Oscar-Nominated Film Revives Brazil’s Dark Past and a Family’s Fight for Justice

RIO DE JANEIRO – A modest white house in Rio de Janeiro has become a focal point for visitors, drawn by its portrayal in the Oscar-nominated film I’m Still Here. The movie, which tells the story of Eunice Paiva’s struggle to rebuild her life after her husband Rubens Paiva’s forced disappearance during Brazil’s military dictatorship, has brought new attention to a painful chapter in the nation’s history.

The film has received three Academy Award nominations: Best Picture, Best International Feature, and Best Lead Actress. Its success highlights the true story of the Paiva family and the broader abuses of human rights under Brazil’s military regime (1964–1985).

“This recognition is about more than our family’s struggle; it’s about the fight for human rights and democracy,” said Marcelo Rubens Paiva, Eunice and Rubens’ son and author of the book that inspired the movie.

Brazil’s dictatorship left a legacy of unresolved atrocities, including the torture of thousands and the disappearance of hundreds, including Rubens Paiva. Despite the end of military rule four decades ago, no one has been held accountable. A 1979 amnesty law continues to shield perpetrators, though cases like Paiva’s remain under review by Brazil’s Supreme Court.

In a symbolic step forward, the Brazilian government recently updated Rubens Paiva’s death certificate to acknowledge that his death was “unnatural, violent, caused by the Brazilian State in the context of systematic persecution.” Over 400 other victims’ certificates will also be amended as part of an initiative by the Special Commission on Political Deaths and Disappearances.

Actress Fernanda Torres, who portrays Eunice Paiva, emphasized the importance of preserving this history. “They tried to erase the memory, but this story will not be forgotten,” she said.

For the families of victims, the film represents a renewed commitment to confronting Brazil’s past. Former human rights minister Nilmario Miranda expressed hope: “This debt to democracy is being redeemed now.”