The Oscar-winning Brazilian film “I’m Still Here” made its Chinese premiere in Beijing on Monday evening. The event was a highlight of cultural exchange, attended by Rosangela Lula da Silva, wife of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is on a state visit to China.
This powerful political drama tells the true story of Eunice Paiva, who faced immense challenges after her husband Rubens was “disappeared” during Brazil’s turbulent 1970s. The film showcases the resilience and strength of an ordinary woman rebuilding her life and family amidst political turmoil.
“With the arrival of ‘I’m Still Here’ in China, we are more certain than ever that this film, which makes us extremely proud, has conquered the world,” said Rosangela Lula da Silva at the premiere. “It traveled over 17,000 kilometers to tell a story of modern Brazilian history that has been buried for many years in over 10,000 cinemas across the vast land of China.”
Chinese actress Yao Chen, present at the event, reminisced about her work on the film The Cord of Life, which was showcased at a Chinese film festival in São Paulo in 2023. She presented the Brazilian first lady with a vinyl copy of the film’s soundtrack as a symbol of artistic camaraderie.
Yao Chen expressed her hope for increased collaboration between Chinese and Brazilian filmmakers. “I hope there will be more artistic exchanges between us to deepen our understanding of each other and explore the world together through film,” she said.
The premiere of “I’m Still Here” in Beijing signifies a growing bond between the two nations, highlighting the unifying power of cinema to bridge cultures and share compelling stories with audiences around the world.
