Brazilian Student Association Brings Oscar-Nominated ‘I’m Still Here’ to the Majestic Theater with Panel Discussion
Professors Ae-sil Woo and James Udden speaking during the event. (Rodrigo Cabrales/The Gettysburgian)
By Rodrigo Cabrales, Staff Writer
On the evening of Friday, Feb. 28, the Brazilian Student Association screened Walter Selles’ Oscar-nominated film “I’m Still Here” at the Majestic Theater.
The Portuguese-language film follows the story of the Paiva family in 1970s Brazil struggling against military dictatorship, based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s memoir.
Movie poster for “I’m Still Here” in the Majestic. (Rodrigo Cabrales/The Gettysburgian)
Post-screening, students and attendees discussed Brazil’s military dictatorship as it is presented in the film through a panel discussion conducted by political science professor Ae sil Woo and James Udden, professor of cinema and media studies.
Sharing her expertise on dictatorships, Woo stated, “During World War II, when it came to dictatorships, one of the most common tools was repression, which was through extrajudicial killings, torture and dictators owning that repression. But as we enter post-WWII and especially in Latin America, disappearances became one of the primary repertoires for state repression. For example, in Argentina, 30,000 people disappeared. In Peru, 15,000. In Guatemala, 50,000.”
Udden contributed to the discussion of repression and fear, particularly Selles’ approach to instilling fear in his viewers. “He doesn’t need to show gruesome torture scenes; the director conveys fear through powerful, understated performances,” he said.
The event concluded with a call for remembrance, understanding and prevention of subsequent politically motivated violence.
