The documentary captures the iconic singer’s real-life struggles after being diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare autoimmune neurological disorder characterized by severe spasms and muscle stiffness.

In 2022, at the age of 56, Dion openly discussed her battles with the condition in the new documentary. 

SPS is known for its excruciating symptoms, which include spasms that cause significant discomfort and can increase in severity over time.

The symptoms can fluctuate, sometimes subsiding before worsening again.

Dion has spoken honestly about her experience after her diagnosis. Getty Images

One particularly intense moment in the film shows Dion enduring a ten-minute seizure.

This scene was captured during a session with her medical team, where she struggles to breathe as healthcare professionals work to alleviate her severe pain during the crisis.

After the episode, Dion describes the vulnerability of losing control over her body. Wrapped in a blanket, she reflects:

"Every time something like this happens it makes you feel so embarrassed and so, like, I don’t know how to express it, it’s just… you know, like to not have control of yourself..."

Despite her health challenges, Dion remains determined not to let them halt her career. 

"I still see myself dance and sing," she declares. "I always find plan b and plan c, you know. That’s me. If I can’t run, I’ll walk. If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl. But I won’t stop. I won’t stop."

Irene Taylor, the director of the documentary titled I Am: Céline Dion, shared her initial hesitation about filming Dion during such a personal moment. 

Dion was forced to cancel her world tour after being diagnosed. Prime Video

Speaking to PA, Taylor recalled her decision to keep filming despite the initial uncertainty, motivated by Dion's previous directive not to ask for permission to film.

"So in that first 30 seconds, I was not focused on filming, I was the sound person and my cinematographer was there."

Taylor highlighted that many people were present to assist Dion, all of whom were trained on how to handle such emergencies. 

"So she was in the best hands she could be in. If they needed an extra pair of hands, I would have dropped my microphone and gotten in [to] help them without a doubt. But I did decide to keep filming, knowing that we didn't have to use it."

Taylor emphasized that the footage used in the documentary was shown to Dion as it was initially captured, with Dion insisting it remain unchanged. 

"What you see in this final film is exactly what I showed her the first time. She didn’t want me to change it at all."

The release of the documentary followed Dion’s announcement that she would be unable to complete her world tour as planned the previous year.

Celine Dion said she 'almost died' during her health battle Prime Video

"I want you all to know, I'm not giving up… and I can't wait to see you again!" Dion expressed at the time, signaling her resilience and determination to return to her fans.