According to Variety, Amazon MGM has acquired a documentary about legendary Canadian singer Celine Dion, titled I Am: Céline Dion. However, its release date has not been revealed yet. Furthermore, this project will shed light on the rare neurological disorder the singer suffers from called, Stiff Person Syndrome.
According to The Guardian, Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) causes muscle stiffness and painful spasms in the lower back, legs, and torso. Patients can suffer from chronic pain, falls, and even loss of mobility over time. SPS is extremely rare and reportedly affects one to two people in a million. Even though most people diagnosed with this condition fall between the ages of 40 to 50, children are also affected in rare cases. Furthermore, it is more common in women.
Lastly, even though SPS does not have a cure, there are various ways to keep the condition under control. Reportedly, sedatives, muscle relaxants, immunotherapy, and steroids can help with muscle stiffness and spasms.
Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon MGM Studios stated, “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.”
She further said, “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.”
The director of I Am: Celine Dion is Irene Taylor. She is best known for creating HBO’s Trees and Other Entanglements, Hulu’s Leave No Trace: A Hidden History of the Boy Scouts, and Sundance’s Hear and Now.
When did Celine Dion reveal about her neurological disorder?
In December 2022 Celine Dion officially revealed that she suffered from Stiff Person Syndrome. Furthermore, she released a statement that said that she decided to postpone her world tour because her spasms affected the way she walked and sang. She posted an update on Instagram that said, “While we’re still learning about this rare condition. We now know this is what’s been causing all of the spasms that I’ve been having.”
She further stated, “Unfortunately, the spasms affect every aspect of my daily life. Sometimes causing difficulties when I walk. And not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to.”
Celine Dion hopes that the upcoming documentary will help raise awareness about Stiff person syndrome. She said, “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. 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.”
She ended her statement by saying, ” During this absence, I decided I wanted to document this part of my life to help others who share this diagnosis.”
Celine Dion is often considered one of the greatest singers in pop music history. Throughout her career, she has sold over 250 million albums. Furthermore, she has won 5 Grammy Awards, 50 Felix Awards, 12 World Music Awards, 6 American Music Awards, 7 Billboard Music Awards, 20 Juno Awards, and many more.
