**‘Being Heumann’: An Inspiring Biopic of a Disability Rights Pioneer Set to Release in Theatres and on Apple TV**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Being-Heumann-Ruth-Madeley-090126-a5b8729a352345899697913de130b18e.jpg)
The highly anticipated biopic ‘Being Heumann’ is set to hit select cinemas in the UK on 6 November before being available for streaming on Apple TV starting 13 November. The film, directed by the award-winning Siân Heder, best known for her Oscar-winning work on ‘CODA’, chronicles the remarkable life of Judith Heumann, a pivotal figure in the disability rights movement.
The film is adapted from Heumann’s 2020 memoir, also entitled ‘Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist’. The biopic sheds light on her extraordinary journey, highlighting her contributions to advancing disability rights in America and beyond. One of the film’s stars, English actress Ruth Madeley, portrays Heumann and aims to honour her legacy as an activist who broke down barriers for people with disabilities.
In addition to Madeley, the cast features a notable ensemble, including Mark Ruffalo, who plays Joseph A. Califano Jr., the former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Dylan O’Brien. The supporting cast comprises Will Brill, Madeline Delp, Michael Patrick Thornton, Antwan Toliver, Ray Fisher, Rob Delaney, and Rein Barcel.
‘Being Heumann’ narrates the challenges faced by Heumann, who contracted polio at just 18 months old in Brooklyn. She went on to become the first wheelchair user to work as a teacher in New York City, embodying the resilience that defined her life’s work. The film’s pivotal focus is on a remarkable event in 1977, during which Heumann, alongside a coalition of disabled activists, staged a 26-day sit-in protest in San Francisco. Their goal was to demand the government take action on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a critical piece of legislation prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in federally funded programmes.
The official synopsis poignantly describes the protest, stating, “They wouldn’t take Judy Heumann’s phone calls, so she took their building.” The film captures the moment when a diverse group of activists, determined to make their voices heard, occupied a federal building for the longest duration in American history. It serves as a testament to their tenacity and determination to effect change when all other avenues had failed them.
The synopsis continues by detailing the internal struggles faced by these activists during the protest. As they navigate the complexities of their movement, they emerge as unexpected leaders in a fight for rights that had been historically overlooked. The film is described as “revolutionary, irreverent and deeply human,” portraying the courageous efforts of individuals who defied the odds in pursuit of justice and equality.
Judith Heumann, whose extraordinary life continued to inspire many, sadly passed away on 4 March 2023 at the age of 75. Beyond her initial activism, she held significant roles within the U.S. government, including serving as Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services during the Bill Clinton administration. Additionally, President Barack Obama appointed her as the first Special Advisor for International Disability Rights at the U.S. State Department, a position she held until 2017.
‘Being Heumann’ represents not only a cinematic tribute to Heumann’s legacy but also an important exploration of the broader disability rights movement. The film seeks to educate and inspire viewers by shining a light on the ongoing struggles faced by disabled individuals and the advocacy efforts that continue to shape policies around the world.
As audiences prepare for the film’s release, it is clear that ‘Being Heumann’ will be more than just a biopic; it is a powerful narrative that encourages reflection and sparks conversations about inclusion and accessibility.
For those keen to experience this tribute to a pivotal figure in modern history, ‘Being Heumann’ will be available in select theatres starting 6 November, before streaming on Apple TV from 13 November.