Disney+ launches animated songs in sign language for National Deaf History Month

Disney+ has launched the Disney Animation's Songs in Sign Language project to celebrate National Deaf History Month. The project features animated versions of popular songs from Frozen 2, Moana 2, and Encanto, using American Sign Language (ASL).

Animated performances

The songs adapted into ASL are 'The Next Right Thing' from Frozen 2, 'Beyond' from Moana 2, and 'We Don't Talk About Bruno' from Encanto. These animated versions are now available on Disney+ and aim to strengthen the connection with the deaf community.

Inspiration and creation

The project was directed by Disney animator and filmmaker Hyrum Osmond, whose father is deaf. Osmond explained that his father inspired this innovative approach and had always supported his career. “I started thinking: what if we made our Disney songs in a way that was especially for him?” Osmond said.

The collaboration involved more than twenty animators working with sign language references. The process was also made possible by DJ Kurs, artistic director of Deaf West Theatre, who was also involved in choreographing the songs in sign language. Together with a team of eight performers, the focus was on emotion and concepts rather than a literal transcription of the lyrics.

Impact on the community

Osmond noted that in most cases entirely new animations were created to stay as true as possible to the original intent of the songs.