Judy Heumann

So this is the third feature film from director-writer Sean Hader, who won Best Picture with 2021's CODA.

And it is about civil rights activist Judy Heumann and a 1976 sit-in protest that was really instrumental in getting crucial legislation passed to bring more equality to disabled Americans.

It's a natural next step for Hayter.

It has that sort of blend of her earnest, sincere storytelling, but paired with her ability to really take an unsentimental approach to things, which I think is really vital when she's working with a story and a cast of entirely disabled actors who are are so often relegated to kind of inspiration porn these days.

And disability justice is a set of 10 principles and a framework for understanding access, inclusion, and disability activism that is kind of evolved in response to the shortfalls of the disability rights movement.

You know, so grateful for the disability rights movement, like Judy Heumann, thank you for everything you did.

May you rest in power.

And the disability rights movement predominantly focused on disabled people who were white, disabled people who were wealthy, disabled people who were cis and straight and all of those things.

On Thursday, September 10th, the 51st Toronto International Film Festival officially opened, launching 11 days of premieres, tributes, and star-studded red carpets across the city.

This is Judy Heumann.

Judy Heumann.

This year's opening honor went to the world premiere of Being Heumann at Roy Thomson Hall, an inspiring true story from Oscar-winning CODA filmmaker, Siân Heder, starring Ruth Madley alongside Mark Ruffalo and Dylan O'Brien.

The film follows disability rights pioneer Judy Heumann and the historic 1977 sit-in that helped change accessibility laws in America.

For festival organizers, it's a moment that reflects where cinema is heading.

We really are seeing a very significant, uh, demographic shift, and younger audiences coming back to cinema really seeking cinema experiences also outside of just mainstream, uh, offerings.

Lights, camera, action.

Dylan O'Brien sharing takeaways from Taylor as he helped kick off the Toronto International Film Festival.

His new film, Being Human, streaming November 13th on Apple TV, celebrates another inspirational leader, disability rights activist Judy Heumann and her fight for equality.

This was something that was just filled with things that I will take away forever.

Also at TIFF, new dad Sebastian Stan, dishing on an upcoming Marvel reunion.

But an interesting example, look at the TIFF opening film.

This was Being Human, about a disability rights activist, Judy Heumann, and it shows how activists occupied government buildings in New York and San Francisco.

But it was filmed in Toronto.

Mm.

I look up to the changemakers that do exist and have existed.

I think everybody looks up to Judy Heumann.

Yes, we

do.

One week from tonight, filmmakers, stars and audiences will gather along King Street for the start of the 51st edition of the festival.

The opening night film is Being Human, a historical drama telling the story of U.S. accessibility advocate Judy Heumann.

That's just one of the nearly 300 titles on the official schedule, along with special events and talks with stars.

This year also marks the first year of TIFF The Market.