Legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli has opened up about a pivotal moment in his life that led to his visual impairment. This revelation comes as part of a new documentary, ‘Andrea Bocelli: Because I Believe’, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The film delves into Bocelli’s life, offering an intimate look at his journey from a young boy with severe visual challenges to becoming one of the world’s most celebrated singers. In the documentary, Bocelli recalls how an unfortunate soccer accident during his childhood resulted in complete blindness.
As a child, Bocelli struggled with severe myopia and had already undergone numerous surgeries for congenital glaucoma. “I was extremely short-sighted, able to see only up close,” Bocelli explains in the film. “I vividly remember the world as it was then—its colors and details. Those memories are unforgettable.”
Bocelli’s brother, Alberto, provides additional context, describing the intense medical struggles Andrea faced early on. “When Andrea was just 3 and a half, he had 13 surgeries in Turin,” Alberto recounts. “It was an excruciating experience.”
By the age of seven, Andrea was sent to a specialized boarding school for the visually impaired, as local schools were unable to accommodate him. Alberto shares that visits were infrequent and the separation was difficult for young Andrea. “He would come home only during holidays, and we visited him once a month. Those were the worst times for him,” Alberto reflects.
The situation took a tragic turn when Andrea was 12. While at boarding school, he was playing soccer as a goalkeeper—a role he had never played before. “A soccer ball struck me in the face. I was hit with such force that it caused a hemorrhage,” Bocelli recounts. “That incident led to my complete loss of sight. From that moment, darkness fell.”
Directed by Cosima Spender, ‘Andrea Bocelli: Because I Believe’ not only tracks Bocelli’s rise to fame but also showcases his enduring passion for music through a blend of interviews, archival footage, and informal gatherings. The documentary paints a portrait of resilience and dedication, offering fans a deeper understanding of Bocelli’s extraordinary life and career.