As a gamer with a keen interest in cinema, especially films that delve deep into human experiences and societal issues, I can confidently say that “I’m Still Here” is a film that truly resonates. Having grown up playing games like “The Wild Robot,” which often explore complex narratives, I find it fascinating when real-life stories are woven into such captivating films.
Among all films premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, few have been as well-received as “I’m Still Here,” a profoundly touching portrayal by Walter Salles of a family’s struggle during Brazil’s military rule from 1964 to 1985 – with the exception of possibly the animated feature “The Wild Robot.
Following its reveal at the Venice Film Festival last week, where it received the best screenplay accolade from the jury, the movie premiered at TIFF Lightbox in Toronto on Monday afternoon. In the presence of director Salles and stars Fernanda Torres and Selton Mello, it was met with a prolonged, one-minute standing ovation that is less common at film festivals like Cannes and Venice.
The movie “I’m Still Here” was based on the 2015 book “Ainda Estou Aqui” by Marcelo Rubens Paiva, and was adapted by Murilo Hauser and Heitor Lorega. It primarily focuses on the Paiva family, a group that filmmaker Salles was raised among. Torres delivers a subtle yet impactful performance as the matriarch of this family with five children. The story unfolds around their lives, particularly after their charismatic patriarch and former Brazilian Labour Party congressman, Rubens Paiva, mysteriously vanishes.
Movies that center around people who mysteriously vanish, often due to being perceived as adversaries by the government, have been the subject of powerful films that have left a lasting impact during awards season. Notably, two such films focusing on Argentina have stood out: “The Official Story” (1985), which won the Oscar for Best International Feature Film, and “Argentina, 1985” (2022), which was nominated for the same award.
I’m Still Here effectively tells its story and, backed by the fervent support of U.S. distributor Sony Classics, it’s highly probable that it will be nominated for the Best International Feature Oscar (alongside another TIFF ’24 favorite from France, Emilia Pérez, which is a strong contender as well).
It’s been 26 years since Brazil received a nomination for Best International Feature Oscar with Salles’ groundbreaking film “Central Station,” which also earned its lead actress, Fernanda Montenegro, a Best Actress nomination. Given that Montenegro is now 94 and plays an older version of Torres in a cameo in “I’m Still Here,” it’s possible that Torres could follow in her mother’s footsteps. Additionally, Hauser and Lorega’s script for the adapted screenplay competition should not be underestimated.
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2024-09-11 00:55