TIFF 2026: The Movies We Can’t Wait to See
Y’all, Black Hollywood is rolling out the red carpet at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and they did not come to play. From the highly anticipated action-drama “Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother,” starring Mahershala Ali, to the complex family saga “The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives,” we’ve rounded up the festival’s most intriguing films to add to your watchlist. If you’re attending the fest, check them out and be sure to report back!
“Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother”
The film immediately grabbed our attention with leading actor Mahershala Ali, who plays Latif—a devoutly religious Houston hitman struggling to maintain a work-life balance after the death of his wife.
His faith is put to the ultimate test when he must protect his nephew from a ruthless cult leader (John Cho) while keeping his own three children safe.
“Once Upon A Time In Harlem”
The beautifully captured documentary acts as a living archive of the Harlem Renaissance. Originally conceived and shot in 1972 by legendary filmmaker William Greaves, the documentary captures an intimate, four-hour cocktail party at Duke Ellington’s townhouse where fellow musicians, artists, and activists gathered to debate, reminisce, and reflect on the cultural legacy.
Fifty years after Greaves’ death, his son, David Greaves, completed and structured the film.
“The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives“
“The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives” is a Nigerian melodrama that is centered on Baba Segi (Odunlade Adekola), a rich patriarch with three wives and seven children whose carefully maintained family order is upended when he marries a fourth, younger wife, Bolanle (Omowunmi Dada).
After she fails to conceive, his other wives begin to plot against her, shedding light on the twisted tale of power, fertility, and the consequences of lies that can destroy families.
RELATED: ABFF 2026: Best Movies Debuting At The Festival’s ‘Homecoming’
“Misty Green”
Written and directed by Chris Rock, this film follows Misty Green (Rosalind Eleazar), a talented but self-sabotaging Emmy-winning actress fighting to revive her stalled Hollywood career and a seven-day eviction.
While she takes another chance at acting, her life spirals into chaos as she tries to protect her bipolar brother (Daniel Kaluuya) and faces a morally compromising offer from an old flame (Adam Driver). This film is on the top of our watchlist!
“Prima Facie”
The legal drama follows Tessa Ensler (Cynthia Erivo), a fierce London defense barrister who built a successful career by defending men accused of sexual assault.
However, her unwavering faith in the legal system is put to the test when she is sexually assaulted by a colleague, forcing her to battle the system as the accuser and experience firsthand the systemic injustice and biases placed on victims.
“Clarissa”
Based on Virginia Woolf’s classic 1925 novel “Mrs. Dalloway,” the film takes you to a modern-day, Nigeria-set story that follows Sophie Okonedo, a Lagos society wife preparing to host a major party while reflecting on her youth and the path that led her to marry a respectable man.
In one night, her world is overtaken by her first love Peter, portrayed by David Oyelowo, forcing the group to explore their shared history, privileges, and long-buried regrets.
“Babies”
“Babies” follows Annie (Anna Kendrick) and Aaron (Seth Rogen), a long-married Los Angeles couple facing pressure from family and friends to have kids. As Annie’s pregnant best friend and business partner, Becky (Issa Rae), prepares for motherhood, she pushes Annie to confront what she really wants.
Meanwhile, an easygoing dad (Zach Cherry) gives Aaron a firsthand look at the highs and lows of fatherhood. The comedy-drama offers a funny, relatable take on marriage, parenthood and the choices we make about family.
“The Julia Set”
Julia Fischer (Chase Infiniti) is a brilliant college freshman and math whiz who hides her talent to stay under the radar. But when she enters a toxic relationship with wealthy teaching assistant Pascal, she begins sabotaging her own academic potential to protect his ego in the world of collegiate math competitions.
Enter her best friend Erin, played by Chloe Bailey, who becomes her voice of reason as the relationship unravels. We truly love a girl’s girl movie!
“Darlene Love: I Know Where I’ve Been”
Produced by Taraji P. Henson, this documentary chronicles the life and the six-decade career of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame icon Darlene Love. From singing in a Los Angeles church choir to becoming one of Phil Spector’s most celebrated voices, Love’s story includes her uncredited lead vocals on the 1962 classic, “He’s a Rebel” by The Crystals, and her decades-long fight against racial discrimination.
Bruce Springsteen, Cher, David Letterman, and Dionne Warwick also join the film to celebrate her musical legacy.
“Zjili: A Story of Sisterhood and The Burdens of Excess”
“Zjili: A Story of Sisterhood and The Burdens of Excess” follows Zoya (Abdullah Rahana), an ambitious teenager who leaves her village alone to settle in Old Fadama, a settlement in Accra nestled between the world’s largest secondhand clothing market and e-water dumpsite.
There, she forms an unexpected sisterhood with a young mother dreaming of owning a hair salon, and a landlady haunted by painful memories. Together, the three women navigate the harsh realities of inner-city life while revealing the intergenerational bonds that connect them.
“Mr. Nelson, Did You Kill People?”
The films recounts the life of Vietnam veteran Allen Nelson (Rodney Hicks), who joins the Marines at 18 after growing up in poverty. His experience reshapes his belief in military heroism and leaves him extremely traumatized.
After losing his wife (Tatyana Ali), family and home decades later, Nelson is forced to confront the memories that he spent years suppressing. With help from a Veterans Affairs psychologist (Geoffrey Rush), Nelson begins facing his past—until a child’s devastating question stops him in his tracks: “Mr. Nelson, did you kill people?” Get your tissues ready.
“Love of Your Life”
“Love of Your Life” follows Maya, a nurse who lives a peaceful life with her husband, Charlie, until tragedy struck. Grieving and seeking a fresh start, she travels to Portugal as a digital nomad, where she unexpectedly meets Felix (Aaron Pierre), a charming British father mourning his own family tragedy.
As their connection helps Maya rediscover intimacy and begin healing, she must confront her past and decide whether it’s possible to find a second great love in one lifetime. Oh, we would love to cry on Aaron’s beautiful, broad shoulders anytime.
“The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd”
“The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd” follows a creative writing teacher trapped in an abusive marriage who takes a job at an Oklahoma maximum-security prison. There, she forms a dangerous bond with Wilson Shedd, a charismatic death row inmate who uses his writing to manipulate her into aiding his escape.
With the help of her friend Gladys (Wunmi Mosaku), the teacher becomes entangled in a deadly jailbreak that brings escapees face-to-face with an innocent Tulsa couple fighting to protect their family. This film will keep you at the edge of your seat!
