“Jesus: A Deaf Missions Film,” the world’s first feature-length sign language film about Jesus, has made its debut in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Sign Language Bible Translation Association hosted the premiere on March 29 at Vine Church in Wan Chai.

Producers Share Their Vision and Journey

Producers Michael Davis and Joseph Josselyn—who also directed the film—shared their vision and the process behind the production. Created in the United States, the original version of the film was two and a half hours long but was edited down to a 90-minute cut. The full version features even richer content.

“We are deeply grateful,” they said. “Without God’s guidance and help, and the support of many friends and organizations, this project would have been impossible. Over 100 Deaf individuals and many passionate volunteers contributed to the making of this film.”

A Dream Realized After Years of Effort and Prayer

Asked how the idea originated, the filmmakers explained that it stemmed from their love of cinema. “As Deaf people, we’ve long relied on subtitles when watching movies and have always dreamed of seeing a full-length film entirely in sign language. While there are many short gospel-themed videos in sign language, a complete feature film has been our dream. We’re thrilled to see it finally come true.”

The project spanned more than two years. “We knew from the beginning that we wanted to involve Deaf individuals in every aspect of the film, both in front of and behind the camera. It couldn’t have been done by just the two of us. We’re thankful for how we came together—one of us passionate about filmmaking, the other about acting—and it clicked. That synergy birthed this film.”

To ensure the production quality matched mainstream films, the project cost $4.8 million USD. “Funding was a constant journey of prayer and fundraising,” they said. “We give God the glory. We also deeply appreciate the sponsors and all contributors—actors, costume designers, and props teams. Filming took over two years, and editing lasted three months. Professional crews were brought in to ensure the final product would engage audiences just like any other cinematic experience.”

Bridging the Deaf and Hearing Worlds

During the Q&A session, a participant asked how they handled cultural differences between the Deaf and hearing communities during production.

“The most important thing was to ensure that the actors could fully express themselves in sign language,” they replied. “Our goal was full Deaf participation and comprehension. Many hearing participants were surprised and impressed by what the Deaf community achieved. We didn’t exclude hearing people, but rather partnered with them to showcase Deaf culture and capabilities. This project is a testament to the possibilities of Deaf-hearing collaboration—something we believe is very important.”

The Hong Kong Edit: Retaining Jesus’ Ministry Scenes

James Chim, co-founder of local media platform “Hong Story” and editor of the Hong Kong version of the film, thanked the director and producer for their support. After seeing the original film, he hoped to bring it to Hong Kong and edited a 90-minute version, which was quickly approved.

He shared that one of the most memorable scenes for the filmmakers was Jesus walking on water. “While shortening the film, I initially cut many parts of Jesus’ ministry. But seeing these scenes made me reluctant to let them go. In the end, I included them as flashbacks during Peter’s denial of Jesus, portraying the crashing waves as the fear and chaos Peter felt. I’m thankful the Holy Spirit moved me to preserve this portion.”

A Miracle Unfolds: Film Arrives in Hong Kong After Years of Prayer

Several representatives who helped bring the film to Hong Kong also spoke. Louisa Lui, chairperson of Goshen Harvest Arts Centre, shared that since 2010 she has worked with the Deaf community through sign language theatre.

“Over time, I formed a prayer group with the Sign Language Bible Translation Association and another ministry that uses calligraphy of Bible verses to evangelize in prisons. Our ministries are challenging, so we started gathering to pray on the 19th of every month. In 2022, some of us traveled to Israel and the Middle East.”

She recalled, “During the Feast of Tabernacles, we were invited to the Garden of Nations Prayer Center in Jerusalem. On Yom Kippur, we met an Arab man who communicated with us in sign language. We sang a song together using limited English and sign language, and he was deeply moved. That moment confirmed to us the incredible impact of sign language media—it connects people across cultures and nations.”

In 2023, they returned to Jerusalem to pray for Hong Kong and spent significant time interceding for sign language Bible resources and storytelling. They invited believers from various countries to join in prayer.

“In 2024, God answered our prayers,” she said. “Raymond Leung, founder of the Hong Kong Sign Language Bible Translation Association, told us that a film about Jesus in sign language would soon arrive in Hong Kong. This was the fruit of our prayers in Jerusalem. In 2025, we are here watching the film together—it is a miracle. Now is the time for the Deaf to rise!”

She encouraged the audience to pray for the evangelistic efforts surrounding Jesus: A Deaf Missions Film, for unity in the Church, and for the rise of Deaf churches, missionaries, and the sign language Bible in Hong Kong.

Proclaiming the Year of the Lord’s Favor

Pastor Ho Kit of 611 Bread of Life Church offered a special prayer for the Deaf community, declaring that the “year of the Lord’s favor” has come—to bind up the brokenhearted, to free captives and those marginalized by society, and to proclaim that the Gospel of Jesus is for all, especially the outcast and forgotten.

Subtitled for Wider Reach, with a Mission to Nurture Deaf Spiritual Growth

The Hong Kong Sign Language Bible Translation Association noted that the Hong Kong screening of Jesus: A Deaf Missions Film will include Chinese subtitles. Their mission is to bring God’s Word to the hearts of Deaf individuals in Hong Kong through the sign language Bible and related media, helping them grow, renew, and transform spiritually.

The film will be shown at Emperor Cinemas on April 20 and 21, with tickets priced at HK$100. James Chim explained, “As part of our agreement with the cinema, the Association must pre-purchase at least half of the tickets. So your support is crucial. Buying a ticket and inviting friends helps us host more screenings and share this film with even more people.”

“If this film has touched your heart,” he added, “please buy a ticket now and share it with your friends. Let everyone know: Deaf people can create something extraordinary!”