I'm Still Here: Full cast list explored
I'm Still Here is a 2024 political biographical drama directed by Walter Salles, adapted from Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s 2015 memoir of the same name. The film portrays the life of Eunice Paiva, a mother and activist grappling with the forced disappearance of her husband, dissident politician Rubens Paiva, during Brazil’s military dictatorship in the 1970s.
Written by Murilo Hauser and Heitor Lorega, the movie conveys a poignant narrative about personal loss, political repression, and the fight for justice during a dark chapter in Brazilian history.
I'm Still Here features Fernanda Torres, Fernanda Montenegro, and Selton Mello, in prominent roles. They are joined by supporting cast members portraying the Paiva family and their allies amidst Brazil's military dictatorship.
Cast list of I'm Still Here explored
1) Fernanda Torres as Eunice Paiva (younger)
Fernanda Torres, one of Brazil’s most celebrated actresses, takes on the role of Eunice Paiva during her younger years. In I'm Still Here, she portrays Eunice as a determined woman navigating immense personal tragedy while fighting for her husband’s truth.
Known for her work in The House of Sand and Four Days in September, Torres has done versatile roles as emotionally complex characters.
2) Fernanda Montenegro as Eunice Paiva (older)
Fernanda Montenegro plays the elder Eunice Paiva. Her portrayal of Eunice in her later years captures the emotional toll of decades of grief, alongside the resilience of a woman who becomes a symbol of resistance against oppression.
An Academy Award nominee for Central Station, Montenegro's illustrious career spans decades and is marked by roles in films such as The Other Side of the Street and The Invisible Life of Eurídice Gusmão.
3) Selton Mello as Rubens Paiva
In I'm Still Here, Selton Mello plays Rubens Paiva, the principled politician whose disappearance forms the heart of the story. He brings depth to Rubens, depicting him as a loving father and husband, as well as a man committed to his ideals despite the personal risks involved.
An actor and filmmaker, Mello is known for films like The Clown and The Movie of My Life.
4) Marjorie Estiano as Eliana Paiva (adult)
Marjorie Estiano plays Eunice’s daughter, Eliana Paiva, in adulthood. She also Enduring imprisonment as a teenager, Eliana grows into a woman shaped by trauma but also committed to remembering her family’s history.
Estiano is a Brazilian actress known for Sob Pressão (Under Pressure) and The Second Mother.
5) Pri Helena as Maria José (Zezé)
Pri Helena plays Maria José, known affectionately as Zezé, a close friend and confidante of Eunice. Zezé provides emotional support to Eunice during her darkest moments.
Pri Helena has previously worked in Three Summers and Invisible City.
6) Humberto Carrão as Félix
Humberto Carrão plays Félix, a family friend who assists Eunice in her search for answers. Carrão, a prominent figure in Brazilian television and films such as Aquarius and The Silence of the Rain, portrays Félix as a loyal ally to Eunice during her struggle against an oppressive regime.
More details about I'm Still Here explored
The production of I'm Still Here was a collaborative effort by several prominent studios, including RT Features and VideoFilmes, with co-productions from Globoplay and Arte France Cinéma. Directed by Walter Salles, the screenplay, written by Murilo Hauser and Heitor Lorega, adapts Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s memoir Ainda Estou Aqui.
Filming took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, starting in June 2023. The film had its global debut at the Venice International Film Festival in September 2024, earning widespread acclaim and a Best Screenplay award. Following its festival run in cities like Toronto, New York, and London, it received limited releases in Brazil and the U.S. to qualify for awards, with a wider international release scheduled for early 2025.
I'm Still Here premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2024, where it received critical acclaim for its storytelling and performances.
Garnering multiple accolades, including a Golden Globe win for Best Actress (Fernanda Torres), it also became a significant commercial success, grossing $11.3 million on a modest $1.5 million budget.
Interested viewers can watch I'm Still Here in New York and Los Angeles on January 17, 2025, with a worldwide release on February 14.
