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Celine Dion Releases Sign Language Versions of All 20 Songs On 'I Am: Celine Dion' Soundtrack

The team behind the documentary has shared 20 new videos on YouTube featuring Angela "AV" Vilavong interpreting songs like 'My Heart Will Go On,' in celebration of the United Nations’ International Day of Sign Language.

Poster for 'I Am: Celine Dion'

Affiche de "Je suis : Céline Dion"

Prime Video

Celine Dion fans are getting twenty new original videos celebrating her work today (September 23).

For the United Nations’ International Day of Sign Language, the team behind Dion's 2024 documentary I Am: Celine Dion has released new videos on YouTube that feature American Sign Language (ASL) interpretations of the film's soundtrack.


ASL performing artist Angela "AV" Vilavong interprets Redi Hasa's original score for the film, as well as the popular songs of Dion herself, bringing a whole new dimension to hits like "My Heart Will Go On" and "River Deep, Mountain High." Vilavong's interpretations also include LSQ, the sign language used by members of Canadian Francophone communities.

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"I’m so touched to have this special chance to share these incredible videos with you. It means the world to me to find new ways for us to connect with each other, in a way that’s open and inclusive," Dion says of the new videos. "My hope is that these videos shine a light on the beauty of creating music for everyone, and that they fill your heart with joy, love, and a rhythm that brings us all closer together.”

The videos were created in collaboration with Sony Music Canada and the documentary's director, Irene Taylor. Taylor is the founder of the Treehouse Project, which promotes accessibility for deaf, hard of hearing, blind and low-vision audiences.

"I grew up using ASL in my family and from a young age I learned music goes beyond sound," Taylor said in a statement. "I hope the world can experience the music of Redi Hasa and Celine Dion in a new way, with AV Vilavong's precious artistry."

Released this summer, I Am: Celine Dion is an intimate look at Dion's journey following her diagnosis with Stiff Person Syndrome. In a message to the Montreal premiere, Dion described it as a love letter to her fans.

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The release came shortly before Dion's triumphant return to performance, at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.

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Great Lake Swimmers
Robert Georgeff

Great Lake Swimmers

FYI

Music News Digest: National Music Centre Opens OHSOTO’KINO Recording Bursary for Indigenous Artists, Great Lake Swimmers Hit The Road

Also this week: Toronto's Our Music Festival returns for a third edition, Wavemakers: Music Futures Conference & Showcase launches in Halifax.

OHSOTO’KINO is an Indigenous programming initiative from the National Music Centre focusing on three elements: creation of new music in NMC’s recording studios, artist development through a music incubator program and exhibitions via the annually updated Speak Up! gallery. The OHSOTO’KINO Recording Bursary program is open to First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists. Two submissions — one for contemporary music, one for traditional genres — will be awarded a one-week recording session at Studio Bell to produce a commercial release. The deadline to apply here is March 1. Past recipients of the bursary include Juno winner Joel Wood, Twin Flames and PIQSIQ.

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