Renowned singer Céline Dion’s new documentary, “I Am: Céline Dion,” includes a raw and revealing moment of her experiencing a violent muscle spasm. The director, Irene Taylor, shared that Dion insisted on keeping this footage in the final cut, believing that the film could help her.
Taylor was surprised by the scene as she never expected to capture Dion having a spasm related to stiff person syndrome, a neurological condition she has been diagnosed with. Dion first revealed her diagnosis in an emotional video in 2022.
The disorder, described by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke as a rare and progressive syndrome affecting the nervous system, has impacted Dion’s ability to perform. She had to cancel her “Courage World Tour” last year, and it is unlikely she will tour again.
During filming, Dion experienced a spasm shortly after finishing two days of recording for the first time in four years. Despite the discomfort and uncertainty, Taylor continued filming, believing in the power of nonfiction storytelling to connect with audiences.
Dion recently spoke at a screening of the film, expressing newfound hope for her condition and thanking fans for their support. The documentary was released on Amazon’s Prime Video streaming service earlier this month, offering viewers a glimpse into the singer’s life and struggles.
