Film Being Heumann Tells Story of Disability Rights Activist Judy Heumann

Siân Heder, an Oscar-winning director, has used her platform to bring attention to the story of Judy Heumann, a renowned disability rights activist. Heder's new film, Being Heumann, tells the story of Heumann's bravery and tenacity in changing the world. The film focuses on Heumann's battle to persuade the Carter administration to implement Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which was signed into law by Richard Nixon in 1973.

The film highlights Heumann's campaigning and advocacy, which put her body on the line in the fight for civil rights. In April 1977, Heumann led a group of disabled activists in occupying the US Department of Health, Education and Welfare offices in San Francisco. This collective action made change and forced the government to bend and listen, making a group of invisible people visible. Heder says that Heumann and her fellow activists are the reason the world looks different today.

Ruth Madeley, the lead actor in the film, plays Heumann and says she feels fortunate to have played her. Madeley says she missed Heumann when she finished filming and felt sad that she didn't get to be her anymore. She considers it a privilege to play an icon every day and share her humanity and truth. Madeley hopes to carry Heumann's spirit with her wherever she goes.

Heumann died in March 2023 at the age of 75, but her legacy lives on through the film. Heder had become friends with Heumann before her death and used her power to push the film through. Heder says she had a funny relationship with Heumann, always digging to get her to tell stories she hadn't told anyone. Heumann was an activist who was always on message, but Heder was interested in her humanity.

The film is an underdog tale that makes for great cinema when done right. Heder says she can't imagine a better time to tell a story of people putting themselves at risk and coming together in collective action that made change. She believes that it takes a certain kind of collective action to make change and that it feels very important to tell this story.

Madeley considers the role a life-changing experience and says it has made her even more determined to conquer the industry and Hollywood. She wants to take up the baton and continue Heumann's work. Madeley was nominated for a Bafta for her breakthrough role in BBC Three's Don't Take My Baby and has since appeared in several notable TV shows.

The film Being Heumann is a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of disability rights. Heder's direction and Madeley's performance bring Heumann's story to life, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of a true champion of civil rights. The film serves as a reminder of the impact one person can have on the world.

Key points

• The film Being Heumann tells the story of Judy Heumann, a renowned disability rights activist who changed the world through her bravery and tenacity.