The highly anticipated documentary following Celine Dion's career has finally found a home.
Celine Dion's documentary has found a home. On Tuesday, Amazon MGM Studios announced that it has acquired worldwide rights to the feature-length documentary helmed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Irene Taylor.
According to the film's official synopsis, I Am: Celine Dion is "an intimate exploration that takes viewers on a journey inside the 55-year-old's past and present as she reveals her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) and the lengths she has gone to continue performing for her beloved and loyal fans."
From visiting her couture touring wardrobe and personal effects to spending time in the recording studio, the documentary captures a global megastar's never-before-seen private life. "An emotional, energetic, and poetic love letter to music, I Am: Celine Dion captures more than a year of filming as the legendary singer navigates her journey toward living an open and authentic life amidst illness," the description reads.
Celine was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder in December 2022, a condition that has forced her to cancel various concerts and ultimately led to the discontinuation of her Courage World Tour, which she last performed in March 2020.
Stiff Person Syndrome is a "rare, progressive neurological disorder" that can cause stiff muscles in the torso, arms, and legs, according to the National Institutes of Health.
In August 2023, Celine's sister, Claudette Dion, publicly shared her sister's ongoing struggle with the ailment. Despite working with "the top researchers in the field" and trying various treatments, Claudette acknowledged the lack of a definitive cure. She expressed her support for Celine's decision to cancel her tour, emphasizing the importance of listening to one's body and taking the necessary time to rest.
Claudette highlighted the debilitating nature of Stiff Person Syndrome, describing the constant muscle spasms and the inability to control them. She likened the experience to the sudden leg cramps that jolt people awake at night, but in Celine's case, it affects all muscles.
"This last couple of years has been such a challenge for me, the journey from discovering my condition to learning how to live with and manage it, but not to let it define me," Celine said in a press release for I Am: Celine Dion. "As the road to resuming my performing career continues, I have realized how much I have missed it, of being able to see my fans. During this absence, I decided I wanted to document this part of my life, to try to raise awareness of this little-known condition, to help others who share this diagnosis."
"Celine Dion is a global megastar with a career defined not only by her extraordinary work ethic and passion, but by her dedication to her fans," Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon MGM Studios, added. "This documentary is a raw, intimate portrayal of a pivotal time in her personal life and career, pulling back the curtain on her journey as she overcomes an unthinkable diagnosis. It's an honor to be trusted with her story, and we can't wait to share it with Prime Video audiences around the world."
The documentary, which was produced by Sony Music Vision in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment Canada and Vermilion Films, will be available to stream on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. A release date has yet to be announced.
Taylor also serves as a producer on I Am: Celine Dion alongside Stacy Lorts, and Julie Begey Seureau for Vermilion Films and Tom Mackay for Sony Music Vision. Dave Platel and Denis Savage serve as executive producers for Les Productions Feeling alongside Shane Carter for Sony Music Entertainment Canada and Krista Wegener for Sony Music Vision.
The documentary news comes two months after Celine made a rare appearance since her diagnosis, attending an NHL game at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas with her three sons.
The singer documented the special family moment in a heartwarming Instagram post. "They played so well, what a game," expressed Dion in the post's caption. "Thank you for meeting us after the game, guys! That was memorable for all of us. Have a great season!"
In the shared photos, Celine was seen alongside her 22-year-old son René-Charles, as well as her 13-year-old twins, Eddy and Nelson, as they enjoyed a visit with the Canadiens after the thrilling game. The Montreal Canadiens also joined in the celebration, leaving a sweet comment on the post, "Thank you for the beautiful moment, Celine! 🫶."
See more on Celine's diagnosis below.
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