The film “I’m Still Here” highlights Eunice Paiva’s influential legal work in defending Indigenous rights in Brazil. Her activism following the murder of her husband under the military regime led to significant legal reforms, including the incorporation of Indigenous rights in the 1988 Constitution. Paiva’s pioneering efforts in advocacy and environmental issues continue to inspire and resonate within Indigenous communities.
The film “I’m Still Here” centers on Eunice Paiva, highlighting her significant contributions to Indigenous rights and environmental advocacy in Brazil. Following the tragic assassination of her husband by the military dictatorship, Paiva transitioned into law in her 40s. Her advocacy greatly influenced the incorporation of Indigenous rights in Brazil’s 1988 Constitution and played a critical role in securing Yanomami land demarcation in the Amazon.
The film features supporting actress Angela Ribeiro, who met Manuela Carneiro da Cunha, a notable scholar on Indigenous issues, on set. Carneiro da Cunha’s connection with Paiva underscores her substantial influence in the fight for Indigenous rights. Although the film does not deeply address Indigenous issues, its international success honors Paiva’s legacy as a proponent for Indigenous causes.
For this recognition, Paiva co-authored “Defend the Pataxós” in 1983, which aimed to shed light on the injustices faced by the Pataxó Hã-Hã-Hæ people due to large landowners in Bahia, a region steeped in colonial history. Ailton Krenak, an influential Indigenous leader, emphasizes Paiva’s foundational role in the Indigenous rights movement during Brazil’s dictatorship.
Brazil’s Minister of Indigenous Peoples, Sonia Guajajara, acknowledged Paiva’s impact after Fernanda Torres won a Golden Globe for portraying her. Guajajara noted Paiva’s dedication to Indigenous land rights goes beyond her personal tragedies, highlighting her contributions to Indigenous community struggles.
Eunice Paiva’s entry into law was unexpected, transitioning from a homemaker to an advocate after her husband’s death. Many Indigenous nations were unrepresented in legal fields during this era, prompting Paiva to specialize in Indigenous law despite lacking financial incentives. Anthropologist Betty Mindlin attributes the surge in Paiva’s activism to the violent resistance against Brazil’s exploitative development policies.
Her advocacy for Indigenous movements began with a focus on family and civil law, but her passion for Indigenous rights grew significantly. Paiva published “The State Against the Indians” in 1985, drawing connections between economic growth, political regimes, and the violations of Indigenous rights.
The document played a role in significant campaigns for Yanomami land demarcation, achieved in 1982. Paiva actively campaigned against harmful policies that threatened to separate Indigenous groups into categories that would leave them vulnerable to dispossession.
Paiva’s pivotal contributions culminated in Brazil’s 1988 Constitution, which recognized Indigenous rights to their lands. While House Speaker Ulysses Guimarães declared the bill, he failed to credit Paiva, who played a crucial role in drafting it.
Later, she advocated for the demarcation of Kayapó Mekranotí territory in 1990, showcasing her persistent commitment to land rights. Paiva’s influence continued until Alzheimer’s disease forced her retirement in 2008, with her passing in 2018.
“I’m Still Here” premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in 2024, receiving substantial acclaim. Notably, this occurred amid Indigenous groups’ withdrawal from negotiations that threatened their land rights, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for recognition of Indigenous issues in Brazil.
Eunice Paiva’s legacy in Brazil is marked by her transformative contributions to Indigenous rights and environmental protection. Through her legal work, she championed the rights of marginalized communities, particularly during a time of political repression. The recognition of her efforts in modern cinematic portrayals shows the enduring impact of her activism on Indigenous rights and environmental justice in Brazil.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
