The world's first sign language Gospel movie premiered on June 20, offering 70 million deaf individuals the opportunity to learn about the story of Jesus through sign language, providing a groundbreaking new way for the deaf community to experience the story of Jesus.
This pioneering new film, the American Sign Language version of "Jesus: A Deaf Missions Film," was jointly produced and released by several Christian organizations. The movie, which debuted this month, was written and produced by deaf professionals to ensure the Gospel story is presented from a deaf perspective while remaining faithful to the biblical account of Jesus' life. Deaf Missions, in collaboration with the Jesus Film Project and several other Christian organizations, produced the film, which features deaf actors and native sign language users, and includes English subtitles for non-sign language viewers.
"Jesus: A Deaf Missions Film" is part of the initiative to provide Christian films in over 2,000 different languages, aiming to "reach everyone, everywhere," with a particular focus on those who are most difficult to reach with the Gospel. This film marks a historic moment in their efforts to enhance inclusivity and representation and to find new ways to share the Gospel in an ever-changing world.
"At the Jesus Film Project, we believe that everyone around the world should have access to the life-changing love and forgiveness of Jesus. We break down language and cultural barriers to ensure anyone, anywhere, can watch Christian films," said Josh Newell, Executive Director of the Jesus Film Project.
"We are thrilled to partner with Deaf Missions to connect with the deaf community, which has largely been unreached with the Gospel through sign language."
Deaf Missions has utilized over 400 different sign languages globally and is currently testing sign language dubbing techniques to allow deaf individuals worldwide to watch this film in multiple sign languages.
Joseph Josselyn, Chief Media Officer and Producer at Deaf Missions, expressed his delight at the reaction of deaf audiences to the film. "It's wonderful to see deaf viewers finally able to watch a movie about Jesus without any language barriers," he said.
