Disney+ has debuted Disney Animation’s Songs in Sign Language, a new collection of animated musical sequences reimagined in American Sign Language (ASL), released on 27 April to mark National Deaf History Month.
The project features three songs from recent Walt Disney Animation Studios films: “The Next Right Thing” from Frozen II, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto and “Beyond” from Moana 2.
The sequences were directed by veteran Disney animator and filmmaker Hyrum Osmond, alongside producers Heather Blodget and Christina Chen and artistic director DJ Kurs.
The project is a collaboration with Deaf West Theatre, the Tony Award-winning company known for pioneering Deaf-centred performances.
A behind-the-scenes featurette has also been released, offering viewers a look at the creative process behind the adaptation.
Osmond led a team of more than 20 animators who worked from specially produced sign language reference footage.
DJ Kurs collaborated with sign language reference choreographer Catalene Sacchetti and eight Deaf West performers to reinterpret the lyrics through ASL, focusing on meaning, rhythm and emotion rather than direct word-for-word translation.
“In the majority of cases, we created entirely new animation,” Osmond said.
“There were a lot of adjustments that we had to do within the animation to be true to the original intention.”
The project required animators to carefully rework hand shapes, body movement, timing and facial expression - all essential components of sign language communication.
Osmond, whose father is Deaf, said the project carried deep personal meaning.
“One, sign language is one of the most beautiful ways of communication on Earth. If ever there was a medium to showcase sign language, it was animation,” he noted.
“The other big reason for doing this project is to connect with the deaf community. Growing up, I never learned sign language, and that barrier prevented me from really connecting with my dad.”
He added that reimagining Disney musical numbers in ASL could help break down barriers and create stronger connections with Deaf audiences.
Artistic director Kurs said the opportunity to integrate ASL into Disney storytelling was immediately embraced.
“When Hyrum approached me with a potential collaboration involving the integration of ASL into the fabric of Disney storytelling, it was an immediate yes for us,” he noted.
“Disney stories are the universal language of childhood. The chance to bring our language into that world was a historic opportunity to reach a global audience.”
He said he hoped the project would inspire Deaf children and encourage more inclusive productions in the future.
The launch comes amid broader industry efforts to improve accessibility across streaming platforms through subtitles, audio description and sign language content, particularly in family entertainment.
German authorities are investigating two separate incidents involving critical infrastructure after an explosio...
The United Nations has warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is rapidly worsening,...
The U.S. has launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iran, targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) sites as Tehran retaliated against U.S. p...
Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) have gathered in Bishkek for a summit focused on trade, investment and transport as the group marks 25 years since its creation.
U.S. forces struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island on Sunday, with Tehran responding by launching ballistic missiles at two U.S. bases in Jordan in the first direct U.S.-Iran military escalation in weeks.
The U.S. has launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iran, targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) sites as Tehran retaliated against U.S. positions across the region, while Iranian officials said at least five people were killed and dozens wounded at a wedding near Sirik.
Apple is entering a new era as Tim Cook steps down as chief executive after 15 years at the helm, handing the technology giant's leadership to longtime executive John Ternus.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 1st September, covering the latest developments.
Country music legend Dolly Parton, whose songs, unmistakable style and warmth made her one of America’s most enduring entertainers, has died aged 80, her family said on Tuesday.
Kanye West’s first solo concert in Central Asia delivered an estimated five billion tenge ($11 million) tourism boost to Almaty, drawing 31,000 spectators from more than 50 countries.
American actress Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in TV shows such as Nashville and Heroes, has died at the age of 36, ABC News reported on Sunday, citing her representative.
Four artworks by 15th-century painter Antonello da Messina have been stolen overnight from the Museo Regionale di Messina, Italy's culture minister said on Sunday, expressing confidence in the police inquiry.
Cristiano Ronaldo has given one of his clearest indications yet that his playing career is nearing its end, saying the 2026-27 season will “probably” be his last in professional football.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment