Residents of Niterói will have the chance to watch the award-winning film "Ainda Estou Aqui," directed by Walter Salles and winner of the Oscar for Best International Feature Film, during free screenings at the Reserva Cultural cinema in São Domingos. This initiative is a collaboration between the Niterói city government and the Reserva Cultural group, designed to democratize access to quality national cinema.
The complimentary showings will take place from March 27 to April 2, with four daily sessions scheduled at 1:00 PM, 3:40 PM, 6:20 PM, and 9:00 PM. To secure a ticket, residents must present a valid identification and proof of residence in Niterói at the cinema box office starting at noon on the day of the desired session. Each resident is permitted one ticket per identification document, and entry will depend on room capacity, allotted by the order of arrival.
Rodrigo Neves, the mayor of Niterói, underscored the significance of the film for preserving historical memory and bolstering democracy. "Guaranteeing free access for the population to learn about this story is a commitment to memory and truth. Rubens Paiva fought for a fairer country and was brutally persecuted. This film serves as a warning to ensure we never again live through times of authoritarianism and censorship," stated Neves.
He further emphasized Niterói's role in enhancing the audiovisual sector, announcing new city projects. "The audiovisual realm is a vocation of Niterói. We want to expand this potential. We’re working on creating a film commission in partnership with RioFilme to promote productions in the city and strengthen the creative industry," he declared.
Micaela Costa, president of the Niterói Foundation of Arts, hailed the initiative as another effort to promote national cinema and accessible culture in the city. "Offering a highly acclaimed work for free reinforces Niterói's commitment to democratizing art and strengthening Brazilian audiovisual production. The free screening of 'Ainda Estou Aqui' at Reserva Cultural is a prime example of our dedication to cultural access. This film, a winner of major global awards like the Golden Globe and Oscar, features a powerful and sensitive narrative," Costa commented.
"Providing this experience strengthens our mission of democratizing access to the arts. At a time when Brazilian audiovisual is reaffirming its role as a powerful tool for reflection and identity, initiatives like this not only bolster the local cultural scene but also the cinema as a whole. The Niterói Arts Foundation remains committed to ensuring that the city continues to be a hub for artistic promotion and the recognition of national production, expanding cultural access for everyone," she added.
The details for the free screenings are as follows:
- Dates: March 27 to April 2, 2025
- Session Times: 1:00 PM | 3:40 PM | 6:20 PM | 9:00 PM
- Entry: Free with proof of residence in Niterói
- Location: Reserva Cultural, Avenida Visconde do Rio Branco, 880, São Domingos, Niterói, RJ
This series of free screenings not only provides residents access to a critically acclaimed film but also reflects Niterói's ongoing commitment to supporting arts and culture within the community.
