A Powerful Film Ignites a Nation’s Reckoning with Its Past
The Oscar-nominated film "I’m Still Here" has become more than just a cinematic masterpiece; it has ignited a national conversation in Brazil about justice, accountability, and the lingering wounds of its military dictatorship. The film tells the harrowing true story of Rubens Paiva, a Brazilian congressman who was brutally murdered by the military regime in 1971. His disappearance and the subsequent cover-up left his family in agony, with his body never found or given a proper burial. The film’s final line—“The five soldiers charged in the killing were never punished because of laws granting them amnesty”—serves as a stark reminder of the historical injustice that has haunted Brazil for decades. Now, the film is playing a role in changing that narrative, as it has inspired unprecedented legal and cultural shifts in the country.
A Historical Injustice and the Power of Art
The film’s release in November 2023 coincided with a turning point in Brazil’s legal history. The Supreme Court unanimously decided to review whether to revoke the amnesty of the army officers accused of killing Rubens Paiva and two others. This decision followed a landmark ruling by Justice Flávio Dino in December, who recommended revoking amnesty protections in a separate dictatorship-era case. Dino explicitly cited "I’m Still Here" in his ruling, recognizing the film’s profound emotional and societal impact. The film has not only Moved millions of Brazilians but has also brought new attention to thednamen cases of those who suffered under the dictatorship. For instance, authorities have revised death certificates to acknowledge that victims were killed by the military, and cold cases are being reopened to investigate connections to the regime.
The film’s success lies in its ability to humanize the plight of one family while resonating with a nation. Marcelo Rubens Paiva, the congressman’s son, inspired the film with his book about his mother’s struggle to uncover the truth about his father’s disappearance. “Brazil still has many open wounds,” Marcelo said, reflecting on the film’s broader impact. “I think this whole movement has made society, especially young people, reflect on what kind of country they want.” The story of Rubens Paiva has transcended political divides, becoming a unifying force in a deeply polarized nation.
A Cultural Phenomenon with Political Teeth
Actor Fernanda Torres, who plays Eunice Paiva, the congressman’s widow, has earned widespread acclaim and an Oscar nomination for her performance. She described the film as a cultural phenomenon that has brought Brazilians together around a shared sense of injustice. “That hasn’t happened in a long time—a cultural phenomenon around which we all agree
