Ainda Estou Aqui (I’m Still Here): The Brazilian Film Making History in 2025

The True Story Behind Ainda Estou Aqui (I’m Still Here)

Adapted from the autobiographical novel by Marcelo Rubens Paiva, the Brazilian feature film Ainda Estou Aqui (I’m Still Here) tells the tragic story of the kidnapping and murder of civil engineer Rubens Paiva in 1971, in Rio de Janeiro, at the hands of agents of the Brazilian military dictatorship.

International Success and Critical Acclaim

Released in November 2024, Ainda Estou Aqui (I’m Still Here) has been acclaimed by audiences and critics alike, both in Brazil and worldwide, earning numerous awards. The film, directed by Walter Salles, set box office records in several countries and was a standout at major festivals, including the Venice Film Festival, Rotterdam, Miami, New Mexico Film Critics, Palm Springs International Film Festival, Satellite Awards, Goya Awards, Dorian Awards, and the Philadelphia Film Festival.

Golden Globe and Oscar Nominations

Making history, Ainda Estou Aqui (I’m Still Here) won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama, thanks to Fernanda Torres’ outstanding performance. Notably, her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, was nominated in the same category in 1999 for Central do Brasil, also directed by Walter Salles.

At the 2025 Academy Awards, Ainda Estou Aqui (I’m Still Here) is nominated in three major categories: Best International Film, Best Picture, and Best Actress. Regardless of the outcome, the film has already cemented its place as a modern classic of Brazilian cinema.

A Masterpiece of Technical and Narrative Excellence

With flawless technical, narrative, and dramatic elements, Ainda Estou Aqui (I’m Still Here) masterfully blends technology and art. The film’s setting in Rio de Janeiro is meticulously crafted, immersing viewers in the 1970s era through its cinematography and detailed production design. The use of aged film aesthetics and period-accurate props transports the audience directly to the time of Brazil’s military regime.

The Historical Context of Rubens Paiva’s Story

Rubens Paiva was elected federal deputy for the Brazilian Labour Party in 1962. However, following the military coup in 1964, his mandate was revoked, forcing him into exile in Yugoslavia and France. He returned to Brazil a few months later, but political repression intensified with the implementation of Institutional Act No. 5 (AI-5) on December 13, 1968. This act granted the government absolute power, suspended individual rights such as habeas corpus, shut down Congress, and legitimized censorship and political persecution.

Walter Salles’ Brilliant Storytelling Approach

Walter Salles expertly uses the film’s first act to introduce the Paiva family while depicting Brazil’s heightened political repression. Living in a beachfront home in Leblon, Rubens, his wife Eunice, and their five children enjoyed a stable financial situation and had plans to build a larger house elsewhere.

The film’s early scenes are filled with light and vibrant colors, depicting family interactions, outings, and joyful moments at the beach and home. Salles immerses the audience in this warm and intimate family environment, making the eventual tragedy even more poignant.

The Psychological and Emotional Impact of Character Development

Character development plays a crucial role in the audience’s emotional connection with the Paiva family. When government agents arrive to take Rubens for questioning, the sense of unease felt by Eunice and the children is palpable.

Some of the agents remain in the house after Rubens’ departure, drawing the curtains—a simple act that takes on a much deeper, sinister meaning. Darkness becomes a symbolic element of fear and uncertainty, transforming the film from a historical drama into a psychological thriller with elements of suspense and even horror.

Eunice Paiva’s Painful Ordeal

Eunice Paiva and one of her daughters are also taken for questioning. This marks one of the most harrowing moments of the film. Held for twelve days and subjected to psychological torture, Eunice was unable to obtain any information about Rubens’ whereabouts while fearing for her own life.

The Power of Psychological Horror Over Physical Violence

Without explicitly depicting physical torture, Ainda Estou Aqui (I’m Still Here) is deeply unsettling. The film proves that psychological horror can be even more disturbing than physical violence. As Eunice is blindfolded and repeatedly led through the corridors of the detention center, hearing distant screams, the tension is far more impactful than any graphic portrayal of violence could be.

Eunice Paiva’s Legacy

After her release, Eunice decides to relocate her family to São Paulo. She studies law and becomes one of Brazil’s most prominent human rights activists, also advocating for indigenous rights. She passed away in 2018 after battling Alzheimer’s disease in her final years.

A Universal Story of Justice and Memory

Ainda Estou Aqui (I’m Still Here) is more than just a film—it is a tribute to Eunice and the Paiva family’s relentless pursuit of justice for Rubens Paiva. Their story mirrors the struggles of countless other families who suffered persecution, imprisonment, torture, and loss under the dictatorship.

Fernanda Torres’ Award-Winning Performance

While Ainda Estou Aqui (I’m Still Here) is centered on Eunice Paiva, every member of the cast delivers compelling performances. Fernanda Torres, winner of the 2025 Golden Globe, offers one of the most powerful performances in Brazilian cinema. Her ability to express silent anguish—holding back tears while maintaining strength for her children—adds emotional depth to the film. In the final moments of the story, legendary actress Fernanda Montenegro takes on the role of Eunice in her later years, delivering an equally moving performance.

A Landmark for Brazilian Cinema

With an impeccable production team, Ainda Estou Aqui (I’m Still Here) has rightfully earned its place among the Oscar nominees. This historic achievement is a source of pride for Brazilian cinema enthusiasts. Most importantly, it tells a real story of a family torn apart by an oppressive regime, serving as a reminder that democracy must always be defended and preserved.

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