Franz Schutz

Ibelin is a touching story that will break and heal your heart. Several times, tears flowed from within me as I was deeply moved by this remarkable tale. Ibelin (Mat Steen) was born with Duchenne, a muscle-wasting disease that progressively weakened him, leaving him wheelchair-bound and eventually only able to control a custom mouse and keyboard with his fingers. His condition led to a life devoid of personal connections or friends, and in later years, he never left the house, partly due to shame and the fear of being treated differently. However, Ibelin discovered the World of Warcraft, an online multiplayer world where Duchenne didn't define him. In this virtual realm, he was a handsome and strong warrior, a private investigator, free to run, swim, and fight dragons. Within this world, he found equality, forming friendships, falling in love, and even impacting people's real lives. He joined a Guild, a family of friends and comrades, and this world became his life. I highly recommend this amazing documentary; please don't miss it!