Synopsis 'I’M STILL HERE', Brazilian Film that Won Best International Feature Film at the Oscars 2025

Kapanlagi.com - Set in the 1970s, the film I’M STILL HERE takes us back to the time of the military dictatorship in Brazil from 1964-1985. The film tells the story of the Paiva family, consisting of a husband and wife, Rubens (Selton Mello) and Eunice (Fernanda Torres), and their five children who have a harmonious and joyful life.

The happy days they experience slowly change when the car Vera is riding in is stopped by authorities on her way home with her friends, creating a tense situation. The troubling situation in Brazil starts to become apparent through several events that follow. Until one day, the authorities come to the Paiva family's home and take Rubens for questioning.

Rubens' departure at the hands of the authorities marks the beginning of Eunice and her five children's journey. Eunice's strong character and her efforts to protect her children draw us into the emotional scenes of the story. Furthermore, this film is adapted from the autobiographical novel by Marcelo Rubens Paiva titled Ainda estou aqui, published in 2015, which brings the journey of the Paiva family back to life.

1. Military Dictatorship and a Mother's Struggle

(Credit Image: youtube.com/@SonyPicturesClassics)

The harmony of the Paiva family was shattered when the father was forcibly taken by military personnel from their home located on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro beach. Rubens' sudden departure raised questions for his family and relatives. The authorities did not clearly inform where they took Rubens, leaving the family confused about his condition at that time.

Not wanting to drown in sorrow, Eunice tried to appear strong in front of her children while continuing to seek information about her husband's whereabouts. Eunice's struggle for justice involved approaching the authorities and seeking media assistance at that time to garner public response and refusing to forget what had happened to her husband and their family, which deeply touched the hearts of the audience.

2. Based on a True Story of Rubens Paivan

(Credit Image: youtube.com/@SonyPicturesClassics)

I'M STILL HERE adapted from the book by Marcelo Rubens Paiva, the son of Rubens Paiva who became a victim of the Brazilian military dictatorship. In his book titled Ainda estou aqui, Rubens recounts the situation in Brazil under dictatorial rule from 1964-1985, which garnered much criticism from Brazilian society. Marcelo is seen as exposing the shame of his country and unable to forget the past.

The story presented in this autobiographical book caught the attention of Walter Salles, who then turned it into a film on the same topic. The premiere of I'M STILL HERE at the Venice Film Festival 2024 attracted public attention, leading to its victory in the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards (Oscars 2025).

3. Print History as the First Brazilian Film Winner of Best International Feature Film at the Oscars 2025

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Every year since 1960, Brazil has sent films to the international film category, and has received five nominations, namely KEEPER OF PROMISES (1962), O QUATRILHO (1995), FOUR DAYS IN SEPTEMBER (1997), and CENTRAL STATION (1998) until finally I'M STILL HERE made history for Brazilian cinema and successfully defeated EMILIA P�REZ from France, THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE from Denmark, THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG from Germany, and FLOW from Latvia.

This award was received by director Walter Salles, and in his speech, he felt honored to receive the award and fortunate to be among an extraordinary group of filmmakers. In his speech, Salles also said, "This award is for a woman who, after suffering many losses during the authoritarian regime, decided not to give up and to keep fighting. And also for two extraordinary women who brought that character to life, Fernanda Torres, and Fernanda Montenegro."

(kpl/ute)