What's happened
The Brazilian film 'I'm Still Here' won the Oscar for Best International Feature at the 97th Academy Awards, marking a historic moment for Brazil. Directed by Walter Salles, the film tells the story of Eunice Paiva's search for her husband, a victim of the military dictatorship. The win has sparked celebrations and discussions about Brazil's past.
What's behind the headline?
Cultural Impact
- The win of 'I'm Still Here' is significant not just for its artistic merit but also for its role in addressing historical injustices in Brazil.
- The film's narrative resonates with ongoing struggles against authoritarianism, making it relevant in today's political climate.
Political Context
- The film's recognition coincides with a growing awareness in Brazil about the need for justice regarding past human rights abuses.
- Activists hope that the film will encourage a deeper examination of Brazil's military past and its implications for current governance.
Future Implications
- The success of 'I'm Still Here' may lead to increased support for initiatives aimed at uncovering the truth about past disappearances and holding perpetrators accountable.
- This Oscar win could inspire similar narratives in cinema, promoting a culture of remembrance and resistance against oppression.
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, 'I'm Still Here' is celebrated for its emotional depth and political significance, with Fernanda Torres, who plays Eunice Paiva, emphasizing the film's role in confronting Brazil's past. The Independent highlights the film's impact on public consciousness, noting that it has sparked discussions about accountability for the military dictatorship's crimes. Both sources agree on the film's potential to drive social change, with The Guardian stating that it represents a 'powerful tool' for memory and justice in Brazil.
How we got here
The film 'I'm Still Here' is based on the true story of Eunice Paiva, whose husband was forcibly disappeared during Brazil's military dictatorship. Its success at the Oscars has reignited conversations about accountability and justice for victims of state violence in Brazil.
Go deeper
- What is the significance of the film's Oscar win?
- How has the film impacted discussions about Brazil's past?
- What are the reactions from the public and activists?
More on these topics
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Walter Moreira Salles Júnior is a Brazilian filmmaker. A major figure of the Resumption Cinema in Brazil, Salles is widely regarded as one of the greatest Brazilian filmmakers of all time.
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Fernanda Pinheiro Monteiro Torres is a Brazilian actress and writer, known for both her comedic and dramatic roles. Born in Rio de Janeiro to actors Fernando Torres and Fernanda Montenegro, she has received numerous awards, including the Cannes Film Festi
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Jair Messias Bolsonaro is a Brazilian politician and retired military officer who has been the 38th president of Brazil since 1 January 2019.
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Jacques Audiard is a French film director, producer, and screenwriter. He is the son of Michel Audiard, also a film director and screenwriter.
