Being Heumann: On the red carpet with the cast and creatives at London Film Festival 2026

Mae Trumata 16 October 2026

Being Heumann: On the red carpet with the cast and creatives at London Film Festival 2026

Ease of access to the world around them is something a lot of people take for granted, such as ramps and buggy spaces for babies. What most forget is that behind all of these, there were battles fought by disabled people to make the world a better and more accessible place for everyone. Being Heumann takes a look at the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement”, Judith Heumann, an iconic legend who fought for policies and legislation for disabled people. The Apple TV+ release boasts a diverse and talented cast, led by Ruth Madeley as Heumann herself. The rest comprises Mark Ruffalo, Dylan O’Brien, Rob Delaney and Ray Fisher, amongst other big names, all taking on roles of real people involved in the events of the 1977 protest. Co-written and directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Siân Heder, Being Heumann is adapted from Heumann’s memoir, Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist, and tells a promising tale of human resilience and taking care of others.

The Upcoming caught up with the cast and creatives behind the feature as they walked down the red carpet for its London Film Festival premiere. Producer Kevin J Walsh led the group as he discussed his initial interest in the project – mainly in the prospect of working with Heder – and the exploration of access and Heumann’s work in expanding accessibility for others like her. He also spoke about casting Madeley in the lead role and what she brought to the table in terms of capturing Heumann’s tenacious essence. Walsh sang praises of Heder’s work in accentuating the nuance of the story through individual arcs of the wider cast.

David Permut, also a producer, gave a brief rundown of the story and the messages he hopes people watching could take away from it. He also went in depth on the concept of expectations in film and the importance of Being Heumann as a new experience for viewers despite it being a biopic. He underlined the picture’s multiplicity: its penchant for humour amid discussions of serious topics, while also highlighting Heumann and her group of activists’ contribution to accessibility for everyone.

Director of Cinematography Jamie D Ramsay spoke at length about the lesson of understanding and responsibility that can be taken away from the piece, especially in an era of political polarisation. He dived deep into his creative process of realising the film’s visual language, focusing on words and the metaphor hidden within. For Being Heumann, he wanted to emphasise the perspective of wheelchair users and the problems that they faced. Ramsay expressed the brilliance of working on this feature, the lessons he personally learned and the overall experience collaborating with Heder on the project.

The lead star, Madeley, touched on the actual historical events recounted in Being Heumann, and how Heumann’s efforts changed the world for the better. But she also remarked that despite the serious subject matter, the film maintains an adventurous aspect that will draw the audience in. Madeley also recounted her knowledge of Heumann before her involvement in the project and the research process of getting to know Heumann at a deeper level to do her story justice. She called it a privilege to be involved in such a remarkable picture.

Delaney, who plays Congressman George Miller, also stopped by the red carpet to provide context to the story of Being Heumann – from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act being a precursor to the Americans with Disabilities Act, to the guerrilla tactics the activists used during the movement. He emphasised the importance of studying and learning from history to avoid remaking past mistakes. He also commented on his research into Heumann and his character – from reading books to drawing inspiration from other disabled friends and family members. Delaney discussed the importance of telling more diverse stories from different kinds of people, including disabled people, in enriching art.

Finally, Heder closed the premiere in a black shimmering number and described the initial process of coming across Heumann’s story: what about her caught Heder’s attention and desire to the point of wanting to make a biopic on her. She recalled reading Heumann’s memoir and sending her a cold email, and called the whole ordeal “meant to be”. She emphasised the importance of knowing and working with Heumann for two years before her passing, allowing Heder the confidence and knowledge to carry on telling Heumann’s story. She spoke extensively on the casting process for Being Heumann – not just looking for disabled actors, but actors who matched and could authentically bring to life the very real humans depicted on-screen. Heder spoke of the significance of the London Film Festival platforming Being Heumann; more than just an American story, it carries the universal message of taking care of people, especially those who have been marginalised by society.