Podcast Summary: All Of It – Best Picture Nominee: I'm Still Here

Podcast Information

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Producer: WNYC
• Episode Title: Best Picture Nominee: I'm Still Here
• Release Date: February 17, 2025
• Description: All Of It explores culture and its consumers, engaging thinkers, doers, makers, and creators to delve into the what and why of their work. The show emphasizes the diversity and varied perspectives that contribute to the vibrant culture of New York City.

Introduction to "I'm Still Here"

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the Academy Awards' Best Picture category, spotlighting the first-ever Brazilian film to receive a nomination: I'm Still Here. This film not only garnered recognition for Best Picture but also for Best International Feature, and its lead actress, Fernanda Torres, was nominated for Best Actress.

Alison Stewart [00:20]:

"I'm Still Here is based on the true tragic story of the Paiva family. It's 1970s Brazil, and they live in a beautiful house right on the beach..."

I'm Still Here portrays the harrowing experiences of Eunice Paiva and her family under Brazil's military dictatorship. The narrative follows Eunice's relentless quest to uncover the fate of her husband, Rubens, who mysteriously disappears amidst political turmoil.

Conversation with Director Walter Salas

Alison Stewart welcomes director Walter Salas, who shares his personal connection to the story.

Walter Salas [02:23]:

"I was not only friends with them, but enamored by that family. At the heart of the film, there was so much life in that house they rented..."

Salas elaborates on the vibrant household he knew, filled with political discussions and Brazilian music that was censored during the dictatorship. The family's resilience and joy in the face of oppression inspired him to bring their story to the screen, especially after Marcelo Paiva, the second youngest child, penned a poignant book in 2015 that rekindled his interest.

Walter Salas [03:31]:

"I always stayed with it inside. And then in 2015, the second youngest kid in the family wrote an extraordinary book called I'm Still Here..."

Salas emphasizes the meticulous seven-year process to honor both his memories and Marcelo’s narrative, ensuring the film captured the multifaceted nature of the family's ordeal.

Insights from Actress Fernanda Torres

Fernanda Torres, who plays Eunice Paiva, discusses her journey into the role and her connection to the Paiva family.

Fernanda Torres [03:43]:

"I think in the first book that Marcelo wrote... the first contact I had with Eunice Paiva was through the first book of Marcelo."

Torres recounts how initial readings provided a glimpse into Eunice's life as a devoted wife and mother, but it was through the film that she fully understood Eunice's transformation into a fierce human rights defender.

Fernanda Torres [04:45]:

"It's someone who was raised to be the perfect housewife from the 50s... she became a lawyer and a great defender of human rights. It's a hell of a woman."

Torres highlights Eunice's metamorphosis from a traditional homemaker to a resilient advocate, underscoring the character's depth and strength in navigating personal and political tragedies.

Filmmaking Techniques and Family Dynamics

Stewart probes into the challenges of portraying a family with five children and integrating Torres's real-life relationship with her mother into the film.

Walter Salas [11:18]:

"The screenplay does a wonderful job in defining each one of those kids rapidly... we shot in chronological order, which helps tremendously with children."

Salas discusses the strategic decisions made to develop each child's character swiftly and authentically, including shooting scenes in chronological order and creating prequel scenes to establish familial bonds.

Fernanda Torres [12:48]:

"I remember in the beginning I had difficulty even remembering the names of the kids... by the end of the movie, they were like my children."

Torres shares her experience working with the ensemble cast, particularly the young actors, and the emotional connection she formed with them, likening the process to maternal instincts.

Cinematography and Narrative Structure

The episode delves into the film's visual storytelling and the symbolic use of space and movement to reflect the oppressive atmosphere of the dictatorship.

Walter Salas [07:13]:

"The constant interaction between the light of the tropics... is what interrupted when the military police enters in that house."

Salas explains how the initial vibrant and fluid camera movements symbolize the family's lively existence, which starkly contrasts with the sudden intrusion of military force, leading to a more subdued and static visual narrative.

Walter Salas [10:16]:

"The kids don't know what's happening, so they're just coming and going... the camera also stands still."

This shift in cinematography underscores the pervasive tension and the family's gradual realization of their precarious situation, enhancing the audience's immersion into their subjective experiences.

Personal and Artistic Connections

Torres reflects on acting alongside her mother and the enduring legacy of the Paiva family's story.

Fernanda Torres [13:48]:

"Me and my mother, we are like the Fernandez... we managed to exist and to produce wonderful directors like Walter Salas..."

Torres emphasizes the intergenerational impact of the family's resilience and the role of art in preserving and honoring their legacy amidst political and economic challenges.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Stewart summarizing the profound contributions of I'm Still Here to Brazilian cinema and its poignant portrayal of a family's struggle under dictatorship. Through intimate conversations with director Walter Salas and actress Fernanda Torres, listeners gain a deep appreciation for the film's emotional depth, historical significance, and artistic craftsmanship.

Alison Stewart [14:47]:

"That was my conversation about the best picture nominated film. I'm still here with director Walter Salas and actor Fernanda Torres."

Final Notes

I'm Still Here is set to debut in theaters on January 17th, following its screenings at the Lincoln Center Festival and MoMA. The film stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the power of storytelling in the face of adversity.

Credits: Produced by Andrea Duncan Mao, Kate Hines, Jordan Loff, Simon Close, El Malik Anderson, and Luke Green. Engineering by Juliana Fonda and Jason Isaac. Music by Luscious Jackson.

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