I’m Still Here: Walter Salles‘ Poignant Return to Brazilian Cinema

Walter Salles, the acclaimed Brazilian director known for his powerful storytelling, makes a compelling return to his native Brazil with the film I’m Still Here (Ainda Estou Aqui), 16 years after his last feature. This film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, is a deeply personal exploration of the impact of Brazil’s military dictatorship on the lives of ordinary families. It serves as a poignant reminder of the scars left by a regime that enforced silence through fear and repression.

A Legacy of Resilience

Salles first gained international recognition with his 1998 film Central Station, which earned an Oscar nomination for the remarkable Fernanda Montenegro. Now in her 90s, Montenegro makes a touching appearance in I’m Still Here, portraying the elderly version of the protagonist, a role that requires her to convey profound emotion through her expressive eyes. This connection is made even more poignant as she embodies the spirit of a woman who has endured unimaginable suffering, played with grace and dignity by Montenegro’s daughter, Fernanda Torres.

The Historical Context

The backdrop of I’m Still Here is the dark period of military dictatorship in Brazil from 1964 to 1985, a time marked by human rights abuses, including torture, murder, and forced disappearances. Many films have tackled this subject, but Salles’ approach is unique in that it focuses on the intimate experiences of a family rather than the broader political landscape. The film serves as a vessel for collective memory, allowing audiences to engage with the emotional weight of history through the lens of personal tragedy.

A Personal Connection

Salles’ investment in the story is deeply personal. He met the Paiva family in the late 1960s and spent significant time in their home, which he credits as foundational to his cultural and political development. This connection infuses the film with vitality, particularly in the early scenes depicting the lively interactions among the five Paiva siblings. Their carefree moments, filled with laughter and music, contrast sharply with the impending darkness that looms over their lives.

The Intrusion of Violence

The film takes a harrowing turn when the family’s sense of security is shattered by the military regime. The eldest daughter, Vera, experiences a chilling encounter at a roadblock, where she and her friends are held at gunpoint. This scene marks the beginning of a series of traumatic events that will forever alter the family’s dynamics. As the narrative unfolds, the audience is drawn into the uncertainty and fear that envelops the Paiva household, mirroring the confusion experienced by the family as they grapple with the disappearance of their patriarch, Rubens.

The Struggle for Survival

Eunice, played by Torres, emerges as the film’s emotional anchor. Her quiet strength and determination to protect her children in the face of overwhelming adversity are portrayed with remarkable nuance. The film captures her harrowing experiences during her own interrogation, where she is subjected to psychological torment while desperately seeking information about her husband. The scenes are raw and unsettling, illustrating the brutal reality faced by countless families during this dark chapter in Brazilian history.

A Journey of Healing

As the narrative progresses, I’m Still Here shifts focus to Eunice’s resilience and her journey of self-reinvention. After enduring the trauma of losing her husband and the subsequent struggles of single motherhood, she becomes a symbol of quiet heroism. The film highlights her pursuit of education and activism, culminating in her efforts to seek justice for the disappeared after the return of democracy to Brazil.

The film also poignantly depicts the gradual rebuilding of the family. As the children grow up, marry, and have children of their own, the warmth and joy of their earlier lives begin to resurface. The act of sorting through family photos becomes a powerful metaphor for reclamation and remembrance, allowing the audience to witness the healing process that unfolds over decades.

Cinematic Excellence

Visually, I’m Still Here is stunning. Cinematographer Adrian Teijido employs 35mm film to evoke the grainy texture of the 1970s, while Super 8mm home movies provide nostalgic punctuation throughout the narrative. The score by Warren Ellis enhances the emotional depth of the film, transitioning from a hauntingly pensive tone to a more uplifting and hopeful melody as the story progresses.

Conclusion: A Touching Tribute

While the film’s title may evoke a well-known Stephen Sondheim song, I’m Still Here stands as a gripping and profoundly touching exploration of resilience in the face of trauma. Walter Salles has crafted a film that not only honors the memory of those lost during Brazil’s military dictatorship but also celebrates the enduring strength of the human spirit. With its rich storytelling and emotional depth, I’m Still Here is undoubtedly one of Salles’ finest works, leaving audiences with a lasting impression of hope and remembrance.