"I'm Still Here," a Brazilian drama directed by Walter Salles, has captured the hearts of audiences both in Brazil and around the world. Based on the 2015 memoir by Marcelo Paiva, the film recounts the poignant saga of the Paiva family during Brazil's two-decade military dictatorship, which ended in 1985. The narrative unfolds with the disappearance of Rubens Paiva, a former congressman, in 1971, who was taken by military police and never seen again. At the heart of the story is Eunice, portrayed by Fernanda Torres, who must navigate the challenging waters of raising five children while resisting an authoritarian regime.
Salles, whose personal connection to the Paiva family inspired this project, delivers a deeply personal and authentic portrayal of 1970s Brazil. The film's resonance is rooted in its realistic depiction of life under military rule and Eunice's unwavering determination "not to bend to an authoritarian regime, never to allow herself to be portrayed as a victim."
"Forced disappearances were one of the cruellest acts of the regime because you kill one person but condemn all the others to eternal psychological torture." – Eunice (from the film)
Eunice's character stands out for her refusal to succumb to melodrama. Her resilience is epitomized in her reaction to adversity; rather than crying in moments of despair, she chooses to smile, a decision that underscores her strength and defiance.
"Eunice is a character who refused melodrama," – Walter Salles
The film's journey through awards season has been remarkable. It achieved a surprise nomination for best picture, best international film, and best actress for Fernanda Torres. This success can largely be attributed to Torres's star power in Brazil and her substantial social media following. Moreover, the film's release coincided with a period of significant division in Brazil, resonating deeply with a nation grappling with its own democratic challenges.
"When we shot the film, we were already aware that the fragility of democracy was something that wasn't only pertinent to Brazil anymore. It was pertinent to too many countries in the world." – Walter Salles
"I'm Still Here" has become Brazil's highest-grossing homegrown film since the pandemic, with a global box-office haul exceeding $25 million. The film not only resonates with Brazilian audiences but also touches international viewers, reflecting universal themes of resilience and memory.
"I think one of the reasons the film echoed so strongly in Brazil with audiences is because they were embracing the humanity of that family, but they were also seeing a reflection of themselves on the screen, and they were accessing a part of Brazilian history that had been forgotten for too long." – Walter Salles
The film's success is also due to its ability to capture the zeitgeist of Brazil, according to Salles. It provides a platform for reflection on a tumultuous chapter in Brazilian history while offering commentary on contemporary issues facing democracies worldwide.
"this extraordinary idea of whenever they wanted her to cry on camera, she would do the exact opposite, which is to smile" – Walter Salles
Walter Salles highlights that many layers of memory were involved in crafting the narrative, emphasizing his commitment to faithfully represent these experiences. The director's meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout the film, capturing both personal and national histories.
"there were so many layers of memory involved that I wanted to be faithful to" – Walter Salles
The film's release amid political tensions in Brazil added another layer to its impact. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva publicly endorsed "I'm Still Here" on social media, acknowledging its significance and celebrating its contribution to Brazilian cinema.
"I'm so proud! Kisses to Fernanda Torres and Walter Salles" – Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
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