Siân Heder’s Being Heumann begins with something I have never had to think about before. Disability rights activist Judith Heumann, played by Ruth Madeley, is in her wheelchair, causing a traffic jam on a busy New York City street, fighting for curbs that would allow people like her to move about easily. It’s such a perfect set up for a film that is all about Heumann and her fight to make the entire world more accessible, not just for her but for everyone just like her.
Being Heumann, which I saw at its TIFF world premiere back in September, is Heder’s follow-up to CODA, the surprising Best Picture Oscar winner that introduced the entire country to the issues faced by the deaf community. The timing was absolutely spot on for that film to connect with people, and we could be seeing the same thing happening right now.
I had the chance to speak with Heder and Madeley about Being Heumann, which opens in theaters this week. The first thing I knew I wanted to ask Heder about was the challenge in recreating a world without the progress that Madeley made in fighting for the 1973 Rehabilitation Act to be put into effect. Heder also spoke about meeting Heumann, who was part of the acclaimed documentary Crip Camp, and being won over by the powerful and spirited activist.
Madeley stunned me when she first spoke and I realized she was British! She had such a firm grasp on Heumann’s larger-than-life personality, but also her strong accent. Madeley, who has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair herself, spoke about the challenge of playing Heumann, whose lifelong work she has personally seen the benefits of.
Being Heumann opens in select theaters on November 6th, before streaming to Apple TV on November 13th. Check out the interview below, and my review here!
