‘Being Heumann’ Opens 2026 Toronto Film Festival, Bringing Judy Heumann’s Disability Rights Legacy to the Screen

Siân Heder’s Being Heumann took center stage Thursday as the opening film of the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival, shining a spotlight on disability rights activist Judy Heumann’s groundbreaking life and legacy. The world premiere kicks off TIFF’s run through September 20.

The Apple Studios drama stars Ruth Madeley as Heumann, the pioneering activist credited as the “mother of the disability rights movement.” Mark Ruffalo joins the cast as U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare Joseph Califano Jr., alongside Dylan O’Brien. Following her Oscar-winning work on CODA, Heder continues her commitment to authentic disability representation with a largely disabled ensemble cast.

Heder both directed and co-wrote Being Heumann, adapting Heumann’s memoir of the same name. It’s a natural follow-up for the filmmaker, who previously won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for CODA, which featured a largely deaf cast telling the story of a deaf family’s experiences.

This time, Heder tackles another pivotal moment in disability advocacy. The film centers on Heumann’s relentless fight for equal rights and her pivotal role in one of America’s most defining disability rights protests.

At the heart of the film lies the legendary 1977 occupation of a federal building in San Francisco. Heumann and fellow activists staged a 26-day sit-in demanding that the government enforce Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

The demonstration ultimately pressured the federal government to implement protections for people with disabilities. According to Heder, Heumann’s work made people with disabilities “visible” to society and pushed the nation toward real inclusion.

Madeley’s performance has garnered particular attention for capturing more than just Heumann’s public persona. The film reveals her wit, determination, passion and personal side alongside her historic activism.

British actor Ruth Madeley carries the film in the demanding lead role. The wheelchair-using performer has emerged as one of Britain’s most prominent disabled actors in film and television.

Ruffalo and O’Brien anchor the supporting cast, joined by several disabled performers. Daniel Durant, who reunites with Heder after CODA, also appears in the film. The casting reflects Heder’s unwavering commitment to meaningful representation the same approach that helped CODA become an awards phenomenon.

Following its Toronto bow, Being Heumann hits select theaters on November 6, 2026, before arriving on Apple TV on November 13.

By opening TIFF with a story rooted in disability rights, the 2026 festival kicks off with a socially conscious statement. As Toronto continues positioning itself as a launchpad for major awards contenders, Being Heumann could very well emerge as a significant player in the fall awards race particularly for Madeley’s lead turn and Heder’s direction.

Ultimately, the film brings the story of one of America’s most transformative disability rights leaders to audiences far and wide, while highlighting the activism that fundamentally changed how the country approaches accessibility and inclusion.