Siân Heder shocks TIFF 2026 with debut, adds two world premieres

The Toronto International Film Festival announced that its 51st edition will open on Thursday, September 10, with the Apple Original Films production **“Being Heumann.”** The film, directed by Oscar‑winning CODA filmmaker Siân Heder, follows disability advocate Judy Heumann as she leads a 28‑day sit‑in at the San Francisco Federal Building in 1977 to force enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Ruth Madeley plays Heumann, backed by an ensemble that includes Mark Ruffalo, Dylan O’Brien, Jon Beavers, Rob Delaney and Ray Fisher.

In addition to “Being Heumann,” TIFF will debut two other world premieres. British director Susanna White’s **“Prima Facie”** stars three‑time Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo as a London defense barrister battling the fallout of her courtroom successes.

Korean filmmaker Hur Jin‑ho’s **“The Assassin(s)”** follows the 1974 attempt on President Park Chung‑hee, featuring Yoo Hae‑jin, Park Hae‑il and Lee Min‑ho.

TIFF’s program comes amid a return to full‑size programming after last year’s 700,000‑attendee festival. The 2026 slate also introduces the inaugural **TIFF: The Market**, a new marketplace for film financing and distribution.

## Background & Context

The festival runs from September 10‑20 in Toronto’s downtown core, with “Being Heumann” scheduled to premiere at Roy Thomson Hall on opening night. Siân Heder adapted Judy Heumann’s bestselling memoir with Rebekah Tussing; the project is produced by David Permut, John W. Beach, Kevin Cleary and Kevin J.

Walsh. “Prima Facie” moves the stage hit from its West End and Broadway origins to a feature film, with playwright Suzie Miller converting her Olivier‑winning and Tony‑nominated play for the screen. “The Assassin(s)” places audiences in 1974 Seoul, dramatizing a pivotal moment in Korean history.

All three films bring together high‑profile talent: Ruth Madeley is a BAFTA Award nominee; Cynthia Erivo has earned three Oscar nominations; and Lee Min‑ho is a celebrated South Korean actor. The festival’s lineup highlights diverse storytelling, from American civil‑rights activism to British legal drama and Korean political thriller.

## What People Are Saying

“We’re thrilled to open this year’s festival with Siân Heder’s inspiring follow‑up to her Oscar‑winning CODA,” TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey said.

“Being Heumann features an electric performance from Ruth Madeley in the story of Judy Heumann, a world‑changing advocate for accessibility.” Bailey also praised the addition of “Prima Facie” and “The Assassin(s),” noting that Toronto audiences will be the first to see Cynthia Erivo’s searing legal drama and Lee Min‑ho’s thriller.

While the festival’s official statements focus on program highlights, industry insiders have noted the breadth of the slate. The inclusion of a documentary‑style narrative about disability rights, a courtroom drama rooted in real legal battles, and a historical thriller underscores TIFF’s commitment to varied voices and perspectives.

## What Happens Next

“Being Heumann” will open on Thursday, September 10 at Roy Thomson Hall, followed by the world premieres of “Prima Facie” and “The Assassin(s)” throughout the 10‑day festival. The films will run in the main competition program, with screenings scheduled to accommodate the broader audience base that TIFF attracts each year.

Tickets for the opening night show are expected to sell quickly, given the high-profile cast and the festival’s record attendance. In addition to the feature presentations, TIFF will host panel discussions and Q&A sessions with directors and actors, providing deeper insight into each film’s creation.

The 2026 festival promises to build on last year’s momentum while adding fresh programming through TIFF: The Market, offering filmmakers new opportunities for collaboration and funding. As the city gears up for September, Toronto’s film community is poised to welcome the world premieres that mark this year’s opening.