The Toronto International Film Festival has announced Being Heumann, the new film from Academy Award-winning director Siân Heder, as the Opening Night Film of its 51st edition. The film will have its World Premiere on September 10, 2026, at Roy Thomson Hall, launching a festival that will also mark a major industry milestone with the debut of TIFF: The Market.
Being Heumann Opens the Festival
Based on the life of disability rights activist Judith Heumann, Being Heumann stars Ruth Madeley and brings a story of advocacy, accessibility and social change to one of the most visible opening-night platforms in the international festival calendar.
For Heder, the film marks a significant return after CODA, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture and became a landmark title for representation on screen. With this new project, the director continues to explore stories centered on visibility, inclusion and communities often left outside mainstream narratives.
Alongside Being Heumann, the Toronto International Film Festival has also announced two additional World Premiere Gala Presentations: Prima Facie, directed by Susanna White and starring Cynthia Erivo, and The Assassin(s), directed by Hur Jin-ho and starring Lee Min-ho.
TIFF: The Market Debuts in 2026
Running from September 10 to 16, TIFF: The Market will be the festival’s first official content market, adding a stronger business dimension to the event. Designed for the global film, series and innovation industries, the market will bring together buyers, sellers, creators, producers, distributors, financiers and other key decision-makers.
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre will serve as the main headquarters, with market activity also extending across TIFF’s walkable festival district. Planned features include market screenings, exhibitor spaces, programming stages, business lounges, an innovation zone and dedicated meeting opportunities.
Toronto Strengthens Its Industry Role
Long recognized as one of the most important public-facing festivals in the world, Toronto is now expanding its position as a business hub for the international audiovisual sector. The launch of TIFF: The Market gives the festival a more structured space for sales, acquisitions, financing and strategic partnerships.
With Being Heumann opening the festival and a new market model taking shape, the Toronto International Film Festival 2026 is set to be closely watched not only for its premieres and awards-season potential, but also for the way it could redefine Toronto’s role within the global festival and industry calendar.
