brazil’s Dark Past Unveiled: ‘I’m still Here’ Exposes Family’s Ordeal Under Military Rule

Walter Salles‘ film, I’m still here, offers a stark and intimate portrayal of life under Brazil’s oppressive military dictatorship, which began with the 1964 coup. This coup, backed by brazilian capitalists and supported by the USA, ushered in 21 years of authoritarian rule. The film intimately portrays the experiences of a prominent family, focusing on congressman Ruben Paiva and his loved ones, as they grapple with the escalating political persecution, daily censorship, and the ever-present threat of torture following the implementation of Institutional Act 5 (AI-5). The movie captures the essence of a nation living under siege, where personal lives were irrevocably intertwined with the political turmoil.

The Shadow of Operation Brother Sam

The 1964 coup was a pivotal moment in Brazilian history, marking the beginning of a dark era. On March 31, 1964, as Brazilian troops advanced toward Rio de janeiro, a U.S.Navy fleet was en route to provide support, a mission dubbed Operation Brother Sam. The fleet was equipped with 25 C-135 and 110 tons of ammunition. However, the intervention proved unneeded. Two days after the coup, the U.S. recalled the fleet, as no meaningful resistance had materialized. This marked the beginning of a dictatorship that would profoundly impact Brazilian society for over two decades.

The United States’ involvement, even in a non-interventionist capacity, highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play during the Cold War. The U.S. government’s support, even if ultimately unneeded, signaled a tacit endorsement of the military’s actions and contributed to the consolidation of the dictatorship.

The Communist Party and the Rise of Resistance

The Communist Party (PCB) held a dominant position on the left, but its perceived lack of preparedness and reliance on reformist ideals lead to internal divisions. Prominent figures like Carlos Marighella left the PCB to establish groups such as the Ação de Libertadora Nacional (ALN), which played a crucial role in the democratic resistance movement. These more radical factions mobilized social movements against the dictatorship, culminating in a massive 100,000-person march in Rio de Janeiro in 1968.

The emergence of groups like the ALN signaled a shift towards more direct and confrontational resistance tactics. Frustrated with the PCB’s perceived inaction,these groups sought to actively challenge the dictatorship through armed struggle and other forms of direct action. The 1968 march in Rio de Janeiro, despite its ultimate failure to dislodge the regime, demonstrated the widespread discontent and the growing momentum of the resistance movement.

AI-5 and the Reign of Terror

The Brazilian State responded to growing opposition by issuing the Institutional Act 5 (AI-5), a decree that unleashed a wave of political persecution, daily censorship, and systematic torture. Human Rights Watch (HRW) estimates that approximately twenty thousand were tortured, of whom 434 were killed, and over five thousand politicians had their mandates revoked. This period marked a dark chapter in brazil’s history, characterized by widespread human rights abuses and the suppression of dissent.

AI-5 effectively suspended constitutional guarantees and granted the military unchecked power to silence opposition. This led to a dramatic escalation of state-sponsored violence and repression, with widespread reports of torture, extrajudicial killings, and arbitrary arrests. The revocation of political mandates further consolidated the dictatorship’s control and eliminated any semblance of democratic representation.

The Kidnapping of Ambassador Elbrick

In 1969, the ALN and the Movimento Revolucionário 8 de Outubro (MR-8) orchestrated the kidnapping of American Ambassador Charles Burke Elbrick, exchanging him for fifteen political prisoners. While this act was a tactical success, it ultimately proved to be strategically disastrous for the armed resistance. The government responded with increased repression, seeking retribution for the humiliation it had suffered.

The Elbrick kidnapping was a bold and audacious act that captured international attention and exposed the vulnerability of the dictatorship. However, it also provided the regime with a pretext to further intensify its crackdown on dissent and consolidate its power. The increased repression that followed effectively crippled the armed resistance movement and further isolated those who opposed the dictatorship.

‘I’m Still Here‘: A Family’s Story

I’m Still Here picks up the narrative in 1970, a time when the resistance movement was isolated and forced into hiding. The film centers on congressman and engineer Ruben Paiva and his family. Paiva, whose mandate was revoked in 1964, returned to Brazil after a brief exile to focus on his family and career. Fernanda Torres’ portrayal of his wife, Eunice, has been lauded for its subtle and dignified performance.

The film unfolds in four distinct parts,each capturing a significant moment in the family’s journey and Brazil’s history.Initially, the Paivas are depicted as a typical upper-middle-class family living in Leblon, Rio de Janeiro. This period of relative innocence is punctuated by subtle reminders of the dictatorship, such as helicopters overhead and troop-filled trucks passing by. Despite these signs, life continues, and the family dreams of building a new house. Eunice and Ruben decide to send their eldest daughter to London to shield her from the growing student activism.

This sense of normalcy shatters when undercover police take Ruben Paiva in for questioning.He is never seen again. His involvement was limited to helping activists escape into exile, and he had no part in the armed struggle. Eunice, with remarkable resilience, strives to keep the family together. The eldest daughter, upon returning from London, notices her mother’s silence about her father.the oppressive atmosphere of the state permeates their home, with tapped phones and surveillance outside their house.

The family later relocates to São Paulo, where Eunice becomes a human-rights lawyer. In the film’s final segment, Eunice begins to experience memory loss, signaling the onset of Alzheimer’s. In an effort to preserve her memories,she meticulously writes details on the back of family photos,documenting when and where they were taken.

For me, who lived through the period, it was a walk down memory lane. The soundtrack is great.I would recommend downloading or streaming it. The use of super-eight film when recording family parties and outings adds to the 1970s atmosphere.

The Enduring Legacy of the Dictatorship

Even though 40 years have passed since the death of Ruben Paiva, the legacy of the dictatorship continues to cast a shadow over brazil.No torturers or those responsible for torture have been held accountable. While Argentina prosecuted and imprisoned its dictators, in Brazil, some of those responsible for Paiva’s death were promoted to the rank of general. The ex-president Bolsonaro has expressed admiration for the dictatorship, and his followers have even called for its return.This is why films like I’m Still Here are so vital.

The film serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of confronting the past and ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated. The lack of accountability for the crimes committed during the dictatorship remains a significant obstacle to reconciliation and healing. The resurgence of authoritarian rhetoric in recent years underscores the need for continued vigilance and a commitment to defending democratic values.

I’m Still Here is currently showing in cinemas.