The Brazilian film *I’m Still Here* won the Academy Award for Best International Feature, a historic first for Brazil. Based on the true story of Eunice Paiva during the 1970s military dictatorship, it highlights her fight for justice after her husband’s abduction. Directed by Walter Salles, the film touches on themes of resilience and the ongoing struggle for accountability in Brazil’s history.
The Brazilian drama, I’m Still Here, has achieved a historic milestone by winning the Academy Award for Best International Feature, marking the country’s first Oscar in this category. Set against the backdrop of 1970s Rio de Janeiro during a military dictatorship, the film portrays the poignant true story of Eunice Paiva, whose husband, a former congressman, disappeared after an abduction by military operatives.
Fernanda Torres, who portrays Eunice Paiva, was also nominated for an Oscar for her compelling performance. After her husband’s abduction, Paiva navigated life caring for their five children while seeking justice, and she became an active advocate for indigenous rights in the Amazon region.
Director Walter Salles, upon receiving the award, dedicated it to Eunice Paiva, stating, “This goes to a woman who, after a loss suffered during an authoritarian regime, decided not to bend and to resist.” He also honored the extraordinary contributions of both Fernanda Torres and her mother, the legendary actress Fernanda Montenegro, who also plays a role in the film.
The film adapts Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s autobiographical novel, Ainda Estou Aqui, which reflects on the legacies of the past military regime. Working closely with Salles, Paiva brought forth a narrative that serves as both a historical reconstruction and a commentary on contemporary issues, emphasizing the importance of remembrance in the face of adversity.
This past January, Torres highlighted in her Golden Globe acceptance speech how the film resonates in today’s climate of fear, stating, “with so much fear, this is a film that helps us to think how to survive in tough times like these.” The movie has not only excelled at the box office but has also instigated discussions regarding Brazil’s turbulent history under dictatorship.
Currently, I’m Still Here is being screened amid pressing sociopolitical tensions, as former president Jair Bolsonaro faces various charges related to undermining democratic processes. With protestors demanding accountability for the atrocities of the past, public rallies have adopted the film’s title in Portuguese, emphasizing the continued fight for justice for victims like Eunice Paiva’s husband, raising awareness about the need for reparations and transparency.
In summary, *I’m Still Here* signifies a landmark achievement for Brazil, illustrating the deeply personal and political narratives of its history. The film not only celebrates the resilience of Eunice Paiva but also resonates with contemporary struggles against authoritarianism. Torres’ Golden Globe remarks underline the film’s relevance, while discussions around accountability persist, reflecting an ongoing quest for justice in Brazil’s complex sociopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.wvia.org
