Fri Feb 28 15:20:55 UTC 2025: ## Brazilian Film “I’m Still Here” Ignites Debate on Dictatorship’s Legacy

**Rio de Janeiro, Brazil** – The critically acclaimed Brazilian film “I’m Still Here” has become more than just a box office hit; it’s sparking a national reckoning with the country’s brutal military dictatorship (1964-1985). The film, nominated for three Oscars including Best Picture, chronicles the disappearance of Congressman Rubens Paiva during the regime, focusing on the enduring search for justice by his wife, Eunice.

The film’s emotional impact has resonated deeply with Brazilians, particularly those who lived through the era of censorship, torture, and disappearances. Human rights advocate Ivo Herzog, whose journalist father was murdered by the military, credits the film with breaking through decades of silence surrounding these atrocities. Many victims’ families, like that of Liniane Haag Brum, whose uncle disappeared fighting the dictatorship, find solace and a shared narrative in the film’s portrayal of loss and the relentless pursuit of truth.

“I’m Still Here” has also become a powerful metaphor for Brazil’s present political climate. The recent attempted coup on January 8, 2023, by supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro, has highlighted the lingering impact of the dictatorship’s culture of impunity. Bolsonaro, who openly expressed nostalgia for the military regime, weakened institutions designed to investigate past human rights abuses during his presidency. Journalists and historians argue this lack of accountability has emboldened those who seek to undermine democracy.

The film’s success, however, isn’t without its challenges. While some see it as a catalyst for change, President Lula da Silva’s hesitation to fully acknowledge the anniversary of the coup and underfunding of the commission investigating political deaths have disappointed many.

Nevertheless, there are signs of progress. Hundreds of corrected death certificates are being issued, acknowledging state-sponsored killings, and the Supreme Court is revisiting the Amnesty Law, considering missing bodies as ongoing crimes, citing the film’s impact.

While the fight for justice continues, “I’m Still Here” has undeniably forced a crucial conversation about Brazil’s past and its present, underscoring the urgent need to confront the legacy of impunity and build a more just future. The film’s success, its Oscar nominations, and the ongoing legal and political actions it has inspired suggest that Brazil may finally be turning a corner in its grappling with its dark past.

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