I’m Still Here, an Oscar-nominated film about Brazil’s darkest period, could hold a lesson for the future.

Brazilian novelist Marcelo Rubens Paiva, the author of the book that served as the basis for the film I’m Still Here, speaks during an interview at his home in Sao Paulo, Brazil, February 18, 2025 [Andre Penner/AP Photo]

A Brazilian film on forced disappearances under Brazil’s military dictatorship is making waves. I’m Still Here is up for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, fuelling national pride and global debates on authoritarianism. Can it claim Hollywood’s top prize?

In this episode:

  • Mauricio Savarese (@MSavarese) – Reporter, The Associated Press

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Sonia Bhagat, and Amy Walters with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Marcos Bartolomé, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich, Sarí el-Khalili, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

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