Jesus: A Deaf Missions Film may very well be the faith-based film you never knew you needed. 

Deaf Missions is an international Christian ministry founded in 1970 and now serving people in 100 countries and 60 denominations. In 2020, Deaf Missions completed the first ever translation of the Bible in any sign language - American Sign Language Version of the Bible. With Jesus, Deaf Missions aims to reach a population for whom it is estimated that only 2-4% identify as being Christian. 

For the first time cinematically, the story of Jesus is brought to life in American Sign Language. The cast is fluent in American Sign Language (and no dialogue is spoken), producer/director Joseph D. Josselyn of Deaf Missions is deaf, producer Michael Davis of GUM Vision Studio is deaf, and the film immerses you in both the story of Jesus and American sign language. Jesus includes a soundtrack and English subtitles. 

It's a great mission, but is Jesus actually any good? 

Somewhat surprisingly, it is. 

It's no secret that the world of faith-based cinema is remarkably hit-and-miss. While I tend to be one of its advocates, being both a film journalist and minister, even I'll admit that for years you were hard-pressed to find decent faith-based cinema and even now one simply never knows what to expect. 

The good news is that Jesus: A Deaf Missions Film is an immersive and engaging experience. It helps to have a charismatic lead like Gideon Firl as Jesus. Firl balances the spiritual reverence we're used to with this type of film with an abundance of compassion and humanity. American Sign Language is already an emotionally resonant, expressive language and Firl expertly leans into that expressiveness amplifying the vibrance and charisma of Jesus. 

Miles Barbee also excels as Peter and Yamila Davis vividly brings Mary Magdalene to life. Truthfully, the entire ensemble, filled with mostly newcomers, is remarkably strong in presentation and performance. 

Lensing by Eric Calbert and Michael Davis is strong throughout, the occasional leaning into the inherently inspirational tone understandable if just a little regrettable. The original music by Lee Armbrust and Andrija Lazarevic beautifully complements the film's narrative without ever dominating it. Art direction by Viktor Andreev is impressive and immersive. 

Much like the Oscar-winning CODA, Jesus: A Deaf Missions Film grabs our attention and never lets us go. The story of Jesus is familiar, of course, and yet it's never been brought to life like this and here's hoping this will open the door to other cinematic efforts to reach a community far underserved by contemporary cinema and far underserved by people of faith. 

Both theologically engaging and genuinely entertaining, Jesus: A Deaf Missions Film is a reminder that the Bible truly does speak a universal language and this powerfully made film won't be easily forgotten and should be required viewing for just about every Sunday School everywhere. 

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic