I’m Still Here

When a mother's courage defies tyranny, hope is reborn.

One afternoon in 1971, Rubens Paiva, a former congressman and outspoken critic of Brazil’s newly instituted military dictatorship, was taken from his home in Rio de Janeiro by government officials, told nothing more than that he must give a “deposition” to authorities, and disappeared.

Adapted from his son Marcelo Rubens Paiva‘s memoir, this overwhelming, richly realized political drama from Walter Salles (THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES) stays tightly wedded to the perspective of Rubens’s wife, Eunice (a shattering Fernanda Torres, in a Golden Globe-winning performance), whose indefatigable search for the truth about her husband would stretch out for decades.

A devastating true story, I’M STILL HERE is exhilarating in its portrayal of human tenacity in the face of injustice. Featuring a deeply affecting appearance from Fernanda Montenegro (Fernanda Torres’ real-life mother), Oscar nominee for Salles’s CENTRAL STATION.

I’M STILL HERE is currently nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best International Picture, Best Actress (Fernanda Torres), and Best Picture.

“It’s one measure of Latin America’s arduous history that it has spawned so many books and movies about dictatorship… What they share is the awareness that history hurts. Few films have shown this with more delicate intelligence than I’m Still Here.” (NPR)

“Torres’s deeply internalized performance exerts a magnetic appeal, pulling us into her character’s unimaginable grief and loss as she fights to remain strong for her family.” (Toronto Star)

“How often do we get to watch a movie and recognize the unmistakable geniality that adorns a mother’s love? Rarely do we witness a performance that’s so unembellished and yet so memorable and moving.” (Salon.com)

“Torres’s performance here is a marvel of expressive restraint, every glance merging horrified disbelief and meticulous self-control.” (The New Yorker)

Saturday, March 22
Doors 2:10 | Movie 2:40 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets HERE

Tuesday, March 25
Doors 5:45 pm | Movie 6:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets HERE

I’M STILL HERE “Ainda Estou Aqui” (Walter Salles, 2024 / 137 mins / PG / Portuguese with English subtitles) BRAZIL, 1971 – Brazil faces the tightening grip of a military dictatorship. Eunice Paiva, a mother of five children, is forced to reinvent herself after her family suffers a violent and arbitrary act by the government. Based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s biographical book, the film tells the true story that helped reconstruct an important part of Brazil’s hidden history.


*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film only. Please redeem at the door.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for in-person purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats, and time for treats at concession.
*If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance <[email protected]> and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime.

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds or exchanges.

In the early 1970s, the military dictatorship in Brazil reaches its height. The Paiva family - Rubens, Eunice, and their five children - live in a beachside house in Rio, open to all their friends. One day, Rubens is taken for questioning and does not return.

About The Rio

Voted the #1 Independent Theatre in Vancouver, the Rio Theatre is a multimedia venue featuring arthouse, mainstream and cult-classic cinemas as well as live entertainment. Built in 1938, the Rio has been fully restored with a state of the art digital projector, surround sound, a huge stage and 420 luxurious seats.

1660 East Broadway, Vancouver, BC

Phone: 604.879.3456

Info Line: 604.878.3456

Email: [email protected]

All content © their respective owners.

Newsletter

Sign up to receive news on upcoming movies and events!

* indicates required

Follow Us

© 2025
Site by 3VL INC.