Through its extensive journey, the Oscars has shaped societal perspectives on various issues such as gay rights (as portrayed in Philadelphia), veteran experiences (depicted in The Best Years of Our Lives), Holocaust history (through Schindler’s List), whistleblower stories (in On the Waterfront), and Native American cultures (as seen in Dances With Wolves).
On Sunday, the event could make a substantial addition to the record, one that might have an even greater practical influence.
As a passionate gamer, I’ve been deeply moved by the impact of “I’m Still Here,” directed by Walter Salles. This fact-based film about a woman’s silent rebellion after her political husband vanished under Brazil’s military dictatorship in 1971 has sparked intense discussions in its homeland since its autumn release. If it clinches an award on March 2nd, the ripple effects could be significant. It might encourage Brazil’s liberal Supreme Court to take action against former leader Jair Bolsonaro and potentially curb a resurgence of far-right ideologies.
According to Rafael Ioris, a scholar specializing in Latin America at the University of Denver and author of the influential political history book “Transforming Brazil,” this movie is exceptionally unique because it has effectively illustrated the dangers facing democracy in Brazil on a very personal level. If it were to win an Oscar, he believes that it could further stimulate discussions about these issues and potentially influence the Supreme Court to make decisions that oppose the far-right political ideology.
Actress Fernanda Torres stands a good chance to be crowned Best Actress, as her movie “I’m Still Here” is also in contention for the Best International Feature award. It’s even possible that this film could make a surprising climb on the preferential ballots and achieve the unforeseen victory of winning Best Picture.
The domestic film “I’m Still Here” has already broken records, selling approximately five million tickets and becoming Brazil’s highest-grossing homegrown movie in over five years. This period drama not only outperformed but also ranked second among live-action films on the 2024 box office chart in Brazil, surpassing big Hollywood productions like “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” and “Dune: Part Two.” The actress playing Eunice Paiva, Torres, has gained significant popularity on social media not only in her native country but also in the United States.
Watching her resist a oppressive regime that harms her, given she was once a cherished member of a loving household, has made the impact on Brazilians more relatable and profound. One single victim’s story has sparked a significant shift in comprehension.
As a gamer, I can tell you that this story resonates with people on an entirely new level. Bruna Santos, director of The Wilson Center’s Brazil Institute in Washington D.C., explains it beautifully: “It’s not just another story; it’s a mother fighting to shield her family.” This narrative seems particularly captivating for the younger generation. Stories that were once dry textbook lessons are now vividly portrayed through the children and their resilient mom in the colorful Paiva family, making them relatable and real.
The influence of the film on people’s view of Brazil’s strong military has created a positive feedback loop: the public’s political sentiment fuels the film’s appeal, while the film, in turn, influences the public’s political sentiment. Furthermore, this cycle could lead to changes in the political climate.
Title Event: Upcoming Supreme Court Trial of Ex-President Bolsonaro Over Alleged Coup Attempt
A significant legal matter revolves around the upcoming trial of former right-wing president Bolsonaro at the Supreme Court. He, along with 33 military leaders, are being accused by the country’s top prosecutor of orchestrating a coup to oust the government and undermining democratic principles following events on January 8, 2023. During these events, far-right supporters reportedly stormed government buildings and engaged in activities deemed subversive as an attempt to overturn Bolsonaro’s election loss to Lula da Silva. Additionally, allegations have been made that they attempted to tamper with their opponent for starters.
The court’s decision will be based on legal factors, but Torres’ prominence and vocal opposition to right-wing policies may influence the decision subtly. Furthermore, her visibility could sway public opinion against Bolsonaro, even without direct legal repercussions. As such, some believe that Torres has the potential to achieve more than just becoming the first Brazilian to win a major Oscar. Ioris states, “It’s not just an award, it’s so much more.
Bolsonaro is currently ineligible to run for office until 2030, yet at just 69 years old, it’s unlikely he would be too old to serve then. Experts warn that if the Supreme Court does not impose a significant penalty on him, or military leaders feel unchecked, there could be another attempt to illegally seize power in the near future.
Currently in Brazil, it’s estimated that between 20% and 30% of the national voters support President Bolsonaro. This observation by Walther Fanganiello Maierovitch, a well-known jurist in the country, was sent to THR via email in Portuguese. He emphasized the necessity for re-educating the public about the significance of democratic society. He also highlighted that “I’m Still Here” serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the dictatorship – a cautionary tale to ensure such history never repeats itself.
The 21-year rule during the Fifth Republic, which ended in 1985, is thought to have led to the torture of approximately 20,000 individuals, primarily because they held differing political views. Over 434 of these victims were killed, among them Rubens Paiva, a liberal ex-Congressman and Eunice’s husband (portrayed in the movie by Melton Sello). This era has left an ominous mark on Brazilian life that persists even today.
Six years ago, a hard-right leader named Bolsonaro was re-elected to office, and since then, his presidency has shown little resemblance to historical norms. Over the past four years, he has significantly expanded the military’s influence in government, undermined democratic protections, and eroded scientific and cultural institutions. This troubling period reached its peak on January 8 when attempts were made to overturn the results of the election in the world’s seventh-most populous country.
In 2016, a hard-right leader named Bolsonaro was re-elected for another term, marking a significant departure from traditional governance. During his four years in office, he has strengthened the military’s role within the government, eroded democratic safeguards, and weakened scientific and cultural institutions. The low point of this tenure came on January 8 when there were efforts to invalidate the results of the election in the world’s seventh-most populous country.
The events seem to mirror the U.S. Capitol insurrection that occurred nearly two years ago. (The showing of the film “I’m Still Here” for lawmakers on Capitol Hill Wednesday night underscores how its topics have struck a chord in America.)
The creators of “I’m Still Here” claim they didn’t aim to comment on or impact the current situation. The film took seven years to develop, with the memoir it’s based on (published by Marcelo in 2015) being its foundation. Interestingly, events this decade have mirrored the storyline from the 70s, a fact that surprised the filmmakers. As Salles explained to THR, they initially viewed it as a period piece. However, as the cultural climate shifted, they realized it’s not just about our past, but also reflects our current state.
Salles explains that Eunice Paiva’s prolonged legal struggles to understand her husband’s situation has become a blueprint for today’s change-makers. He adds, “All the topics we discuss in the film originate from her faith in institutional processes, and it’s these very institutional processes that are driving change now.
A significant area where change could occur is the Brazilian Amnesty Law, often criticized for its 1979 enactment that granted immunity to individuals who committed crimes during the dictatorship. However, a movement has arisen recently – propelled by the movie “I’m Still Here” – aiming to revoke this law or, at least, redefine it more restrictively to enable numerous offenders to be prosecuted. Current Supreme Court justice Flávio Dino, who transitioned from being a left-wing politician to a Justice, has referenced the movie in his efforts to reinterpret the law.
It’s challenging for individuals who’ve never experienced life under a dictatorship to grasp why someone might desire to return to such a situation. However, it’s crucial not to undervalue the intricate political and social nuances that surround this contentious topic for those who have lived through it.
Lula navigates a delicate balance, as the military wields considerable power and a significant portion, possibly even the majority, of the population still trusts and doubts liberal voices who challenge it,” Santos remarks about the current scenario. “The film serves as a potent instrument for change – it assists people in comprehending why this matter is so crucial.
For Americans, autocracy appears to be a far-off, apocalyptic situation, but Brazilians view it as something that could easily return. The country has experienced it for two decades up until 1985, came close to it in the late 2010s and early 2020s, and nearly slipped back into it in 2023. The distinction between January 6 and January 8 lies in the fact that the former is perceived as a shocking isolated event, whereas the latter serves as a stark reminder of democracy’s persistent vulnerability and the need for consistent, strong reminders to protect it.
Despite the fact that only a small fraction of Brazil’s population – less than 3% – have purchased tickets for the movie “I’m Still Here”, many influential people who shape public discourse have been impacted by it. However, the majority of everyday Brazilians have yet to watch this film. Santos predicts that a shift in awareness among these individuals will occur through alternative means, such as when a popular contemporary telenovela is set during the same time period, captivating audiences numbering in the tens of millions. While there have been some precedents for this, like the shows “Anores Rebeldes” and “Senhora do Destino”, they are over two decades old.
Changes have been enacted following the movie, specifically requiring Brazil’s state to provide more detailed information about deaths during the dictatorship on death certificates, as instructed by the National Council of Justice. The film’s audience may remember the sense of justice experienced by Eunice Paiva when she eventually received her death certificate after a wait of 25 years. However, the government failed to acknowledge their part in his demise on the issued document.
The Council has stated that it’s unacceptable for Paiva’s death to remain unspecified. Instead, his death certificate now states that he was killed by the dictatorship, clarifying that his demise was “unusual and violent,” caused by the Brazilian government within the context of a systematic persecution of political dissidents during the dictatorial regime established in 1964.
The case surrounding Marcelo Paiva’s death has been re-examined due to renewed interest. Following the indictment of five officers when his book was published, progress on the case halted in 2018 upon Bolsonaro assuming office. Tragically, three of the officers have since passed away, but two remain alive. With the movie based on his life becoming a sensation, the case has been reopened and will be heard once more in court.
The prospect of Rubens Paiva receiving posthumous justice represents an unexpected development that few, including the Paiva family, could have envisioned – serving as a powerful message that while justice might be delayed, it can never truly die. This version maintains the original’s emphasis on surprise and significance, but presents it in a more straightforward and accessible manner.
Remarkably, a lawyer for one of the officers has criticized the impact of the movie on rekindling the case. “For a decade, the case lay dormant,” attorney Rodrigo Roca said to Metrópoles newspaper in Brasilia, “and then an Oscar-nominated film is released, and the case springs back to life? This is the message Brazil conveys globally: our institutions are only effective when under scrutiny.
Salles says he could only laugh when he heard this defense.
The director commented, “That was quite revealing.” It seems he’s not grasping the impact a movie can make. Isn’t it clear to him that art has the unique ability to shift perspectives?
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2025-02-27 20:55