Oscar-winning director Sian Heder opened the 51st Toronto International Film Festival with “Being Heumann,” a drama about disability rights activist Judy Heumann. Heder emphasized the importance of “collective action” in a time when rights are under threat.
Heder addressed festivalgoers at Roy Thomson Hall, stating, “We are living in a time when a lot of groups of people are getting left behind. The rights that many people fought for in the 1970s are under threat, and it is easy to feel helpless.” She shared her personal experience with protesting, questioning the impact of individual efforts amidst numerous ongoing battles. Heder described “Being Heumann” as a film about people refusing to be invisible, detailing the story of Judy Heumann’s 1977 campaign that sparked the disability-rights revolution and ultimately led to the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Ruth Madeley, the star of “Being Heumann,” expressed gratitude for the opportunity to portray Heumann’s “ferocity and humor.” She told Heder, “Thank you for so much for trusting me with something so huge.” Heder showcased her cast of disability actors, who played disabled characters in the Apple Original Films movie, during a post-premiere Q&A.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow also attended the opening, responding to recent actions by the U.S. president. While not naming Donald Trump directly, Chow referenced his renaming of one of the Great Lakes to “Lake America” amid stalled trade negotiations, asserting, “I am pleased to say our magnificent waterfront will always be Lake Ontario.” The ongoing trade war between the U.S. and Canada is expected to be a significant factor during TIFF, as approximately two-thirds of Canadian film and TV exports go to the U.S.
The Toronto Film Festival will continue through September 20.
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