Entertainment · Film · 8 hrs ago
Composer Draws on Judy Heumann’s Activism for ‘Being Heumann’ Score
Composer Francesco Le Metre wrote the score for Being Heumann, a film about disability rights activist Judy Heumann.
Director Siân Heder asked him to use music to reflect Heumann’s personality, determination and impact on her community.
The score draws on the punk rock and do-it-yourself spirit of the 1970s, using unconventional drum patterns and strings played with a guitar pick.
Le Metre also used short, interweaving musical phrases to suggest Heumann’s quick thoughts and impulses.
Ruth Madeley plays Heumann, who led disabled activists in a 1977 occupation of federal offices in San Francisco.
The activists stayed until the government implemented landmark disability-rights protections, showing the role of protest in pressing for change.
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and is being released in select theaters and on Apple TV this month.
Composer Francesco Le Metre said he drew on Judy Heumann’s drive and the do-it-yourself spirit of 1970s punk rock for the score of Being Heumann.
He aimed for music that was honest and intimate and reflected Heumann’s personality, humanity and impact on her community.
Le Metre used unconventional drumming, guitar picks on strings and interweaving musical motifs.
Ruth Madeley stars as Heumann in the film, directed by Siân Heder and adapted from Heumann’s memoir.
The film premiered at TIFF in September and was released in select theaters and on Apple TV in November.
- Who
- Composer Francesco Le Metre created the score for Being Heumann.
- What
- He drew on Judy Heumann’s activism and the do-it-yourself spirit of 1970s punk rock.
- When
- The date of Le Metre’s comments is not stated. The article was published on November 10, 2026.
- Where
- The film premiered at TIFF and was released in select theaters and on Apple TV.
- Why
- Le Metre aimed to reflect Heumann’s personality, drive, humanity and impact on her community.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Judy Heumann led disabled activists in occupying San Francisco federal offices until the government implemented landmark disability-rights protections.
Being Heumann premiered at TIFF.
The film was released in select theaters and on Apple TV.
- Composer
- Francesco Le Metre
- Film
- Being Heumann
- Director
- Siân Heder
- Lead actor
- Ruth Madeley
- Heumann occupation
- San Francisco federal offices, 1977
- Release
- Select theaters and Apple TV in November 2026
What people are saying
honest and intimate
We had to deconstruct the drumming a little bit, so we played very unconventional grooves, and then also the strings
We performed the strings with a guitar pick instead of col legno to convey the sense of punk rock and, again, the DIY spirit of the movement