On Monday, December 23, celebrated writer Marcelo Rubens Paiva was the featured guest on the Brazilian talk show Roda Viva, discussing his acclaimed book "Ainda Estou Aqui" and the film adaptation directed by Walter Salles Júnior. The discussion dove deep not only around the themes of his work but also the current socio-political climate of Brazil.
Paiva's book, which chronicles the challenges faced by his mother, Eunice Paiva, following the disappearance and murder of his father during the military dictatorship, served as the backdrop for exploring the broader narratives of memory and history. The show, hosted by Vera Magalhães, featured interviews from notable panelists including Adriana Ferreira Silva, Leonardo Cruz, Mariliz Pereira Jorge, Eduardo Graça, and Tom Farias.
During the episode, Paiva revisited his poignant remarks made during the 2022 Brazilian presidential elections when he voiced his support for former president Luiz Lula da Silva, stating, "I will vote for Lula, even with Lula. I am hopeful and also terrified of what may happen in the coming months." This sentiment sparked questions about whether he still feels hope amid Brazil's acute political crisis.
"Brazil is facing a very strange crisis; it’s hard to understand exactly what is happening. Unemployment is decreasing, yet inflation, the dollar, and interest rates are rising," he explained, attempting to illuminate the paradoxical nature of the current economic situation.
Paiva strongly emphasized his belief from the previous year, when he declared, "the only person who could defeat fascism was Lula, and we had to unite—not just me, as someone on the left, but also those from the Plan Real and many from the PSDB." He went on to reflect on the challenges of the past few years, including the two-year government of Michel Temer, stating: "Those years were terrible. It was urgent for Lula to run for office because we needed a statesman."
Aside from politics, the conversation also veered toward social media's current state, particularly the challenges posed by misinformation. When questioned about the regulation of digital platforms, Paiva stated, "To me, it is very clear what freedom of expression is and what constitutes aggression against someone's honor, which is unconstitutional."
He elaborated on the problems of rampant fake news: "X, formerly Twitter, has become trash. I don’t even know why I’m still there. It used to be such a good space, fostering discussion with links to newspapers." His criticism highlighted the dangers of unchecked content on platforms like X, expressing concerns about the generative environment of negativity and fear it cultivates.
"It’s become one of the tools of the worldwide far-right to create pessimism, making people want stronger police forces. Elon Musk embodies this right-wing philosophy. I’m really afraid of what this new 'Twitter' is creating," he added.
Among the discussions, Paiva acknowledged the role of literature and art throughout history, emphasizing the need for remembrance. When asked if the main aim of his book is to preserve the memories of those involved for future generations, he mused, "Isn't this the role of literature? Leaving something lasting behind, documenting events? I believe art serves to record time. 'Let's turn the page.' People always say this, but some things cannot simply be brushed aside. Memory has driven humanity’s evolution. Without memory, there is no education."
Paiva also shared touching personal experiences of his family’s struggles, including his mother's battle with Alzheimer's, narratively linking it all back to his past and how it shaped their lives. "Alzheimer's is terrible... It presents various phases. There’s the funny phase and the nervous phase, marked by temper and anguish. It causes suffering,” he remarked, showing the impact on family dynamics and emotional health.
Wrapping up the discussion, the potential for Paiva's film to gain recognition at the Academy Awards came to light. "The New York Times indicated 'Ainda Estou Aqui' has chances not just for Best International Feature Film but also for Best Picture," he shared, pointing out the film's acclaim and broad possibilities for nomination. He noted other important categories like Best Actress for Fernanda Torres and Best Supporting Actor for Selton Mello.
Paiva fondly recalled the first time he saw the film, humorously stating, "I told Fernanda, 'I love you.' I cried like an Italian widow," reflecting on the emotional connection the film holds for him.
The show aired live at 10 PM on TV Cultura, offering audiences insights not just from the perspective of Paiva, but also showcasing the important discussions surrounding memory, democracy, and the role of media—both social and traditional—in Brazil today. Viewers could also catch the program on the station's website, app, and various social media platforms, including X, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook. The episode was also marked by the real-time illustrations from cartoonist Luciano Veronezi, deepening the connection between the audience and the important topics discussed.
