Introducing, Selma BlairBlair, subject, said that Rachel Fleit filmed her as she dealt with multiple sclerosis because she couldn’t find other examples. Blair and director Rachel Fleit spoke with Deadline’s Matthew Carey at The Contenders: Documentary.
“I just really craved seeing someone else in my position,” Blair said. “This is perfect because then I can touch everyone that chooses to see it and love on them by being open, but yet then I can go back to my house without a camera.”
Fleit, who has alopecia, related to Blair’s struggle. She captured Blair’s raw moments, including one in the bathtub, as she dealt with physical changes that were beyond her control.
‘Introducing, Selma Blair’Trailer: Actress with Multiple Sclerosis Struggles in Discovery+ Film
“As a person who has no hair, I’ve gone through my own experience in life with alopecia and really had to confront what makes people feel uncomfortable or makes them want to look away,” Fleit said. “As a filmmaker, I’m so interested in defying that mythology and just looking straight ahead at all different ways of being in the world.”
Blair stated that she hopes Introducing, Selma BlairFamilies can understand the needs of loved ones with MS and other medical conditions.
“I do think once people see it and get more of an understanding or some comfort or ‘Oh, that’s why my sister can talk that way and then she doesn’t for the rest of the day. She was tired. I’ll stop making fun of her,’” Blair said. “I love when that happens — when someone notices something because of the film and they’ve given someone else more leeway.”
Introducing, Selma BlairDiscovery+ is streaming it.
The panel video will be available Tuesday.