Film based on book by Marcelo Rubens Paiva portrays the life of Eunice Paiva, mother of the author, whose husband disappeared after being taken by military during the dictatorship
Walter Salles won the Oscar for Best International Film with the work “I’m Still Here”, at a ceremony held in Los Angeles. This award marks a historic moment, being the first time Brazil has been laureate in this category, after four previous nominations. The film, which addresses Eunice Paiva’s struggle after the loss of her husband during an authoritarian regime, stood out between productions from countries such as Denmark, Germany, Latvia and France.
During his acceptance speech, Salles paid a special tribute to Eunice Paiva, highlighting her strength and resilience in the face of the adversities faced. The narrative of the film revolves around the disappearance of Rubens Paiva, husband of Eunice, an emblematic episode of the Brazilian military dictatorship. The work not only won the award for best international film, but also received nominations in other categories, including best film and best actress, with Fernanda Torres. The film is based on the book of the same name by Marcelo Rubens Paiva, son of Eunice.
“I’m still here” stands out for his sensitive and impactful approach to a dark period in the history of Brazil. Fernanda Torres’ performance was widely praised, contributing to the visibility of the film in a fierce competition. Salles’s victory is a recognition not only of his talent, but also of the importance of telling stories that reflect the struggle for justice and memory.
With this achievement, Brazilian cinema gains a new impetus on the international scene, showing that local narratives can resonate globally. Salles’s work not only entertains, but also provokes reflections on history and human rights, reaffirming the relevance of cinema as a form of resistance and cultural expression.
Published by Felipe Dantas
*Report produced with the aid of AI
