Story perspectives

TIFF 2026 Docs: 21 Films, Rapinoe Opens, Women Lead

8/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Toronto International Film Festival announced its 2026 documentary program, featuring 21 titles.
The lineup opens with Rebeca Huntt’s “Rapinoe,” profiling U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe, and includes Alex Gibney’s four-hour “Musk,” presented with a 10-minute intermission.
Barbara Kopple’s “Union Town,” the third film in her labor-organizing trilogy, will premiere after its Venice debut.
The program includes 18 World Premieres, with more than two-thirds of the documentaries directed by women.

History

Historical Context

In 1995, during TIFF’s 20th edition, the festival expanded its programming to include a dedicated documentary section, signaling a new focus on nonfiction film. Over the next three decades, that emphasis grew, and the 2026 51st TIFF, curated by Rebeca Huntt and featuring Barbara Kopple’s “Union Town,” continues to spotlight women directors and labor-themed documentaries.

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Story summary

The Toronto International Film Festival announced its 2026 documentary program, featuring 21 titles.
The lineup opens with Rebeca Huntt’s “Rapinoe,” profiling U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe, and includes Alex Gibney’s four-hour “Musk,” presented with a 10-minute intermission.
Barbara Kopple’s “Union Town,” the third film in her labor-organizing trilogy, will premiere after its Venice debut.
The program includes 18 World Premieres, with more than two-thirds of the documentaries directed by women.

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