I'm Still Here (2024)

 

Ainda Estou Aqui
Directed by	Walter Salles
Screenplay by	Murilo Hauser, Heitor Lorega
Based on	I'm Still Here by Marcelo Rubens Paiva
Produced by	Maria Carlota Bruno, Rodrigo Teixeira, Martine de Clermont-Tonnerre
Starring	Fernanda Torres, Selton Mello, Fernanda Montenegro
Cinematography	Adrian Teijido
Edited by	Affonso Gonçalves
Music by	Warren Ellis
Production companies	VideoFilmes, RT Features, MACT Productions, Arte France Cinéma, Conspiração, Globoplay
Distributed by	Sony Pictures Releasing (Brazil), StudioCanal (France)
Release dates	1 September 2024 (Venice) 7 November 2024 (Brazil) 15 January 2025 (France)
Running time	136 minutes
Countries	Brazil, France
Language	Portuguese
Budget	R$8 million (US$1.48 million)
Box office	US$15.4 million

I'm Still Here (2024)

I'm Still Here (Ainda Estou Aqui) - A Gripping Political Biopic

I'm Still Here (Portuguese: Ainda Estou Aqui) is a 2024 political biographical drama film directed by Walter Salles. The screenplay, written by Murilo Hauser and Heitor Lorega, is based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva's 2015 memoir. The film stars Fernanda Torres and Fernanda Montenegro as Eunice Paiva, a mother and activist dealing with the forced disappearance of her husband, politician Rubens Paiva, during Brazil's military dictatorship.

Critical Acclaim & Box Office Success

Premiering at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on 1 September 2024, I'm Still Here received unanimous critical acclaim, winning the Best Screenplay award. Despite attempts by the Brazilian far-right to boycott the film, it grossed $15.4 million on a $1.5 million budget, making it the highest-grossing Brazilian film since the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the 82nd Golden Globe Awards, Fernanda Torres won Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama, while the film received nominations for Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globes, Critics' Choice Movie Awards, and BAFTAs. At the 97th Academy Awards, the film made history as the first Brazilian-produced film nominated for Best Picture, along with nods for Best International Feature Film and Best Actress (Torres).

Plot Overview

Set in 1970, I'm Still Here follows Rubens Paiva, a former congressman, who returns to Rio de Janeiro after six years of self-exile following the 1964 Brazilian coup d'état. While continuing his civil career, he discreetly supports political expatriates. After the Swiss ambassador is kidnapped by leftist movements, the military raids Paiva’s home, leading to his arrest and disappearance in January 1971.

Eunice Paiva, determined to uncover the truth, publicly demands answers, leading to her own arrest and torture. Their teenage daughter, Eliana, is briefly imprisoned. The film then moves to 1996, when Eunice receives Rubens’ official death certificate from the Brazilian government. In 2014, now suffering from Alzheimer’s, she is reminded of her past as a news report discusses Brazil’s National Truth Commission.

Outstanding Performances

Fernanda Torres delivers an emotionally charged performance as Eunice Paiva, with veteran actress Fernanda Montenegro portraying Eunice in her later years. Critics widely praised Torres’ deeply moving portrayal, calling it one of the year’s best performances.

Rotten Tomatoes: 95% approval rating | Metacritic: Score of 86/100

Jessica Kiang of Variety wrote: "Classical in form but radical in empathy, I'm Still Here poignantly explores a nation's upheaval through one family's search for answers." Wendy Ide of Screen Daily called Torres’ performance "magnificent and intricately layered."

Production & Release

Filmed in Rio de Janeiro, I'm Still Here was produced by RT Features, VideoFilmes, and Globoplay, in collaboration with international studios. Sony Pictures acquired distribution rights for several regions, including North America, Australia, and Europe.

The film had an awards-qualifying run in Brazil before its nationwide release on 7 November 2024. It debuted in France on 15 January 2025 and premiered in the United States with a limited release on 17 January 2025, expanding further on 14 February 2025.

A Landmark in Brazilian Cinema

With its powerful storytelling, historical significance, and Torres’ remarkable performance, I'm Still Here has secured its place as one of the most critically acclaimed Brazilian films ever. Its Oscar nomination for Best Picture marks a historic milestone, shining a light on Brazil's turbulent past and the resilience of those who fought for justice.

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