This film was created for BBC StoryWorks in collaboration with Chiesi as part of a global branded documentary series exploring human resilience and innovation in healthcare. Conceived, directed, and edited by our team, the project was developed to bring audiences into the everyday realities of people living with rare diseases through intimate, character-driven storytelling.

 

The documentary follows Michael in Italy and Abrar in Saudi Arabia, two individuals who have never met but are connected through their shared experience of living with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare and extremely painful genetic skin condition in which even the lightest touch can cause severe blistering and tearing of the skin. Through parallel portraits across continents, the film offers a deeply personal insight into the daily realities, physical challenges, and emotional resilience required to navigate life with EB.

Audiences are invited to spend a day alongside both subjects, witnessing the routines, precautions, and moments of perseverance that shape their lives. From medical care and pain management to family relationships and social interaction, the film reveals the complexity of living with a condition that remains largely invisible and misunderstood by the wider public.

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At its core, the documentary is not solely about illness, but about empowerment, dignity, and the universal desire to live a meaningful and connected life despite extraordinary circumstances. Through authentic conversations and observational storytelling, viewers gain an understanding of the importance of awareness, support systems, and medical innovation in improving quality of life for people living with rare diseases.

The film ultimately leaves audiences with a powerful sense of empathy and admiration for Michael and Abrar’s resilience, while highlighting the importance of representation and visibility for rare disease communities around the world.