I AM: CELINE DION | WE ARE HERE FOR THE TREE

In Celine Dion’s raw documentary “I AM: CELINE DION,” she poignantly compares herself to an aging tree with fewer apples to offer. Fans on TikTok responded swiftly, declaring, “We are not here for the apples; we are here for the tree.” At BestkeptMTL, we echo this sentiment. We grew up to her music, cheered her rise to a Vegas residency and global tours, all while she remained true to herself. Sending her heartfelt love and support as she works hard to battle her disorder and make it back to the stage.

Celine Dion, the 56-year-old singer born near Montreal in Charlemagne, Québec, publicly disclosed her diagnosis of a progressive neurological disorder known as Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS),in December 2022, leading to the cancellation of all her tour dates. The condition, affecting the brain and spinal cord as described by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, causes painful spasms and muscle rigidity among other symptoms.

Dion shared that the disorder impacts her ability to sing as she’s accustomed to, though she finds solace in the upcoming documentary that documents her journey with the illness, set to stream globally on Prime Video starting June 25.

At its core, the film chronicles Celine’s ongoing battle with Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare neurological disorder that has significantly impacted her life and career in recent years. Through candid interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and heartfelt narratives, “I AM: CELINE DION” paints a poignant portrait of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

From the outset, viewers are immersed in Celine’s world, where every note sung and every stage conquered is a testament to her unwavering dedication to music. Her journey unfolds against a backdrop of unparalleled success—over 250 million albums sold worldwide, five Grammy Awards, and two Academy Awards—that solidifies her status as a musical legend. Yet, beyond the glitz and glamour lies a woman whose strength lies not only in her voice but in her ability to confront life’s challenges head-on.

The documentary offers a rare glimpse into Celine’s private life, revealing moments of vulnerability and introspection. From intimate reflections on her early career to poignant discussions about the impact of SPS on her health and performances, Celine bares her soul with a raw honesty that resonates deeply. Her journey is not just about fame and accolades but about the profound personal sacrifices and resilience required to maintain her artistry. A powerful quote “The show musty go on” about the countless shows where she suffereed in silence, during the years where she was in the dark about the rare illness and didn’t understand what was happening to her throat muscles..

Throughout the film, Celine’s journey is intertwined with her enduring love for music—a force that transcends boundaries and connects people across generations. Iconic songs like “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic and “Beauty and the Beast” have not only defined her career but have also left an indelible mark on popular culture. Each performance, each lyric becomes a testament to her ability to evoke emotion and touch the hearts of millions worldwide.

Expressing relief, Dion described the documentary as a profound experience during an interview with Etalk, emphasizing its role in lifting her spirits. At a recent screening event, she publicly thanked her neurologist, Dr. Amanda Piquet, crediting her with replacing fear with hope in managing the condition.

Dion expressed deep gratitude to her fans, referring to the documentary as a “love letter” to them and expressing optimism about returning to the stage, determined to make a comeback and perform for her loyal supporters.

• Directed by Irene Taylor
• Produced by Stacy Lorts, Tom Mackay, Julie Begey Seureau, and Irene Taylor
• Produced in collaboration with Sony Music Vision, Sony Music Entertainment Canada, and Vermilion Films
• Runtime: 102 minutes
• Rated: PG
• Executive Producers: Dave Platel, Denis Savage, Shane Carter, Krista Wegener
• Scheduled release on Prime Video: June 25, 2024
• Global availability in over 240 countries and territories