Disney Launches "Sign Language Version" of Animated Songs, Allowing Deaf Fans to Enjoy the Charm of Music
Walt Disney Animation Studios has partnered with the DeafWest Theatre in Los Angeles to release three classic animated songs reinterpreted in sign language. To celebrate American Deaf History Month, this special project, called "SongsinSignLanguage," launched on Disney+ on April 27th. The project aims to allow deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to experience the magic of Disney animated music.
The three tracks released this time are diverse in style and are all popular songs from recent years, including the emotionally delicate "The Next Right Thing" from *Frozen 2*, the lively and complex "We Don't Talk About Bruno" from *Encanto*, and the adventurous "Beyond" from *Moana 2*.
The project was directed by veteran Disney animator Hyrum Osmond, whose father is deaf, giving him a deep emotional connection to the project.
The production process took four years, integrating the visual expressiveness of American Sign Language into well-known animated characters through the unique language of animation. In collaboration with DJ Kurs, Artistic Director of Deaf West Theatre, the team went beyond simple word-for-word translation, conveying the emotion and concepts of the songs through facial expressions and body movements.
Osmond said, "Sign language is one of the most beautiful forms of communication on Earth, and if there's a medium to showcase sign language, it's animation." The project involved participation from some of the original animators, and some scenes were redesigned and adjusted to showcase the details of hand movements.
The complex multi-character synchronized sign language scene in *Encanto* presented extremely high demands on the animation team. With the release of this content, Disney has turned a new page in its pursuit of inclusivity and cultural representation.
Editor: Zhang Jun SF065