Walter Salles has made a heartfelt return to the cinema world with his latest film, “I’m Still Here,” which has quickly garnered international acclaim since its premier at the Venice International Film Festival. Winning the Best Screenplay award is just the beginning; the film’s trajectory has landed it on the shortlist for the International Feature category at the Oscars, an honor that highlights its poignant narrative and artistic merit. Salles, known for his deeply humanistic storytelling, has created a piece that resonates profoundly with audiences both in Brazil and across the globe.
Upon its release, “I’m Still Here” dominated the Brazilian box office, a clear indication of its cultural impact. As of now, the film has grossed an impressive $10.7 million in its native territory. This is particularly noteworthy considering the high competition from Hollywood blockbusters also vying for viewers’ attention. The film debuted to No. 1 in Brazil, and its box office numbers have continued to escalate, even jumping 28% in its second weekend of screenings. Such performance not only speaks to its narrative strength but also to the film’s universal themes that transcend local boundaries.
The film’s success has propelled it to become Salles’ highest-grossing film, exceeding his previous hit “Central Station.” It has risen rapidly in the ranks to become the seventh biggest local film of the century, a remarkable achievement in a market that is often saturated with international content. The strategic timing of its release, combined with a compelling story and robust marketing strategy, has undoubtedly contributed to this explosive audience reception.
Set against the backdrop of Rio de Janeiro in 1970, “I’m Still Here” draws upon the autobiographical memoir of Marcelo Rubens Paiva, depicting the emotional turmoil faced by families under Brazil’s military regime. The narrative focuses on Eunice, brilliantly portrayed by Fernanda Torres, whose life spirals into despair after her husband, Rubens, played by Selton Mello, is taken by the authorities and never returns. Salles effectively intertwines personal grief with historical commentary, creating a narrative that is both intimate and expansive.
The emotional depth of the film has sparked significant buzz around Torres’s performance, with many speculating it could lead to an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. She has captured the attention of audiences not only through her acting but also with her social media engagement; a recent photo of her attending the Governors Awards has received major attention, garnering millions of likes and generating conversation about her potential accolades.
The film’s marketing campaign has played a crucial role in its success, incorporating family-centric themes that resonate with Brazilian audiences. Collaborations with celebrated Brazilian actors, such as Fernanda Montenegro, alongside social media strategies that leverage memes and engaging video content, have helped create a strong connection with a younger demographic. This adaptive approach has been essential in communicating the film’s emotional and historical weight, triggering conversations about its themes long after people leave the theater.
Salles noted that “I’m Still Here” has incited meaningful dialogue among viewers, who remain engaged with the film even past its credits as they share their experiences on social media. This phenomenon signifies how art can evoke profound reflection and discourse—a testament to the film’s cultural relevance.
As the awards season heats up, the momentum for “I’m Still Here” continues to build. With planned releases in various international markets, including Portugal, the United States, New Zealand, and Australia, Salles’ latest work seems poised to resonate with global audiences eager to explore narratives that deal with themes of loss, resilience, and hope.
Salles’s direction has sparked an unexpected journey that takes the audience from the era of dictatorship to modern discussions about memory and forgetting, reminding us that cinema holds the power to challenge the silence surrounding historical injustices. With its compelling mixture of immersive storytelling and cultural introspection, “I’m Still Here” sets the bar high for the future of international cinema.