The Brazilian film “Ainda Estou Aqui (I’m Still Here)” has achieved a historic milestone by winning the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film on March 2, 2025.
Directed by Walter Salles and starring Fernanda Torres, the film tells the harrowing story of Brazil’s military dictatorship (1964–1985) through the lens of one family’s tragedy.
Based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s autobiographical book, it recounts the disappearance and death of his father, Rubens Paiva, a congressman tortured and killed by the regime.
Set during Brazil’s “Years of Lead” (1968–1974), the film focuses on Eunice Paiva (played by Torres), wife of Rubens Paiva. Rubens, a federal deputy, was arrested in 1971 after opposing the dictatorship and never seen again.
Eunice’s fight to raise her five children while pursuing justice for her husband anchors the film’s emotional narrative. The story also highlights her activism as a lawyer advocating for indigenous rights.
The dictatorship, supported by Cold War-era U.S. interests, suppressed dissent with censorship, torture, and extrajudicial killings. Brazil’s National Truth Commission estimates that over 434 people were killed or disappeared during this period.
Brazil’s Historic Oscar Win
Walter Salles’ direction received widespread acclaim for its historical accuracy and emotional resonance. Known for films like Central do Brasil (Central Station) and Diários de Motocicleta (The Motorcycle Diaries), Salles masterfully blends personal stories with societal issues.
His naturalistic cinematography and period-accurate settings immerse viewers in 1970s Brazil, capturing the era’s oppressive atmosphere. Fernanda Torres’ portrayal of Eunice Paiva earned praise for its understated power, avoiding melodrama while conveying deep resilience.
Brazil’s victory at the Oscars marks a breakthrough for its cinema. Despite previous nominations for films like O Pagador de Promessas (The Given Word, 1962) and Central do Brasil, no Brazilian film had won an Oscar until now.
Released in November 2024, Ainda Estou Aqui grossed R$104.6 million ($17 million) domestically. It earned R$159 million ($27 million) globally, becoming one of Brazil’s highest-grossing films.
The story behind Ainda Estou Aqui resonates beyond cinema. Rubens Paiva’s disappearance symbolizes the brutality of authoritarian regimes, while Eunice Paiva’s resilience represents enduring resistance to injustice—a message that remains relevant today.