The Take Oscar-nominated film 'I’m Still Here' confronts Brazil’s past
Feb 28, 2025
Mauricio Savarese, an Associated Press reporter based in São Paulo, provides insights into the Oscar-nominated film I'm Still Here, which tackles Brazil's dark history of forced disappearances during its military dictatorship. He discusses the emotional weight of the film and its cultural significance in Brazil, sparking national pride amid trauma. The conversation dives into the story of the Paiva family, reflecting on resilience against repression, and examines the film's potential impact on Brazil's political landscape under Jair Bolsonaro.
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Private Tragedy Sparks National Conversation
- The film I'm Still Here turned a private family tragedy into a national conversation about Brazil's dictatorship.
- Mauricio Savarese says its nomination brought five million viewers and broadened public engagement with that history.
The Paiva Family's Public Loss
- Rubens Paiva, a former congressman, was taken from his Rio home in 1971 and never seen again.
- Mauricio Savarese recounts how his disappearance became emblematic of the dictatorship's unchecked power.
Eunice Paiva's Relentless Fight
- Eunice Paiva fought for a death certificate and to keep the family functioning after her husband's disappearance.
- Mauricio Savarese says Fernanda Torres's portrayal transformed Eunice from a lesser-known figure into a central, admired character.
