Siân Heder’s Being Heumann follows activist Judy Heumann through a pivotal chapter in the disability rights movement, with Ruth Madeley playing Heumann in a performance praised for its energy and wit. Rather than trace her life from childhood to old age, the film focuses on the campaign to put Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act into effect.
The story begins in 1972, when Heumann and around 80 activists staged a sit-in on Madison Avenue to protest the veto of Section 504, legislation intended to protect the rights of people with disabilities, including access to education. Although the act was signed in 1973, it had not been implemented by 1978. The campaign still needed the approval of Health, Education, and Welfare Secretary Joseph Califano, played by Mark Ruffalo.
Heumann and her fellow activists organize protests at federal buildings across the country. Their efforts culminate in a sit-in at the San Francisco federal building, which the film presents as a turning point. Heder and co-writer Rebekah Taussig adapt Heumann’s autobiography, balancing the political and legal stakes with the practical challenges, disagreements and moments of levity among the protesters.
Madeley, who uses a wheelchair, is joined by a cast that includes several disabled performers. The ensemble features Madeline Delp as Kitty Cone, Andrew Pilkington as Hale Zukas, Antwan Tolliver as Brad Lomax, Daniel Durant as Steve McCleeland, Roberta Colindrez as Joni Breves and Charlie Rush-Reese as Dennis Billups.
The film portrays Heumann as determined, sharp and sometimes set in her ways, while showing how collective action can require people to challenge their own instincts. Its account of the campaign is both serious about the barriers facing the disabled community and attentive to the solidarity and joy shared by those fighting for change.
Being Heumann premiered at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival. Apple plans to release it in select theaters on November 6 and on Apple TV on November 13.
Sources: IndieWire.