Apple has acquired the rights to “Being Heumann,” a memoir about the life of disability rights activist Judith Heumann. And the studio commissioned “CODA” director Siân Heder to write and direct the film.
Ali Stroker will play the role of Heumann in the film, who worked in the Clinton and Obama State Department who brought disability rights mainstream, and she was also featured in the documentary Crip Camp. Stroker is the first Broadway actress to use a wheelchair for mobility and to be nominated for a Tony Award.
Siân Heder will also produce “Being Heumann” with David Permut (“Hackaw Ridge”, “Face / Off”) and Heumann managers John W. Beach and Kevin Cleary of Gravity Squared Entertainment. Judy Heumann and “Being Heumann” co-author Kristen Joiner will serve as executive producers.
Heder recently signed a multi-year collective agreement with Apple, and the studio acquired Heder’s film “CODA,” which won the Sundance Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award, under a recording deal. It will be released on August 13th on Apple TV +.
Heder’s deal with Apple includes a first look at the features as well as an exclusive deal for series she’s written and developed. She recently worked with them on the Little America series.
Siân Heder is represented by ICM Partners, Mosaic Media Group and lawyer Mitch Smelkinson.
Deadline reported the news first.
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