Everyone deserves to hear the gospel.
In an unprecedented breakthrough, the deaf community is set to experience the profound narrative of Jesus’ life, ministry, and sacrifice on the big screen like never before with “JESUS: A Deaf Missions Film,” marking the inaugural feature film presented entirely in American Sign Language (ASL).
Scheduled for its theatrical debut on June 20, this groundbreaking film, helmed by director Joseph D. Josselyn and featuring Gideon Firl in the lead role of Jesus, both of whom are deaf, is a collaborative effort between Deaf Missions, a ministry committed to conveying the Gospel to Deaf individuals through their language, culture, and identity, and GUM Vision Studio.
Reflecting on the inception of the project, Josselyn shared with The Christian Post his long-standing curiosity about the absence of sign language in cinematic portrayals of Jesus, a question that gained momentum upon joining Deaf Missions in 2006. Despite initial apprehensions regarding the logistical challenges posed by such an ambitious endeavor, Josselyn drew confidence from years of experience and the successful completion of the ASL Bible. He recounted the journey from creating a film adaptation of the book of Job to embarking on the larger-scale production of “JESUS,” which now stands as a testament to the culmination of their efforts.
“JESUS: A Deaf Missions Film” intricately depicts pivotal moments from Jesus’ ministry, including His miracles, teachings, and clashes with religious authorities amidst the backdrop of Judea under Roman rule, all communicated solely through ASL.
The selection process for the film’s content involved deliberations aimed at distilling the essence of Jesus’ message, ultimately focusing on themes of forgiveness, love, and redemption. Josselyn emphasized the significance of clarity in portraying Jesus’ identity and purpose, a goal achieved through meticulous curation of narrative elements.
The production journey, while rewarding, was not without its challenges, as Josselyn acknowledged the substantial resources required for bringing a full-length feature film in sign language to fruition. However, advancements in technology and the leverage of social media platforms facilitated accessibility, allowing the film to resonate directly with its audience without the need for intermediary aids like captions or interpreters.
Positioned as a project “for deaf by deaf,” the film boasts a cast fluent in ASL, supplemented by a soundtrack and English subtitles. Firl, embodying the role of Jesus, reflected on the ease of channeling the character’s essence through ASL, attributing his performance to divine guidance.
As the film prepares to grace theaters, both Josselyn and Firl anticipate its broader impact, envisioning it as a catalyst for fostering inclusivity within the Christian community and sparking meaningful dialogue among diverse audiences. They hope that the cinematic experience will not only resonate with the deaf community but also serve as a bridge for deeper engagement and understanding across linguistic and cultural barriers.
The overwhelmingly positive reception from the deaf community, evidenced during red carpet events in Texas, Louisiana, and Kentucky, reaffirms the film’s potential to resonate on a deeply personal level, transcending linguistic boundaries to convey the timeless message of faith and unity. Firl emphasizes the importance of recognizing deaf individuals as integral members of the Body of Christ, calling for greater engagement and collaboration to bridge existing divides and promote mutual empowerment within the community.
In essence, “JESUS: A Deaf Missions Film” stands not only as a cinematic milestone but also as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling in fostering empathy, understanding, and unity across diverse communities.