And today I finally watched "I'm still here" (Ainda estou aqui)

And I must admit that I was brought to tears multiple times during the movie.

When I first heard about the movie and read its synopsis, I knew it would be a hit. There’s no way the combination of Fernanda Torres, Selton Mello, Walter Salles, Fernanda Montenegro, and Marcelo Rubens Paiva could go wrong. I’ve loved the last two ever since Central do Brasil—and I still can’t understand how Fernanda Montenegro lost the Oscar to Gwyneth Paltrow... Anyways!

The movie I'm Still Here throws in our faces the shocking reality of the years of dictatorship in Brazil—a regime that, under the guise of protecting the country, persecuted, arrested, tortured, killed, and hid the bodies, leaving entire families without their loved ones.

This film isn’t about a political party or even a political stance, but about the humanity and dignity that the dictatorship stripped from so many people. It’s not about party A or B, but about five children who grew up without knowing what happened to their father; about a woman who never got the chance to grow old with the man she loved; about a man who had his life cut short just for thinking differently; about a family that never had the chance to give their patriarch a proper funeral; about a soul that never got the chance to rest in peace.

Despite the heaviness of the topic, Walter Salles added a sensitive, artistic, and resilient touch, giving Fernanda Torres—whose performance was impeccable—an amazing role to shine in.

What a beautiful way to honor the memory of Rubens Paiva and all the families who lost their loved ones in the same way.

This movie touched my heart in ways I can barely explain. Worth every penny and every minute. I’m not at all surprised it was nominated for an Oscar, because I know the potential of Brazilian artists—but I am definitely very proud of my country.

Thank God I am Brazilian.

"Nós vamos sorrir. Sorriam!" 😊