the lives of three sisters separated under the Native American Relocation Program, finding solace in shared trauma and connection.

**Tangles**

Based on Sarah Leavitt’s graphic memoir, “Tangles” narrates a daughter’s journey as she cares for her mother with Alzheimer’s disease, exploring themes of family, caregiving, and resilience.

**Phoolan**

“Phoolan” adapts Phoolan Devi’s autobiography, portraying her rise from a marginalized background to becoming a powerful Member of Parliament in India, capturing a riveting siege orchestrated by Devi and her bandits.

**Look Back**

Hirokazu Kore-eda directs the live-action adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga “Look Back,” following two aspiring manga artists through their growth and artistic journey.

**The Idiot(s)**

Based on Andrew D. Kaufman’s “The Gambler Wife,” “The Idiot(s)” delves into Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s struggles with epilepsy and gambling from the perspective of his wife, Anna, shedding light on her pivotal role in his literary journey.

**The Smell of Apples**

Set in apartheid South Africa, “The Smell of Apples” traces the awakening of a young white boy