The 51st edition of the Toronto International Film Festival is set to kick off on September 10, with a powerful story of disability rights activism at its forefront.
The festival will open with Sian Heder's big screen adaptation of Judy Heumann's bestselling memoir, "Being Heumann," a film set to be distributed by Apple Original Films. The movie tells the story of Heumann, a quadriplegic since childhood, who led over a hundred disabled people in a nearly month-long sit-in at the San Francisco Federal Building in 1977 to push officials to enforce the Rehabilitation Act.
The Rehabilitation Act, passed to outlaw discrimination against disabled people in federally funded buildings, was a major provision that paved the way for accessibility in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and government institutions. Heumann's mission and legacy have made her an internationally known figure as the "Mother of the Disability Rights Movement."
Ruth Madeley, a BAFTA nominee, stars as Judy Heumann in the film, with Mark Ruffalo portraying attorney Joseph Califano. Madeley expressed her excitement to play the role, stating, "What an unbelievable honour to play The Mother of Disability Rights, an icon and powerhouse to the disabled community."
Heumann's story is also a testament to the impact of film on society, as Heder's previous collaboration with Apple, "CODA," won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Heder's work has been widely acclaimed, and her follow-up to "CODA" is expected to make waves at the festival.
The Toronto International Film Festival has a reputation for showcasing films that resonate with audiences, and this year's selection is no exception. In addition to "Being Heumann," the festival will host the world premieres of "Prima Facie," starring Cynthia Erivo, and "The Assassin(s)," a political thriller set during the 1974 attempted assassination of Korean president Park Chung-hee.
With its rich history of launching films that go on to win Academy Awards, the Toronto International Film Festival continues to attract film enthusiasts from around the world. The 51st edition of the festival runs from September 10 to 20.
