This weekend, select movie theaters around the US will be hosting the two-day release of a groundbreaking new film that depicts the Passion of Jesus Christ, in which the actors will perform in American Sign Language (ASL). It is the first film ever to bring the Gospel narratives to a deaf audience.
Titled Jesus: A Deaf Missions Film, the movie boasts that it was made “for Deaf by Deaf,” with the entire production team and cast being deaf or fluent in ASL. It was a project by Deaf Missions, which describes itself as “a ministry dedicated to communicating the Gospel of Jesus with Deaf people through their heart language, culture, and identity.”
On its website, Deaf Missions explains that the goal of their efforts is to facilitate an encounter with Jesus for members of the deaf community. They say that it is estimated that roughly 98% of the world’s 70 million deaf have never encountered the real Jesus, and for this Deaf Missions blames communications barriers. Along with producing films, Deaf Missions organizes Gospel communities that encourage deaf participation, while providing them with resources to accommodate them.
The trailer of the film promises a faithful retelling of the Gospel narratives, with some scenes showing Jesus performing his ministry, and others depicting his Passion. The sets and the costumes all look to be on point.
Similarly to The Passion of the Christ, audiences who do not speak the movie’s native language will be left to glean topics of conversation through subtitles. You may not need them, however, as the actors are adept at body language as well. Their expressions are just brimming with emotions that keep viewers enthralled without ever questioning what’s happening at any given moment.
Executive producer and CEO of Deaf Missions Chad Entinger said of the film:
"It was incredibly important to us to partner with Deaf actors and Deaf professionals to bring this story to life for the Deaf audience. The Deaf community is one of the largest unreached people groups in the world, so we are praying that God will use this movie to ignite a movement of healing and heart change in the Deaf community."
The limited release of Jesus: A Deaf Missions Film will begin on Thursday, June 20 and will finish up with a second day of screenings on Sunday, June 23. Visit Deaf Missions’ website to learn more about the film and secure your tickets today.
