I'm Still Here

The principal events unfold in December 1970 through January 1971, during the Brazilian military dictatorship. The narrative then advances to 1996, when Eunice confronts the long arc of memory and reparations, and culminates in 2014, as public memory surfaces around the Truth Commission and broader justice efforts.

The Paiva family begins in an idyllic home near Leblon beach in Rio de Janeiro, a picturesque urban coastal suburb. As political tensions rise, the couple's connections to exiles pull them toward international refuge in London and later threaten a move to São Paulo. A military raid marks Rubens Paiva's arrest at the family residence, and the story centers on the violence associated with the regime, with the DOI-CODI headquarters symbolizing state brutality. The setting oscillates between domestic life and clandestine political danger, reflecting Brazil's turbulent dictatorship era.

🕊️ Oppression

The dictatorship's reach is shown through arrests, torture, and disappearances, illustrating how state power disrupts family life and civil rights. The film uses Rubens Paiva's arrest and the subsequent silence surrounding his fate to reveal the mechanisms of political repression. Personal stories become a conduit to expose the broader system of control and fear. By focusing on intimate consequences, the film makes oppression felt rather than abstract.

🧭 Memory & Truth

Memory becomes a driving force for accountability, as Eunice relentlessly pursues information about her husband. The narrative intertwines private memory with public inquiry, culminating in official documents and revelations. The epilogue notes that five individuals were identified as responsible, yet none were prosecuted, underscoring the complicated path from memory to justice. The film suggests that truth-telling is essential but often incomplete without accountability.

💪 Resilience

Families endure separation, displacement, and trauma, yet choose to persevere and protect one another. Eunice's transformation—from a grieving widow to a determined advocate—embodies personal resilience. The younger generations endure imprisonment and witness violence, highlighting the enduring strength of youth and kinship. The narrative emphasizes rebuilding life within a democracy after years of repression.

⚖️ Justice

The film foregrounds post-dictatorship attempts to hold perpetrators accountable and grant reparations to victims' families. The discovery that Rubens was killed at a state facility and the subsequent lack of prosecutions illustrate the gap between recognition and punishment. The story uses public statements, petitions, and official documents to explore the evolving arc toward justice. It also notes the ongoing debate over how to address past crimes within a democratic society.