The long-awaited film I’m Still Here, directed by Walter Salles and starring Fernanda Torres, Fernanda Montenegro and Selton Mello, will have its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September of this year.
The news was announced last Monday (22) by the organizers of the festival, one of the most prestigious events in the film industry, and by Sony Pictures Classics, the film’s distributor abroad.
Based on the book of the same name by Marcelo Rubens Paivathe film tells the story of his mother, Eunice Paiva, from her work in defense of human rights to her personal battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Eunice emerged as a political activist and lawyer after the arrest, torture and death of her husband, Rubens Paiva, during the military dictatorship in Brazil.
In the film adaptation, Fernanda Torres AND Fernanda Montenegro plays Eunice in different stages of her life, while Selton Mello plays the role of Rubens Paiva. The direction is Walter Salles, which returns to business after more than a decade.
The screenplay is written by Murilo Hauser and Heitor Loregaand the production is a partnership between Video film, RT Features AND Mac Productionswith the co-production of Art France Cinema AND GlobalplayThe film’s premiere in Brazil has not yet been set.
The Recovery of Walter Salles
After more than a decade away from the cameras, Walter Salles returns to directing with a deeply personal and political project. I’m still here adapts the book by Marcelo Rubens Paiva, describing the life of his mother, Eunice Paiva.
The film tackles sensitive issues, such as political activism and the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, and promises a moving interpretation of the Fernanda Torres AND Fernanda Montenegrowhich represents Eunice in the different stages of life. In the presence of Selton Mello in the role of Rubens Paiva further enriches the cast.
Eunice Paiva, the matriarch of a family marked by tragedy and political resistance, is an iconic figure in the fight for human rights in Brazil. The story told in the film covers her activism during the years of the military dictatorship, the transformation of her life after the arrest, torture and death of her husband, Rubens Paiva, and her personal battle with Alzheimer’s.
The film is a powerful representation of Eunice’s strength and resilience, offering audiences an intimate and impactful look at a tumultuous era in Brazilian history.
In presence of I’m still here at TIFF also marks a triumphant return to directing for Salles. Known for his work on acclaimed films such as Central Brazil AND Motorcycle diariesSalles has a long track record of bringing Brazilian stories to global audiences with sensitivity and depth.
The selection for TIFF reaffirms his position as one of Brazil’s most respected directors and underscores the film’s potential for international recognition.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
