Brazil’s “I’m Still Here” has won the Academy Award for Best International Feature, marking the country’s first win in this category. The film is based on Eunice Paiva’s true story during Brazil’s military dictatorship. Fernanda Torres stars as Eunice, portraying her journey for justice after her husband’s abduction. The film has resonated deeply with Brazilian audiences and has prompted discussions about historical accountability amidst ongoing political tensions.
The Brazilian film “I’m Still Here” has achieved a historic milestone by winning the Academy Award for Best International Feature, marking the first occasion for Brazil to receive this honor. The film tells the poignant true story of Eunice Paiva, set against the backdrop of 1970s Rio de Janeiro during a military dictatorship.
Actress Fernanda Torres, nominated for an Oscar for her performance as Eunice Paiva, portrays the struggles of a woman whose husband, Rubens Paiva, was forcibly disappeared by military operatives in 1971. Following his abduction, Eunice became a tireless advocate for justice and supported indigenous rights in the Amazon.
While accepting the award, director Walter Salles dedicated it to Eunice Paiva, acknowledging her resilience in the face of loss. He stated, “This goes to a woman who, after a loss suffered during an authoritarian regime, decided not to bend and to resist.” Salles also honored the actresses portraying Eunice, naming both Fernanda Torres and her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, who plays an older version of the character in the film.
Adapted from Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s autobiographical novel “Ainda Estou Aqui,” the film captures the historical and personal memories of the Paiva family. Salles expressed that it provided a framework to depict their memories and the broader history of Brazil, recognizing its relevance to contemporary issues as well.
At the Golden Globe awards, Fernanda Torres remarked, “With so much fear, this is a film that helps us to think how to survive in tough times like these,” highlighting the movie’s thematic depth. The film has resonated with Brazilian audiences, breaking previous box office records and engaging with the ongoing conversation surrounding the nation’s past dictatorship.
The film is being screened amid allegations against former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is facing charges related to his attempts to undermine Brazil’s democratic processes. Activists, inspired by Eunice Paiva’s legacy, have been advocating for justice for victims of the military dictatorship, seeking accountability for those responsible for such crimes. They recently chanted the film’s title, “Ainda Estou Aqui,” during protests against former military officers connected to historical injustices.
In summary, “I’m Still Here” has not only made history by winning Brazil’s first Academy Award for Best International Feature but has also ignited conversations surrounding the nation’s authoritarian past. The film serves as a tribute to resilience, highlighting Eunice Paiva’s fight for justice while connecting with contemporary political dialogues in Brazil. The achievements of Fernanda Torres and the historical significance encapsulated in the film make it a pivotal piece of cinema that reflects both personal and national narratives.
Original Source: www.wvia.org
