Disney Animation’s “Songs in Sign Language” Is Changing Storytelling as We Know It

There are moments in entertainment that feel bigger than just what’s on screen—and Disney Animation’s Songs in Sign Language is absolutely one of them.

In a recent conversation with director Hyrum Osmond, DJ Kurs of Deaf West Theatre, and choreographer Catalene Sacchetti, it became clear that this project wasn’t just about translating beloved Disney songs—it was about reimagining them entirely.

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Not Just Translation—A Full Reinvention

From the start, the team knew this couldn’t be a surface-level adaptation.

“This was something we hadn’t done before,” Osmond shared. “We weren’t just going to take sign language and throw it on top of animation. We had to reimagine it and make sure it was true.”

That meant deep research, constant collaboration, and a commitment to authenticity at every stage. Partnering with Deaf West Theatre ensured that the work reflected the richness of Deaf culture—not just visually, but emotionally.

The process itself was layered and intentional. Original songs were studied for tone and meaning, then translated into choreography by Deaf creatives. Performances were recorded, passed to animators, and refined through an ongoing feedback loop—one that, as Osmond emphasized, wasn’t complete until it had been validated by the Deaf collaborators.

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For the team, the impact of the project didn’t fully hit until they saw everything come together.

Kurs described the first full viewing as deeply emotional, especially as a member of the Deaf community.

“To see all of our work, all the collaboration, and that level of detail on screen—it was incredibly impactful,” he said. “For so long, access has been limited. Now, to have Disney validate our language and culture… it changes the history of access.”

Sacchetti echoed that feeling, calling the finished product a “wow moment” after months of creative investment without fully grasping how far-reaching it could become.

And for Osmond, one scene in particular made it undeniable.

While working on “The Next Right Thing” from Frozen II, he animated a pivotal final shot featuring Anna. Watching it back with his wife, he felt something shift.

“There was just something about it,” he said. “I knew what we had.”

Emotion Without Limits

One of the most powerful takeaways from Songs in Sign Language is how it expands the possibilities of storytelling itself.

Kurs pointed to a moment in “The Next Right Thing” where a 360-degree camera movement allows audiences to connect with Anna—even without seeing her face.

“It showed me that animation can do things we can’t even do on stage or in film,” he said. “It opened up something entirely new.”

Meanwhile, Sacchetti highlighted a standout moment from Moana—specifically when Moana declares, “I will go beyond.”

“That moment of passion and belief—it’s incredibly powerful,” she shared. “You feel it.”

Dreaming Bigger: What Comes Next?

When asked what they’d love to tackle next, the answers were as iconic as you’d expect: Ariel’s “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid, a number from The Princess and the Frog, and even a Lion King moment with Simba.

But beyond dream picks, the bigger conversation is about what this opens up across the entire entertainment industry.

“I think people had a hard time understanding what this was until they saw it,” Osmond admitted. “Now that it’s out there, it opens up all kinds of opportunities.”

Kurs added that this is just the beginning—not just for projects like this, but for Deaf creatives who have long been told there wasn’t a place for them in the industry.

“I can’t wait to see what Deaf writers, animators, and artists bring to the table,” he said.

More Connection, Less Division

At its core, Songs in Sign Language is about connection.

For Osmond, that’s the ultimate takeaway: “We need more connection, less division. That’s what this does.”

And that message carries even deeper weight when you consider what this project represents for future generations.

Sacchetti put it simply: this is about making sure Deaf children grow up knowing they belong in the world of entertainment—that they can create, perform, and lead.

“For so long, we’ve been left behind,” she said. “Now, doors are opening.”

A New Standard for Storytelling

What makes Songs in Sign Language so special isn’t just its innovation—it’s its intention.

This wasn’t a project built for the Deaf community—it was built with them. That equal partnership between Deaf and hearing creatives is exactly what makes it work—and what sets a new standard moving forward.

And if this is what the future of storytelling looks like?

We’re just getting started.