Céline Dion calls Prime Video documentary “a love letter to my fans” in a message at its premiere in Montreal

The Maisonneuve Theater in Montreal was packed to honor Quebec’s national hero Céline Dion.

On Monday evening, June 17, Prime Video organized a handful of previews of Irene Taylor’s highly anticipated documentary I am: Celine Dion. In Montreal, where Billboard Canada was among the guests, many people came to attend the special screening.

The show began with a gift from the star to her fans: an appearance at the world premiere in New York, from where she addressed the audience with warm words together with her eldest son René-Charles Angélil. The silence in Montreal was almost religious.

“Me too! I love you too!” replied one viewer, before a chant broke out in French: “We love you, Céline!”

Céline thanked the I am Celine Dion Team, her record company Sony, her neurologist Dr. Amanda Piquet, her loved ones and, above all, her fans – all with a pinch of humor.

Then, at the beginning of the documentary, Céline addressed the public of Montreal directly in a recorded video message.

“This is my love letter to my fans,” she said. “This film is for you, thank you.”

Here are three things we learned from the nearly two-hour I am: Celine Dionin which she talks about her illness and reveals herself.

Living with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS)

Céline Dion has spoken about it several times in her recent interviews, but I am: Celine Dion blatantly reveals the harsh reality of stiff person syndrome. The documentary begins and ends with images of Céline in the midst of the SPR, a desperate and despairing woman. Without falling into voyeurism, the vignettes show the extent of the illness.

However, these images would have benefited from a trigger warning. Some of the scenes are difficult to bear. At the premiere in Montreal, one person even fainted.

Céline Dion remains Céline Dion

We know that she is uncompromising, combative and determined, and these personality traits that have always distinguished her have helped her in her recovery. I am: Celine DionWhat is even more striking is the humor she displays despite her circumstances. It seems to give her the strength she needs to carry on despite the numerous challenges that SPR brings.

There are also numerous declarations of love to her fans that punctuate the documentary. Céline is grateful and says that she would not be here without her audience, who have always followed and supported her.

In general, much of Céline’s voice is in I am: Celine DionIn fact, she is the only one who speaks in the film.

Singing and performing

Céline Dion is very attached to her tour memories. In the documentary, she lets us delve into her huge warehouse where she keeps her stage and evening outfits, and reveals some secrets and anecdotes that always provide hilarious entertainment.

She addresses each of his employees, from the costume designer to the musician to the butler. “I owe who I am today to all of these people,” she says.

Ultimately, the most touching scenes in the film are the ones where she sings. The studio footage of her making progress, making mistakes and starting over again is incredibly touching.

Dion envies rock stars who go out, smoke, drink and maintain their lifestyle. “But no, I drink water and sleep twelve hours a day,” she jokes.

I am: Celine Dion will be released on Prime Video on June 25th.