In a decisive moment at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, the SIGNIS Jury awarded its prestigious prize to the film Ainda estou aqui (“I’m Still Here”), directed by Walter Salles. This Brazilian-French production captivated the jury with its profound portrayal of resilience, heartbreak, and civil commitment, encapsulated through the lens of one family’s enduring struggle under an oppressive regime.
The SIGNIS Prize, bestowed by the World Catholic Association for Communication, has long been a hallmark of films that explore human dignity, justice, and peace. This year’s winning film, Ainda estou aqui, not only aligns with these values but elevates them by depicting a harrowing chapter of Brazil’s history that remains unresolved.
Walter Salles, already known for his work on socially conscious films, crafted a deeply resonant story with Ainda estou aqui. The story centers on Eunice Pavia, a woman who refuses to surrender to intimidation and repression. Her fight for justice for her husband, Rubens Pavia, and other victims of Brazil’s authoritarian military system makes her a symbol of the nation’s ongoing battle for truth and justice.
The SIGNIS jury praised the film for its “vibrant and composed gaze,” noting how Salles transforms a cry of denunciation into a song of hope, safeguarding democracy and promoting a culture of peace. Eunice’s resilience and her refusal to be silenced become a beacon not just for Brazil but for all nations grappling with the legacy of authoritarianism.
The film delves into one of the darkest periods of Brazil’s recent past, a time when countless families were torn apart by political repression. The jury emphasized the film’s role as “the guardian of the memory of a dramatic page in the history of Brazil.” Though deeply personal, Eunice’s quest for justice resonates as a universal message for societies still confronting the wounds of political violence.
Salles’ work in Ainda estou aqui moves beyond the personal to tackle broader themes of democracy, human rights, and resilience. The jury’s statement highlighted how the film is a historical recounting and a powerful commentary on the present. With global democracy increasingly at risk, the film serves as a reminder of the fragility of freedom and the importance of standing up against oppression, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
The Venice Film Festival, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious festivals, has long been a platform for films that challenge, inspire, and provoke. Ainda estou aqui joins a storied legacy of films that have used the medium to push for social change.
SIGNIS has been awarding films at Venice since 1948, recognizing works that promote human dignity, justice, and solidarity. With a jury composed of members from Austria (Astrid Polz-Watzenig), Italy (Sergio Perugini & Eliana Ariola), Germany (Joachim Opahle), and Argentina (Ádrian Baccaro), the organization continues to serve as a global voice in promoting the values of peace and justice through cinema.