Being Heumann Official Teaser

Based on true events, Being Heumann follows disability-rights activist Judy Heumann and more than 100 protesters as they occupy a federal building in 1977. Directed by Siân Heder, the film opens in se

〈Being Heumann〉 is a 2026 film based on the true story of disability rights activist Judy Heumann. Ruth Madeley plays Judy Heumann, while Mark Ruffalo plays Joseph Califano, the official whom the protesters demand take action. The film begins in 1977, when Judy and her fellow activists head to a federal building after the government refuses to answer her calls. It opens in select U.S. theaters on November 6 and will be released worldwide on Apple TV on November 13.

Demands That Led to a Building Occupation

More than 100 disability rights protesters, including Judy and her allies, occupy a government office and refuse to leave. Their demand is for the system to actually guarantee civil rights, and the film follows how an impulsive action grows into a prolonged occupation involving scores of participants. Apple's description of the film says the occupation became the longest in the history of a U.S. federal building.

The People Who Give the Movement Its Collective Voice

Judy is at the center of the protest, but the story does not remain a tale of one hero. It also follows activists from different backgrounds as they determine their roles and direction inside the building and maintain their solidarity while awaiting the government's response. Dylan O'Brien plays reporter Evan White, and Madeline Delph plays activist Kitty Cone.

A New Feature from Sian Heder

Sian Heder, who directed 〈CODA〉, wrote, directed, and produced the film, with Rebecca Taussig serving as co-writer. Running 127 minutes, the film reconstructs a moment from the real disability rights movement as a drama about people trying to turn institutional inaction into organized action. It is also scheduled for release in Korea on Apple TV on November 13.