Amid the buzz surrounding the nominations for the 97th Academy Awards, largely driven by Emilia Pérez and its record-breaking 13 nominations, another film caught the attention of cinephiles worldwide.  “I’m Still Here”, a powerful Brazilian drama, has been making waves at international film festivals and is set to become a global box office success.

Directed by Walter Salles, the film has earned three nominations: Best Picture (the most prestigious award of the night), Best International Feature Film, and Best Actress for Fernanda Torres’ performance as the main character. 

SYNOPSIS OF I’M STILL HERE

Based on the 2015 book of the same name by Marcelo Rubens Paiva, I’m Still Here is a gripping historical drama set during Brazil’s military dictatorship (1964-1985). Directed by Walter Salles – known for hits like Central Station, The Motorcycle Diaries, and City of God – the film follows Eunice Paiva, the mother of the author, played by Fernanda Torres. Eunice faces brutal repression by the military regime after her husband, an engineer and former congressman, Rubens Paiva (Selton Mello) is arrested and disappears at the hands of the Armed Forces. 

Through its deeply personal yet universal story, the film explores themes of oppression, resilience, and unsettling. With its raw and emotional storytelling, I’m Still Here serves as a tribute to the families of those who suffered under state violence, keeping their fight for truth and justice alive.

RELEASE DATE OF I’M STILL HERE

The film premiered at the 81st Venice Film Festival on September 1, 2024, where it received a standing ovation for its bold and moving portrayal of history. It was later released in Brazilian theaters on November 7, 2024. Its overwhelming impact quickly turned it into a cultural and political phenomenon, leading to its selection as Brazil’s official entry for the 2025 Academy Awards. It went on to secure a nomination for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars.

CAST OF I’M STILL HERE

• Fernanda Torres as adult Eunice Paiva (between 1971–1996);
• Fernanda Montenegro –  the mother of Fernanda Torres, who was also an Oscar nominee for Best Actress in 1999 for Central Station – as Eunice Paiva in her later years (2014);
• Selton Mello as Rubens Paiva;
• Guilherme Silveira as Marcelo Rubens Paiva (1971);
• Valentina Herszage as Vera Sílvia Paiva (1971);
• Dan Stulbach as Baby Bocaiúva;
• Humberto Carrão as Félix.

TRAILER OF I’M STILL HERE

The Oscars are just around the corner, and I’m Still Here is ready to join the race next to its competitors! At My Family Cinema, we invite you to follow us on social media so you don’t miss a single detail of the awards season.