Brazilian film Ainda Estou Aqui, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Walter Salles and featuring noted actress Fernanda Torres, is gaining significant attention as it secures its position among the contenders for the Oscar 2025. This follows the Academy's recent announcement of the 15 films shortlisted for Best International Feature Film, with Ainda Estou Aqui making the cut.
The Academy shared the news on their official Instagram account, stating, "Fifteen films have advanced to the next round of voting for the International Feature Film category. Here is where they land on the map." Other films nominated alongside it include titles from Canada, Denmark, and France.
This year's Oscars, scheduled for March 2, will not only spotlight films from around the world but also mark a historical moment for Brazilian cinema. The last time Brazil had representation in this category was back in 1999 with Salles’s own Central do Brasil. That film not only captivated audiences but also earned Fernanda Montenegro an Academy Award nomination for best actress, one many believe she would have won had it not been for fierce competition.
Fernanda Torres, who stars alongside Selton Mello, expressed excitement over the nomination through her extensive social media presence, sharing multiple emojis and posts celebrating the film's recognition. Mello joined in, indicating the enthusiasm surrounding the film's potential success, with many fans echoing sentiments of hope and anticipation, as reflected by comments like "We're still here waiting for the Oscar for Brazil!"
Beyond the Oscars, the film is also generating buzz around awards season, having received two Golden Globe nominations recently. The Golden Globe winners will be announced shortly after, on January 5, which heightens the anticipation for both the film's reception and its Oscar candidacy.
Critical perspectives on the film's potential success are optimistic yet cautious. According to film critic Márcio Sallem, who is also part of the Critics Choice Awards, Ainda Estou Aqui holds strong chances for nominations owing to its artistry and previous accolades, including recognition at the Venice Film Festival. Sallem suggests it could secure nominations for best international film, best actress for Torres, and possibly for adapted screenplay as well.
Despite this potential, Sallem also cautions about the film's competition, asserting there are other formidable contenders with larger marketing budgets and promotional campaigns. Nonetheless, the Brazilian public's support remains immense; the film has been viewed by over 3 million people domestically since its release.
The prospect of Brazilian films thriving on the global stage is also supported by recent legislative changes aimed at boosting the local film industry. The revival of the 'cota de tela' law mandates Brazilian films to occupy a minimum number of screening slots, changing the distribution game for domestic productions. Dora Amorim, co-founder of the production company Zebra Filmes, emphasized the challenges of releasing Brazilian films but remains optimistic about the industry's evolution.
With projections for funding through the Sectorial Fund for Audiovisual (FSA) and the continued support for Brazilian cinema, Amorim believes significant changes are on the horizon. She noted, "We produce many feature films, but we do not often see these works at the cinemas. When they arrive, it is only to select audiences." Such realizations prompt hopes for change with plans to distribute at least three films throughout 2025.
Meanwhile, the general sentiment within the Brazilian film community reflects optimism for the future. Luís Fernando Moura, program director at Cinema São Luiz, indicated the sector is responding to post-pandemic transformations, leading to the growing internationalization of Brazilian cinema. This trend emphasizes potential collaborations and foreign investments, illustrating cinema's capacity to transcend borders.
With the Oscar nominations set to be announced on January 17, expectations for Ainda Estou Aqui remain high. The film's performance may not only impact its immediate future but also set the tone for the direction of Brazilian cinema for years to come. It stands as both a cultural bridge and a beacon of hope for many filmmakers and audiences alike as they await the upcoming award celebrations.