The Virginia Theatre fell silent Thursday afternoon as “I’m Still Here,” Walter Salles’ historical drama, took the screen at Ebertfest.
“I’m Still Here” made history at the 2025 Academy Awards by becoming the first Brazilian film to win the Oscar for Best International Feature Film. It also earned two prestigious nominations for Best Picture and Best Actress at this yearʼs Academy Awards.
The film transported its audience into the heart of Brazil’s military dictatorship. “I’m Still Here” follows Eunice Paiva (Fernanda Torres), whose husband, Rubens Paiva, was taken and murdered by the Brazilian military regime in the 1970s.
Richard Roeper, longtime film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times, introduced the film.
“For many of you, it is going to be the first time, (and) I envy you that experience,” Roeper said. “It is, of course, based on a true story, and it works on so many levels — as a valuable piece of history, as a biopic of a hero and I think, maybe more than anything else, as a testament to the power of family and the strength of a mother.”
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“I’m Still Here” holds relevance in today’s United States political climate. The film’s portrayal of Brazil’s military dictatorship and its harsh treatment of those who spoke out against the government mirrors ongoing debates in the U.S. concerning government power, freedom of speech and immigration.
In a post-show panel, Chaz Ebert, Roger Ebert’s widow and festival host, shared a story alluding to the current political climate.
“One of our guests couldn’t come from Canada because he was afraid to cross the border,” Ebert said. “Some of the professors (in Canada) have been warned … saying they can’t protect them if they come (to the U.S.) … I love this democracy, and I don’t want to see us lose it.”
Ebert’s words served as a reminder to audience members that history’s darker chapters remain relevant in the present and should never be forgotten.
However, despite the complex issues raised by the film, the festival’s atmosphere remained one of connection, bringing together people who share a love of cinema.
Audience member Joseph Zimmerman, reflected on his and his wife’s experience at Ebertfest so far.
“We live around Chicago, and we enjoy movies, and we really like a wide variety of films, so (Ebertfest) fit the bill perfect,” Zimmerman said. “We’ve talked all morning about the one we saw this morning, it was very moving … I have enjoyed every single (film) so far and for different reasons.”
