HBO Max Premiere of ‘Sinners’ to Feature Black American Sign Language Version

Ryan Coogler’s film “Sinners” is set to premiere on HBO Max this Friday, July 4. Exciting news, though – HBO Max will not only be streaming the original version of the film, but also a Black American Sign Language (BASL) version exclusively for U.S. viewers. This is a groundbreaking addition to the streaming world, as it marks the first time a platform has debuted a film interpreted in BASL.

In an official press release, HBO Max shared, “The release of Sinners with BASL is a major step forward in accessibility, representation, and visibility in streaming.” BASL is a unique dialect of American Sign Language (ASL) with its own distinct history, grammar, rhythm, facial expressions, and cultural nuances. This release will provide a more immersive experience in sign language for the Black Deaf community and ASL users who may be unfamiliar with BASL.

Nakia Smith, a prominent figure in the Black Deaf community, will interpret Sinners in BASL. With her cultural depth and linguistic richness, she aims to align her interpretation with the film’s themes and historical context. Rosa Lee Timm, Director of Artistic Sign Language, a renowned performance artist, will ensure cultural authenticity and bring visual storytelling expertise to the interpretation.

Naomi Waibel, SVP of Global Product Management at Warner Bros. Discovery, emphasized, “Accessibility within streaming is not one-size-fits-all. Our goal at Max is to make great stories accessible to all audiences in ways that are authentic to the content and communities we serve.” This is a prime example of how culturally nuanced access can enhance the viewing experience for all audiences.

When you log into the HBO Max app, you’ll easily find the ASL titles, including Sinners, identified by key art featuring the sign language symbol. Both versions of the film will be available for streaming starting on July 4th.

“Sinners,” written and directed by Ryan Coogler, features Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as twin brothers Smoke and Stack. As they try to escape their troubled pasts, they return to their hometown only to encounter a new, sinister evil waiting for them. It’s a thrilling vampire horror film that has garnered critical acclaim.

Overall, this release of “Sinners” with BASL on HBO Max sets a new standard for accessibility and representation in the streaming world. It’s a step towards making great content available to diverse audiences in a way that is both engaging and inclusive. Get ready to enjoy this immersive experience on July 4th!