SINNERS With Black American Sign Language (BASL) Debuts July 4 On Max In The U.S.

Max has announced that Warner Bros. Pictures’ SINNERS will stream in Black American Sign Language (BASL) alongside the original version of the film in the U.S. on FRIDAY, JULY 4. This groundbreaking release marks the first time a streaming platform will exclusively debut a film interpreted in BASL.

The release of SINNERS with BASL is a major step forward in accessibility, representation, and visibility in streaming. BASL is a distinct dialect of American Sign Language (ASL) with its own dynamic history and unique grammar, signing space, rhythm, facial expressions, and cultural nuances. For the first time, the Black Deaf community will have streaming access to a more immersive experience in their language. Max subscribers, who sign in ASL but are unfamiliar with this dialect, will also be able to follow along with this interpretation.

SINNERS with BASL is interpreted by Nakia Smith, an influential voice in the Black Deaf community, who delivers a powerful interpretation with cultural depth and linguistic richness that aligns with the film’s themes and historical timeline. Rosa Lee Timm, Director of Artistic Sign Language, is a renowned performance artist and uses her expertise in sign language performance and visual storytelling to ensure cultural authenticity. Timm has also directed ASL versions of Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” and “A Minecraft Movie,” exclusively available to stream on Max.

Max continues to set new standards in inclusive storytelling. By amplifying Black Deaf voices and honoring the culture, identity, and history at the heart of this powerful film, Max’s ongoing commitment to accessibility builds off a growing ASL program that includes accessible versions of HBO Original programming such as “The Last of Us” and Warner Bros. Pictures’ films like “Barbie” and “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.”

“Accessibility within streaming is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Our goal at Max is to make these great stories accessible to all audiences in a way that is authentic to the content and the communities we serve,” said Naomi Waibel, SVP of Global Product Management at Warner Bros. Discovery. “SINNERS with Black American Sign Language is an example of how culturally nuanced access can enrich the viewing experience for our audiences.”

“With ASL” titles, including SINNERS, will be displayed on the Max app and indicated with key art featuring the sign language symbol. 

ABOUT SINNERS
Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.

Written and directed by Academy Award^®-nominated filmmaker Ryan Coogler, SINNERS stars Michael B. Jordan in a dual role, joined by Oscar^® nominee Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, and Delroy Lindo. The film is produced by Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian, and Ryan Coogler. The executive producers are Ludwig Göransson, Will Greenfield, and Rebecca Cho.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents A Proximity Media Production: Sinners. The film is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

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