Currently in select theaters and hitting Apple TV on November 13 is Being Heumann, the latest feature made by acclaimed Oscar-winning filmmaker Sian Heder – best known for her Best Picture winning film CODA. The film is a drama about fighting for disabled rights. The title is a reference to the actual woman named Judy Heumann, a disability rights activist who lead a campaign back in the 70s.
The film stars Ruth Madeley as Judy Heumann, along with Mark Ruffalo, Madeline Delp, Dylan O'Brien, Will Brill, Michael Patrick Thornton, Antwan Tolliver, Rein Barcel, with Charlie Rush-Reese, and many others.
Adapted from the memoir of the same name, the film was written by Judith Heumann & Kristen Joiner. Produced by David Permut, Siân Heder, Kevin Walsh, John W Beach, and Kevin Cleary.
They wouldn't take Judy Heumann’s phone calls, so she took their building. Back in 1977, a young disabled woman (Ruth Madeley) and a scrappy coalition of outsiders decide they've had enough. What begins as one impulsive act becomes the longest occupation of a federal building in American history, as hundreds spontaneously seize government offices & refuse to leave until the bureaucrat in their way (Mark Ruffalo) takes action. Bringing rebellion in all its forms to the hallowed halls, a movement’s accidental leaders struggle to find their path forward where none has ever been paved for them. Directed by Academy Award winner Sian Heder and based on true events, Being Heumann is the revolutionary, irreverent and deeply human story of the least likely people trying to pull off the impossible and change the lives of millions.
Blackfilmandtv.com's Wilson Morales talks to Being Heumann director Sian Heder and actress Ruth Madeley.