Apple TV has released the first teaser for Being Heumann, the new film from Siân Heder starring Ruth Madeley as disability rights activist Judith Heumann.
The film has already opened the Toronto International Film Festival and is now heading to the 70th BFI London Film Festival, where it is part of the festival’s Gala programme.
Being Heumann will then open in select cinemas on November 6 before streaming globally on Apple TV from November 13, 2026.
‘Being Heumann’ Heads To The BFI London Film Festival
The BFI has selected Being Heumann as one of the Galas screening at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall as part of the 2026 London Film Festival.
The film screens on October 12 at 17:45, followed by further screenings on October 13 at 14:15 and October 16 at 14:50.
All three listed screenings offer audio description and descriptive subtitles. The film has a runtime of 127 minutes.
The BFI describes Madeley as outstanding in the central role and highlights the film’s recreation of the fight for anti-discrimination laws for disabled people in the United States.
What Is ‘Being Heumann’ About?
Being Heumann chronicles one of the defining moments in the disability rights movement.
In 1977, Judith Heumann and a coalition of disabled activists occupied a federal building in San Francisco after repeated efforts to secure enforcement of anti-discrimination protections failed.
What begins as a direct protest becomes a 28-day occupation, with the group refusing to leave until government officials take action.
The film focuses on the activists themselves, their strategy, humour and determination, and the collective action that helped reshape disability rights in the United States.
Who Stars In ‘Being Heumann’?
Madeley leads the film as Judith Heumann, with Mark Ruffalo playing a government official confronted by the activists during the occupation.
Dylan O’Brien, Madeline Delp and Rob Delaney also feature in the ensemble.
Heder directs and co-writes the screenplay with Rebekah Taussig. The film marks Heder’s second collaboration with Apple Original Films following CODA.
When Is ‘Being Heumann’ Released?
Being Heumann will open in select cinemas on November 6, 2026.
The film then premieres globally on Apple TV on Friday, November 13.
Before that release, UK audiences can see the film at the BFI London Film Festival in October.
Being Heumann screens at the BFI London Film Festival in October before arriving on Apple TV on November 13, 2026.
