Sony Pictures Classics has released the U.S. trailer and two striking posters for I’m Still Here, marking a long-awaited return for acclaimed Brazilian director Walter Salles. Known for Central Station and The Motorcycle Diaries, Salles delves into Brazil’s traumatic history under military dictatorship, bringing to life a family’s story of survival, love, and loss.
Set in 1971, I’m Still Here is based on the true events surrounding the Paiva family during one of Brazil’s darkest eras. The film follows Eunice Paiva and her five children, whose lives are torn apart when her husband, former congressman Rubens Paiva, is taken by the government for “questioning” and never returns. As Eunice struggles to provide for her children and make sense of Rubens’s disappearance, she becomes a symbol of resilience against oppression.
The story draws from Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s biographical book, which documents not only his father’s disappearance but also Brazil’s collective struggle with “the disappeared”—thousands of citizens who vanished during military regimes across Latin America in the 20th century. Salles’s return to cinema with this story has been highly anticipated, premiering at prestigious festivals such as Venice and New York, where it received praise for its raw portrayal of familial strength amidst political terror.
The film stars Fernanda Torres as Eunice, joined by Selton Mello and the legendary Fernanda Montenegro, whose performances add depth and intensity to this heartbreaking tale. Through Salles’s unique directorial approach, viewers experience the Paiva family’s resilience, set against a period that remains hauntingly relevant in today’s political climate. The posters reflect this, capturing a mother’s quiet defiance and her family’s pain, hinting at the emotional journey ahead.
With Sony Classics set to release I’m Still Here in U.S. theaters in January 2025, the film not only promises an emotional narrative but also a stirring visual reminder of a generation’s resilience. As viewers, we’re reminded that history’s lessons remain vital today.
I’m Still Here promises to be more than just a historical drama; it’s a tribute to those who resisted and survived. Through Salles’s direction and the cast’s compelling performances, it’s poised to bring Brazil’s past to international audiences, reigniting discussions about the fight for justice and memory in societies worldwide. It stands as both a work of art and a call to remember.
Walter Salles’s films often weave the personal and the political seamlessly, and I’m Still Here seems to embody that tradition brilliantly. From the trailer and posters, the film appears not only visually compelling but also deeply emotional, showcasing the strength of Eunice Paiva in a way that resonates with anyone familiar with political injustices. It’s evident that Salles has crafted this story with great sensitivity, honoring the pain of those who lost loved ones under oppressive regimes. Personally, I’m excited to see Fernanda Torres and Fernanda Montenegro bring these characters to life. Their portrayals, combined with Salles’s direction, promise a film that doesn’t just tell a story but moves the audience. I’m Still Here looks set to remind us all of the importance of resilience, memory, and justice.
What impact do you think films based on real historical events have on our understanding of history? Do they shape our perspective on modern political struggles?
