… 21 titles from 20 countries, 18 World Premieres, and more than two-thirds directed by women
Babajide Fadoju
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), presented by Rogers, has announced its 2026 TIFF Docs lineup, featuring 21 titles from 20 countries and 18 World Premieres. The programme, which celebrates the art of non-fiction storytelling and its unique power to illuminate untold stories, challenge perspectives, and spark conversation, includes new work by celebrated directors such as Mila Aung-Thwin, Barry Avrich, Maiken Baird, Lacey Schwartz Delgado, Sophie Fiennes, Alex Gibney, Barbara Kopple, and Sine Plambech, alongside several emerging directors with breakthrough works.
The programme will open with Rapinoe, a deeply personal profile of US soccer star Megan Rapinoe, directed by Rebeca Huntt. High-profile World Premieres coming to TIFF as sales titles include; Alex Gibney’s “Musk,” an examination of the controversial businessman that runs almost four hours and will be presented with a 10-minute intermission.
Edward Said: Between Worlds, tracing the life of the renowned Palestinian-American writer; Re/Pair, exploring the connections and tensions between American Black and Jewish communities; Bleeding Hearts, portraying the love story of Zella Day and Jesse Woods from the alt-country band Chaparelle; Low Lies the Land, following three winemaking families in Northern Italy; Cheyenne, capturing the world of cowgirls in a bucking horse competition; Rescue, depicting an extraordinary tale of a migrant trying to find his kidnapped wife and children; Black Sunflowers, covering the lives of young Ukrainians against the backdrop of war; The Ultra Runner, examining extreme ultramarathon runner Tiberiu Useriu; and Darlene Love: I Know Where I’ve Been, profiling the acclaimed soul singer.
More than two-thirds of the programme’s films are directed by women, connecting the legacy of visionaries like Barbara Kopple, whose influential Harlan County, U.S.A. screened at the first TIFF in 1976, with a new generation of rising voices. Kopple returns to the Festival this year with Union Town, following three labour battles in New York City. Other notable titles include Musk from Alex Gibney, The Pervert’s Guide to Utopias from Sophie Fiennes, and The Final Act from Sophie Deraspe.
The 2026 TIFF Docs lineup also features Ba’s Book from Ashley Duong, Gail from Michael Maxxis, Like Magic from Melissa Saavedra Gil, Still Night, Burning House from Carol Nguyen, Tehran, Under the Skin from Afsaneh Salari, The Hummingbird Paints Fragrant Songs from Elia Gasull Balada and Matteo Norzi, Turtle Island Rap from Alexandra Lazarowich, and other compelling titles from around the world.
The 51st edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, runs from September 10 to 20, 2026.