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The Toronto International Film Festival opened with Siân Heder’s “Being Heumann,” an Apple Original Films production that marks the director’s follow-up to her Oscar-winning debut “CODA.” The film chronicles activist Judy Heumann’s efforts to fight for disability rights through a pivotal 28-day occupation of a federal building in San Francisco, one of the longest such protests in U.S. history. The movie aims to capture the tension and urgency of the civil rights movement while showcasing Heumann’s fierce determination to secure protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Heder’s ambitious period drama represents a significant step forward in her career, backed by substantial studio resources that allowed for expansive recreations of historical events and a sprawling cast. The director prioritized casting actors with disabilities throughout the production, a decision that created meaningful opportunities for performers often marginalized by the industry. Lead actress Madeley delivers a dynamic portrayal of Heumann as complex and multidimensional, rejecting the passive, saintly stereotypes typically assigned to disabled characters in biographical films.
The ensemble cast includes Michael Patrick Thornton, Russell Harvard, Daniel Durant, and numerous disabled performers making their acting debuts. Supporting roles feature Oscar nominee Mark Ruffalo as a government official and Dylan O’Brien as an embedded journalist. The film’s premiere generated considerable enthusiasm from the festival audience, positioning “Being Heumann” as Apple’s next potential awards contender following the company’s historic best picture victory with “CODA.”
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Originally reported by Variety →
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