Brazil celebrated its first Oscar win for Best International Feature for “I’m Still Here,” directed by Walter Salles. The film, which tells the story of Eunice Paiva, whose husband was a victim of the dictatorship, has prompted renewed conversations about justice and accountability for the regime’s atrocities. Families of victims expressed their hopes that this recognition could lead to important changes in addressing historical injustices in Brazil.
As Brazil eagerly awaited the Oscars, actress Fernanda Torres encouraged her fellow citizens to temper their enthusiasm. Yet, on the night of the ceremony, joyous celebrations erupted nationwide in response to Brazil’s historic win for Best International Feature for the film “I’m Still Here”. This celebratory atmosphere coincided with Carnival festivities, where rampant enthusiasm filled the iconic Rio Sambadrome as crowds rejoiced, proclaiming, “The Oscar is ours!”
Directed by Walter Salles, “I’m Still Here” recounts the harrowing tale of Eunice Paiva, whose husband Rubens was one of the victims of Brazil’s dictatorship. Although the film did not secure its nominations for Best Actress and Best Picture, families of victims emphasized the film’s importance beyond accolades, asserting it could catalyze social change regarding Brazil’s troubled past.
Leo Alves Vieira, whose grandfather was a regime victim, expressed, “This is a special moment for the country… and finally move forward through justice.” The film has sparked critical dialogues surrounding the need for accountability regarding the nation’s historical trauma.
Federal prosecutor Eugênia Augusta Gonzaga highlighted the growing awareness of the need for justice, noting that the film and a recent coup attempt by former President Jair Bolsonaro’s supporters have intensified demands for accountability. Gonzaga leads the Commission on Deaths and Disappearances, established to acknowledge victims’ fates.
The narrative traces Eunice’s relentless search for her husband, who disappeared in 1971, and her advocacy for truth and justice, as portrayed in the film. Despite legislative protection for military personnel post-dictatorship, advocates now call for revisiting accountability for past crimes.
Diva Santana, whose sister also vanished during the dictatorship, emphasized the importance of punishing perpetrators, stating, “There is a lack of punishment for the torturers.” Recent legal discussions have initiated reevaluations of the amnesty law, particularly concerning ongoing crimes against humanity.
The Brazilian supreme court has reopened considerations regarding the amnesty, while the national justice council has mandated clearer memorialization of victims’ deaths. This shift reflects a growing acknowledgment of historical injustices within the legal framework.
As prosecutor Gonzaga concluded, the film and recent events indicate a critical juncture for accountability, stressing that “We’ve already wasted too much time and can’t afford to lose another second.” Santana hopes that, despite many perpetrators’ deaths, remaining torturers would still face justice.
The celebrations surrounding Brazil’s first Oscar win for “I’m Still Here” reflect a critical cultural moment for the nation, highlighting the importance of addressing its painful historical legacy. The film has ignited discussions on justice for victims of the dictatorship, resulting in renewed efforts for accountability. With the entire nation embracing this monumental occasion, there is a growing sentiment for addressing past wrongs and fostering healing through recognition and justice.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
