‘I’m Still Here’ Political Drama Earns 10-Minute Ovation — Venice Film Festival

Walter Salles‘ I’m Still Here, the first narrative feature from the acclaimed Brazilian filmmaker in 12 years, traveled to the Lido’s Sala Grande this evening. Following the world premiere screening, the Venice Film Festival competition drama was welcomed with a 10-minute, 20-second ovation.

The audience gave a rousing response to the emotional political drama about one woman’s battle to discover the fate of her husband who disappeared after being arrested at the family’s home in Rio de Janeiro in 1970.

Salles, known for such critical hits as Central Station and The Motorcycle Diaries, was joined in Venice by cast members including Fernanda Torres and Selton Mello, as well as the author of the film’s source material, Marcelo Rubens Paiva.

Set in Brazil in 1971, I’m Still Here charts a country in turmoil and the tightening grip of a military dictatorship. Based on Paiva’s memoir about his mother, Eunice Paiva, the true story follows a mother of five who is forced to reinvent herself when her husband is taken from their beachfront house by the military police and disappears in their custody.

The script was written by Murilo Hauser and Heitor Lorega.

In May this year, Sony Pictures Classics acquired all rights in North America, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Turkey, Portugal and Australia and New Zealand. 

Producers are VideoFilmes, RT Features and Mact Productions in coproduction with Conspiração, Arte France Cinéma and Globoplay. Library Pictures International is a financier on the film.