Being Heumann to open 51st Toronto film festival, directed by Sian Heder
Sian Heder, the Academy Award-winning filmmaker behind CODA, will open this year's Toronto International Film Festival with Being Heumann, an adaptation of disability rights activist Judy Heumann's memoir. The film, distributed by Apple Studios, stars Ruth Madeley as Heumann and recounts the 1977 occupation of San Francisco's Federal Building, where disabled protesters conducted a 28-day sit-in to compel government enforcement of accessibility protections under the Rehabilitation Act.
The festival's programming reflects a broader shift in major studio strategy, with Hollywood distributors returning to Toronto in force after limited presence at this year's Cannes. The 51st edition also features world premieres including Cynthia Erivo in the legal drama Prima Facie and Korean director Hur Jin-ho's historical thriller The Assassin(s), reinforcing Toronto's continuing role as a prominent launch platform for mainstream cinema.
- Oscar-winning director Sian Heder's Being Heumann, adapted from disability activist Judy Heumann's memoir, will open Toronto Film Festival's 51st edition
- The film chronicles a landmark 1977 sit-in where disabled protesters secured federal accessibility requirements, starring Ruth Madeley and Mark Ruffalo
- Major studios are returning to Toronto with high-profile releases after reduced presence at Cannes
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Originally published by The Hollywood Reporter as “‘CODA’ Director Sian Heder’s ‘Being Heumann’ to Open Toronto Film Festival”.