Podcast Summary: "I'm Still Here" with Fernanda Torres and Director Walter Salas

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Episode Title: "I'm Still Here" with Golden Globe-Winner Fernanda Torres and Director Walter Salas
• Release Date: January 10, 2025
• Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, aiming to engage thinkers, doers, makers, and creators about the what and why of their work.

Introduction

In the January 10, 2025 episode of All Of It hosted by Alison Stewart, listeners are introduced to the poignant Brazilian film "I'm Still Here." The episode features an in-depth conversation with Fernanda Torres, the Golden Globe-winning actress portraying Eunice Paiva, and Walter Salas, the film's director. The discussion delves into the film's narrative, its historical context, character development, and the intricate filmmaking process.

The Story Behind "I'm Still Here"

"I'm Still Here" is a true-story-based film that chronicles the experiences of the Paiva family during Brazil's tumultuous period under military dictatorship in the 1970s. The family resides in a picturesque beachside house: Eunice and Rubens Paiva, devoted parents to five children. Their peaceful life is shattered when Rubens is abducted by mysterious men demanding his deposition, a stark representation of the political oppression of the era.

Alison Stewart introduces the film's heart-wrenching narrative:

"Eunice and her husband Rubens are in love and they are devoted parents to five kids. But still, this is Brazil and the country is in the grips of a military dictatorship." (00:37)

The disappearance of Rubens sets Eunice on a relentless quest to uncover his fate while striving to protect her family amidst fear and uncertainty.

Fernanda Torres on Portraying Eunice Paiva

Fernanda Torres provides a deep dive into her character, Eunice Paiva, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the role:

"She's someone who was raised to be the perfect housewife from the 50s. Not a silly one, an intellectual one, but the great woman behind a great [family]." (04:38)

Torres emphasizes Eunice's transformation from a traditional housewife to a resilient figure who becomes a lawyer and a staunch defender of human rights:

"She couldn't even bury the body. They disappear with the body with five children and a woman that, when she was facing tragedy, was when she started to find herself as the true Eunice." (04:38)

She further elaborates on Eunice's use of joy and a perpetual smile as forms of resistance against the oppressive regime:

"The smile is a political statement of Eunice... she always had that smile. So the smile and the joy as a weapon, I think she used it as a weapon." (13:31)

Torres discusses the emotional depth required for the role, particularly the balance between portraying vulnerability and unwavering strength:

"It's the first time, I think in my acting career that the thing was to do not act, but just to be. And illness in her restrain the fact that I had to restrain emotions that created this kind of a very realistic acting way of acting." (08:06)

Walter Salas on Bringing the Paiva Family’s Story to Life

Director Walter Salas shares insights into the seven-year journey of creating "I'm Still Here," emphasizing the challenges posed by Brazil's double pandemic of COVID-19 and the rise of an extreme right-wing government:

"It took seven years also because we suffered a double pandemic in Brazil... and then the second thing is that we went through an extreme right wing government during that time." (06:56)

Salas discusses the meticulous process of honoring the family's memories and Marcelo Paiva's accounts from his book, ensuring authenticity and depth:

"We stayed very close to Marcelo throughout the whole process and, and also to interview every single person who was connected to this story in a way..." (05:50)

He highlights the importance of the beachside house as a character in itself, symbolizing both vitality and the intrusion of authoritarianism:

"The house was just like the house of my youth... it smelled like house. And that gave us... almost documentary..." (08:06)

Salas explains the narrative shift in the film, transitioning from a vibrant familial setting to the oppressive reality imposed by the dictatorship:

"The first image is of this woman in the water. And yet in the same frame, there's a military helicopter flying too low. And you could be in a car, but be interrupted..." (09:39)

Filmmaking Techniques and Creative Choices

Use of Super 8 Film

Salas discusses the deliberate choice to utilize Super 8 film to evoke the era's authenticity:

"We immediately said, okay, let's embrace this as a form of relaying something fresh and very descriptive of that era... there's a certain beauty of the imperfection of those images." (17:13)

This technique not only captures the aesthetic of the 1970s but also conveys the intimate and political climate of the time.

Character Development and Ensemble Cast

Handling a large family with five children and a dog posed unique challenges. Salas elaborates on strategies to give each child their distinct presence:

"The screenplay does a really wonderful job in defining each one of those kids rapidly... we shot in chronological order, which helps tremendously with children." (18:41)

Torres adds her personal connection to the ensemble, likening her experience with the child actors to her own childhood:

"By the end of the movie, they were like my children. I had no doubts of who is who in this family." (20:11)

The director emphasizes building a genuine familial texture on set through extensive rehearsals and living in the house to foster authentic interactions:

"We created scenes that could have happened before the beginning of the film with the family. We occupied that house for weeks." (18:27)

Themes of Resistance and Resilience

The film masterfully intertwines personal and political narratives, portraying how the family's resilience becomes a form of subtle resistance against the dictatorship. Torres reflects on Eunice's strategic politeness as a means to maintain control and dignity in the face of oppression:

"She's in charge in this house and you are invited here. You are not invaded. I'm allowing you to stay and I will treat you like people." (15:32)

Salas discusses the pivotal moments of fear and realization that propel Eunice towards active resistance:

"Once she realized the, the, the Kafkian reality she is in and, and that is a defining moment in her life... she decides that she's going to start to resist." (16:30)

The narrative arc emphasizes Eunice's transformation from a passive victim to an empowered individual, inspiring hope and showcasing the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with final remarks on the film's release and the collaborative efforts of the cast and crew in bringing this significant story to the screen. "I'm Still Here" is slated for theatrical release on January 17th, promising to resonate with audiences through its authentic portrayal of a family's struggle and resilience amidst political turmoil.

Alison Stewart thanks Fernanda Torres and Walter Salas for their contributions:

"Thank you so much for making this film. We really appreciate it. It's a great film." (21:03)

Release Details:

• Film Title: I'm Still Here
• Theatrical Release Date: January 17, 2025

This comprehensive discussion on All Of It offers listeners an insightful look into the making of "I'm Still Here," shedding light on the intricate balance between historical accuracy, emotional depth, and artistic expression that defines the film. Through the voices of Fernanda Torres and Walter Salas, the episode honors the resilience of the Paiva family and the enduring impact of their story on Brazilian culture and beyond.