In Los Angeles, on a celebratory Sunday, the Brazilian film “I’m Still Here” marked a historic win by clinching the Oscar in the international film category. Directed by Walter Salles, the film centers on the harrowing true story of a Brazilian family shattered by the military dictatorship that gripped Brazil for over 20 years. This poignant movie brought home Brazil’s first Oscar win in this category.
The narrative unfolds with Fernanda Torres taking on the role of Eunice Paiva, the resilient wife of Rubens Paiva. Rubens, a former left-wing congressman, was forcibly removed from his family’s Rio de Janeiro home in 1971 at the height of the military dictatorship, never to return. Salles honored Eunice Paiva’s courage in his acceptance speech, alongside praising Torres’ performance. The film also featured Fernanda Montenegro, daughter of one of Brazil’s greatest stars, who portrayed an older version of Eunice towards the movie’s end.
During his acceptance speech, Salles poignantly emphasized, “This award is dedicated to a woman who chose to resist in the face of unimaginable loss under an authoritarian regime. This is for her.” The audience responded with a standing ovation, acknowledging both the film’s tribute and the actresses’ remarkable portrayals. Furthermore, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his pride in a social media post, highlighting the moment as one of pride for Brazilian cinema, artists, and democracy.
In a parallel celebration, the news of the win reverberated through the lively ambiance of Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, where Carnival festivities were underway. The announcement of Brazil’s triumph at the Oscars filled the atmosphere with elation, with the crowd cheering and the announcer urging everyone to celebrate this significant achievement.
“I’m Still Here,” adapted from the memoir of Eunice Paiva’s son, Marcelo, sheds light on Eunice’s life — a mother of five who navigates and rebuilds her family in the absence of her husband and without concrete answers about his whereabouts. The movie paints a vivid picture of political resilience through steadfast endurance, resonating with universal themes of overcoming adversity and standing against injustice.
Walter Salles reflected on how the film appeals to global audiences who might be unfamiliar with Brazil’s dictatorship due to its intrinsic message of resilience and hope in the face of adversity, adding, “It’s a film about embracing life despite the odds, offering hope. Perhaps this approach allows people to connect to the story as it underscores the fragility of democracy around the globe.”
A memorable scene depicts Eunice and her children, long-affected by Rubens’ absence, posing for a photograph, with Eunice asking them to smile — a poignant act of defiance. Actress Fernanda Torres interpreted this as a symbol of resistance despite the underlying tragedy, quoting Marcelo on Eunice’s view that “We are not the victims. The victim is the country.”
“I’m Still Here” stands as a quintessentially Brazilian story, delivered by the esteemed director Walter Salles, known for “Central Station” and “Motorcycle Diaries.” The film also finds its place among best international film nominees including Denmark’s “The Girl with the Needle,” Germany’s “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” Latvia’s “Flow,” and France’s once-favored but controversial entry, “Emilia Pérez.”
