Producer Kevin Walsh proudly declared that the team behind 'Being Heumann' made history, not just with the powerful story on screen, but with the accessible environment fostered behind the scenes. "We are as proud of that as we are of the movie," Walsh stated, highlighting the deliberate choices made to ensure inclusivity for the cast and crew.
The film chronicles the remarkable true story of disability rights advocate Judy Heumann, portrayed by 'Doctor Who' alum Ruth Madeley. Set in 1977, the narrative centers on Heumann's leadership of a 28-day sit-in at the San Francisco Federal Building, an unprecedented occupation by over 100 disabled individuals demanding the enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which mandated accessibility in all federal spaces.
Achieving this level of authenticity and inclusivity on set required meticulous planning and significant resources. Walsh explained the extensive measures taken: "We had 10 disabled leads. It took a lot of detail to make it accessible. Making ramps that were accessible with trailers, retrofitting hair and makeup trailers for disabled actors to be able to use." He credited Apple for providing the necessary support to realize this vision, adding, "We really approached this film with the same kind of relentlessness that Judy approached her life."
Director Siân Heder, known for her Oscar-winning work on 'CODA,' revealed the inspiration behind tackling Heumann's story. A friend working on the documentary 'Crip Camp,' which featured Heumann, first alerted Heder to the activist's incredible life. Heder's experience on 'CODA' had already opened her eyes to the lack of representation for the deaf community, a sentiment that resonated deeply with her for the disability community. "There are so many of these incredible stories within the disability community, and they are just never represented," Heder lamented. After watching 'Crip Camp' and reading Heumann's memoir, Heder was drawn to Judy's vibrant personality, describing her as "so self-possessed and so hilariously in command of everybody."
'Being Heumann' premiered last month at TIFF and is currently screening as a headline gala at the London Film Festival. Film enthusiasts can look forward to its theatrical release on November 6, followed by its debut on Apple TV+ on November 13.