Oscar to Brazilian History: "I’m Still Here" as a Testament to Memory, Resistance, and Defiance

In a historic moment for Brazilian cinema, Walter Salles’ "I’m Still Here" (Ainda Estou Aqui) won the Oscar for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards. The film, which delves into the harrowing realities of Brazil’s military dictatorship (1964–1985), has been hailed not only as a cinematic masterpiece but also as a powerful political statement against authoritarianism and state violence. Its victory amplifies the voices of those who resisted dictatorship and serves as a stark warning against the dangers of authoritarianism.
Revisiting a Dark Chapter: Cinema Meets History

Between 1969 and 1974, Brazil was gripped by a brutal military dictatorship under President Emílio Garrastazu Medici—a period widely regarded as the most terror-stricken in the nation’s history. During these years, the regime imposed strict controls on political activities, enforced harsh censorship, and brutally suppressed any opposition. Arrests, torture, and massacres became commonplace, leaving an indelible mark on the collective memory of the country.
Set against this grim backdrop, the film chronicles the harrowing realities of the early 1970s—a family drama steeped in politics and heartbreak. Based on true events surrounding the disappearance of Rubens Paiva, a member of the Brazilian Socialist Party, the film follows Eunice Paiva’s courageous struggle after her husband is forcibly taken from his home in Rio de Janeiro. Portrayed by Fernanda Torres, Eunice emerges as a determined and resilient figure, left to raise their five children alone. Meanwhile, Zelton Melo’s portrayal of Rubens powerfully symbolizes the regime’s ruthless cruelty—a cruelty that saw thousands tortured, killed, and forcibly disappeared for daring to oppose its rule.
Before their capture, Rubens and Eunice had enjoyed a joyful family life, though the oppressive military rule steadily revealed the vulnerability of their security. Hoping to secure a better future, they planned to leave Brazil and settle abroad. Their plans were violently disrupted when three men unexpectedly arrived at their home and took Rubens away. He was never seen again. In the aftermath, soldiers detained Eunice and her daughter for questioning, subjecting them to days of detention, mental torture, and invasive inquiries into alleged terrorist connections. With no formal arrest record and amid the regime’s deliberate suppression of information regarding his whereabouts, authorities took no steps to investigate Rubens' vanishing. Resolute, Eunice began investigating her partner’s fate while shouldering the full responsibility for her family.

Walter Salles, director of "I’m Still Here," is well-known for his politically charged films like "Central Station" and "The Motorcycle Diaries." In this film, he explores one of Brazil's darkest periods, revealing the heavy human cost of authoritarian rule. He powerfully depicts Eunice’s struggle to keep her family together after her husband, Rubens, is taken away. The film’s title is a poignant reminder of the resilience of those who survived the dictatorship and continue to fight for justice. It also rebukes the forces of historical revisionism that have attempted to whitewash the crimes of the dictatorship. In recent years, far-right politicians and military apologists have attempted to portray the dictatorship as a “necessary” period of stability and economic growth, downplaying or outright denying its human rights abuses. I’m Still Here challenges this narrative by centering the voices of the victims and their families.
A Victory for the Brazilian Left

The Oscar win has been celebrated as a victory not just for Brazilian cinema but for the Brazilian left, which has long fought to preserve the memory of the dictatorship’s victims and hold its perpetrators accountable. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a former political prisoner himself, hailed the film’s success as a testament to the strength of Brazilian culture and democracy. “Today is a day to feel even prouder to be Brazilian. Proud of our cinema, our artists, and, above all, our democracy,” Lula said in a statement.
Lula’s words carry particular weight given his own history of resistance to authoritarianism. As a trade union leader in the 1970s, Lula was imprisoned by the dictatorship for organizing strikes and advocating for workers’ rights. His election in 2002 as Brazil’s first working-class president was seen as a triumph for the left and a repudiation of the neoliberal policies that had deepened inequality in the country. However, the rise of Jair Bolsonaro, a former army captain who openly praised the dictatorship, represented a stark reversal for the Brazilian left. Bolsonaro’s presidency was marked by attacks on democratic institutions, environmental destruction, and the glorification of the military regime.
The Oscar win for "I’m Still Here" comes at a critical moment for Brazil, as the country continues to grapple with the legacy of the dictatorship and the threat of far-right authoritarianism. The film’s success is a reminder of the importance of art in the struggle for social justice and historical memory. As Salles said in his acceptance speech, “This film is not just about the past; it is about the present and the future. It is a call to action to defend democracy and human rights, not just in Brazil but around the world.”
The Role of Women in the Resistance

One of the most powerful aspects of "I’m Still Here" is its focus on the role of women in the resistance to the dictatorship. Eunice Paiva, played by Fernanda Torres, is portrayed not as a passive victim but as a resilient and determined fighter who refuses to be silenced. Her story is emblematic of the countless women who took on leadership roles in the struggle against the dictatorship, often at great personal risk.
The film also highlights the broader role of women in the Brazilian left, from grassroots activists to political leaders. Dilma Rousseff, Brazil’s first female president and a former guerrilla fighter who was tortured during the dictatorship, praised the film as a “well-deserved tribute to our cinema and our history.” She further stated, “This is a recognition of the strength of Brazilian culture and a victory for all those who continue to fight for democracy and against fascism.”
During his acceptance speech, Walter Salles added a personal tribute to this resilient spirit:"A woman who decided that she would never submit to an authoritarian regime, and another woman who gave her life for her—this award belongs to them.'
A Global Message Against Authoritarianism

While "I’m Still Here" is deeply rooted in Brazilian history, its message resonates far beyond the country’s borders. In an era of rising authoritarianism and far-right extremism, the film serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of unchecked state power and the importance of resistance. From the United States to Hungary to India, democratic institutions are under threat, and the lessons of Brazil’s dictatorship are more relevant than ever.
The film’s Oscar win is also a testament to the power of international solidarity. In the 1970s and 1980s, the Brazilian left received crucial support from activists and artists around the world, who helped expose the crimes of the dictatorship and pressure the regime to release political prisoners. Today, as Brazil continues to reckon with the shadows of its authoritarian past, the global recognition of I’m Still Here stands as a powerful testament to the universal fight for justice and democracy—a struggle that transcends borders and generations.