In a serene corner of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a white house has become a popular destination for visitors drawn by its connection to the family depicted in the film "I'm Still Here". The movie portrays the story of a mother of five rebuilding her life while uncovering the truth about her husband's disappearance during Brazil's military regime in the 1970s.
We came here to pay homage to the family, expressed visitor Daniela Gurgel as she explored the house, highlighting the importance of raising awareness about the story.
The film's three Oscar nominations have brought global attention to the real-life events involving Eunice and Rubens Paiva and the repressive government that affected them during the military rule in Brazil from 1964 to 1985.
Marcelo Rubens Paiva, the son of Eunice and Rubens, noted that the recognition the film has received symbolizes the long-standing struggle of his family for human rights and democracy.
Despite Brazil's dictatorship ending over four decades ago, justice remains elusive for the victims of human rights abuses, including Rubens Paiva's unresolved disappearance.
Recently, the Brazilian government made a significant gesture by officially acknowledging that Rubens Paiva's death was a result of state violence during the dictatorship's persecution of political dissidents.
Actress Fernanda Torres, who portrays Eunice Paiva in the movie, emphasized the efforts to erase the memory of those who suffered, but asserted that this story will endure.
An initiative led by the Special Commission on Political Deaths and Disappearances aims to rectify hundreds of death certificates of victims of the military regime across Brazil, with the support of former human rights minister Nilmario Miranda.
Miranda highlighted the timeliness of the film in addressing political disappearances, noting that it symbolizes a step towards fulfilling the debt to democracy in Brazil.