Walter Salles’ 'Je suis toujours là' Revives Brazil’s Painful Past

The acclaimed film explores the trauma of a family torn apart by Brazil’s military dictatorship, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide.

Walter Salles' latest film, 'Je suis toujours là,' recounts the true story of Rubens Paiva, a Brazilian politician abducted and killed during the military dictatorship in 1971, and his family’s decades-long fight for justice.
The film has been a massive success in Brazil, drawing over 3 million viewers and reopening discussions about the country’s unresolved history of human rights violations during the dictatorship era.
Fernanda Torres received a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Eunice Paiva, Rubens' widow, whose resilience anchors the narrative and highlights the personal toll of political oppression.
Critics praise the film’s intimate depiction of the Paiva family’s pre-tragedy life, capturing a vibrant household and contrasting it with the devastating impact of Rubens’ disappearance.
The film, which premiered internationally to critical acclaim, has sparked renewed interest in Brazil’s historical memory and could gain further recognition during the upcoming Oscars season.