“Still Here” Dominates Brazilian Box Offices and Aims for the 2025 Oscars

A milestone for national cinema

Brazilian cinema is celebrating one of its biggest recent successes with Still Here (Ainda Estou Aqui), directed by Walter Salles. The film, based on the book by Marcelo Rubens Paiva, portrays Eunice Paiva’s (played by Fernanda Torres) search for answers about her husband’s disappearance during Brazil’s military dictatorship. Released on November 7, 2024, the production grossed an impressive R$8.6 million in its opening weekend, attracting over 358,000 viewers and claiming the top spot at the national box office.

A moving story and outstanding performances

The film tells a deeply rooted story of resilience, highlighting a woman’s fight against the system in search of truth. Featuring a stellar cast that includes Selton Mello and a special appearance by Fernanda Montenegro, Fernanda Torres’s performance has been widely praised by critics as “intense, visceral, and unforgettable.”

In addition to its emotional impact, Still Here stands out for Walter Salles’s sensitive direction, which turns a historical and political topic into an accessible and powerful narrative.

Box office success and Oscar ambitions

The film’s commercial success reaffirms the capacity of Brazilian cinema to compete in a market dominated by international productions. Selected to represent Brazil at the 2025 Oscars, the film aims for a nomination in the Best International Feature Film category, adding to Salles’s growing international recognition, already established with his Oscar-nominated Central Station (Central do Brasil).

Cultural discussion and legacy

More than just a box office success, Still Here invites reflection on Brazil’s historical memory. At a time when the past continues to shape the present, the film revives stories that need to be told, using art as a tool for awareness and empathy.

In a recent interview, Walter Salles commented: “The film’s success is not just an artistic victory but a demonstration of how the audience wants to reconnect with stories that reflect our national identity.”