Walt Disney Animation Studios has partnered with Los Angeles' Deaf West Theater to present three classic animation songs reimagined in sign language. To celebrate National Deaf History Month in the United States, this special project called "Songs in Sign Language" will be launched on Disney+ on April 27. The project aims to allow deaf and hard-of-hearing people to experience the magic of Disney animation music.
The three tracks released this time have different styles and are all popular songs in recent years, including the emotionally delicate "The Next Right Thing" from "Frozen 2", the cheerful and complex "We Don't Talk About Bruno" from "Full House" and the adventurous "Beyond" from "Moana 2".
The project is directed by veteran Disney animator Hyrum Osmond, whose father is deaf and has a deep emotional connection to the project.
The production process lasted four years, integrating the visual expression of American Sign Language into a household name through the unique language of animation. Working with Deaf West Theater Artistic Director DJ Kurs, the team went beyond a simple word-for-word translation to convey the song's emotion and concept through facial expressions and body movements.
Osmond said: "Sign language is one of the most beautiful ways of communication on the planet. If you want to find a medium to show sign language, it is animation." The original animators participated in the project, and some shots were redesigned and adjusted to show the details of hand movements.
The complex multi-character synchronized sign language scenes in "Full House" placed extremely high demands on the animation team. With the release of these content, Disney opens a new chapter in its pursuit of inclusivity and cultural representation.
Editor in charge: Zhang Jun SF065