CODA’ didn’t change Hollywood for the disabled. Siân Heder hopes ‘Being Heumann’ can

PUBLISHED Sep 11, 2026, 3:21 PM ET

Director Sian Heder premiered her biographical film Being Heumann at the Toronto International Film Festival, spotlighting disability rights pioneer Judy Heumann and advocating for authentic disability representation in cinema. Heder, known for directing the Academy Award-winning film CODA, argued that Hollywood's brief embrace of the disabled community following that film's historic success quickly faded. Set for theatrical release by Apple on November 6 and streaming on November 13, Being Heumann features a cast of disabled actors to challenge industry norms. Heder emphasized that the visible presence of disabled talent on red carpets forces essential structural adjustments. The project pays tribute to the protest movement that established the Americans With Disabilities Act. Heumann passed away in 2023. The film serves as both a historical chronicle and an ongoing demand for equity, addressing systemic barriers that persist in professional filmmaking environments across the entertainment landscape today.

By Ayesha A. | JQJO News

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 25
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 6
Neutral:: 19

Explain Framing

Left: Left-leaning coverage emphasizes systemic industry failures and calls for rigorous structural reform. Center: Neutral coverage focuses on festival logistics, box office potential, and production facts. Right: Right-leaning coverage evaluates the film's artistic merits while questioning didactic political messaging.