Siân Heder’s ‘Being Heumann’ Set as Closing Film of AFI FEST

Being Heumann, the biographical drama directed and co-written by Academy Award winner Siân Heder (CODA, AFI DWW+ Class of 2005) will close the 2026 AFI FEST.

The film is an adaptation of Judith Heumann’s memoir, “Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist.”

Starring in the film are Ruth Madeley and Mark Ruffalo, along with Dylan O’Brien, Madeline Delp, Rob Delaney, Ray Fisher, Michael Patrick Thornton, Antwan Tolliver, Daniel Durant, Jon Beavers, Roberta Colindrez, and Russell Harvard.

“It means a great deal to me to return to AFI, where I first found my voice as a filmmaker. The school and the festival are very meaningful to me, so this feels like a full circle moment,” said Siân Heder. “This film gave me the opportunity to tell the wild story of the 504 protest and its leader, Judy Heumann, a woman whose work changed the lives of millions and whose fight continues today. I hope audiences and fellow filmmakers get to fall in love with Judy as I did and perhaps even carry the mantle of her fight.”

Here is the synopsis: They wouldn’t take Judy Heumann’s phone calls, so she took their building. In 1977, a young disabled woman (Ruth Madeley) and a scrappy coalition of outsiders decide they’ve had enough. What begins as one impulsive act becomes the longest occupation of a federal building in American history, as hundreds spontaneously seize government offices and refuse to leave until the bureaucrat in their way (Mark Ruffalo) takes action. Bringing rebellion in all its forms to the hallowed halls, a movement’s accidental leaders struggle to find their path forward where none has ever been paved for them.

Being Heumann opens in theatres on November 6.

“At a time in history when audiences are in search of humanity – along comes Being Heumann,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President & CEO. “And that it is directed and co-written by a shining star from AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women is cause for even greater celebration!”

The 40th AFI FEST film festival will take place October 21–25 at the TCL Chinese Theatres in the heart of Hollywood and will open with the U.S. premiere of WILDWOOD.