How Oscar-Nominated I'm Still Here' May Hold Brazil's Military Accountable
Briefly

The film I'm Still Here, which examines the murder of Brazilian congressman Rubens Paiva by military forces, culminates with a powerful reminder that the soldiers responsible were never held accountable due to longstanding amnesty laws. Recently, Brazil's Supreme Court has decided to look into the possibility of revoking this amnesty for those involved in Paiva's assassination, a move sparked by the film's influence. This development suggests a significant shift in Brazil’s approach to addressing past atrocities and highlights the film's dual impact of critical acclaim and political awakening.
The five soldiers charged in the killing were never punished because of laws granting them amnesty, showcasing a painful historical reality in Brazil.
Brazil's Supreme Court unanimously decided to review whether it should revoke the amnesty of the army officers accused of killing Rubens Paiva.
The judicial reckoning provoked by I'm Still Here may lead to the revocation of protections that have shielded atrocities committed during the military dictatorship.
The film's critical success is not only commercial but has significant political implications, forcing Brazil to confront its past and question ongoing amnesty laws.
Read at www.nytimes.com
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