While it’s not unusual for foreign-language films to do well domestically, not too many Brazilian titles have managed to break into the mainstream. But thanks to its recent Oscar nods, directorWalter Salles’I’m Still Herehas now become onlythe fifth Brazilian film ever to pass the $1 million milestone at the domestic box office.This past weekend, the period drama also registered an incredible 137% increase in domestic revenue, as it expanded its theatrical footprint. Withover $16 million at the global box office,I’m Still Herehas already emerged as thebiggest Brazilian film of the post-pandemic era, and is poised for another expansion soon.
The film went from 17 to 93 theaters this past weekend, grossing around $547,000. This took the film’s running domestic total past the $1 million mark, making it only the fifthBrazilian filmever to do so. It’s now the fourth-highest-grossing Brazilian film of all time domestically, ahead ofNothing to Lose.I’m Still HeretrailsNothing to Lose 2,Central Station, andCity of God. Incidentally, Salles gained international recognition after having directedCentral Station, which received an Oscar nomination in the then Foreign Language Film category over two decades ago.
I’m Still Here, which dramatizes the forced disappearance of a political dissident, has also been nominated in the same category, which is now called Best International Feature. Somewhat surprisingly, the film also scored nods in the Best Actress and Best Picture categories. It’s the first Brazilian film ever to receive a Best Picture nod; the door for foreign films was opened in this category some years ago byBong Joon-ho’sParasite, which remains one of the highest-grossing international movies of all time at the domestic box office. More recently,Godzilla Minus Onerode a wave of success to a nearly $60 million domestic haul, and ended up winning an Oscar in the Best Visual Effects category.
‘I’m Still Here’ Is Set for a Major Expansion
Produced ona reported budget of $1.5 million,I’m Still Herepremiered at the Venice Film Festival, winning the Best Screenplay Award. StarFernanda Torressubsequently won a Golden Globe, before earning an Oscar nomination for her acclaimed performance. The movie currently sits at a “fresh” 95% approval rating on the aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoes, with an even more impressive 98% audience score.In her review, Collider’sEmma Kielydescribed the film as “an intimate, devastating, and beautiful celebration of the human spirit.“I’m Still Herewill soon expand into 500 domestic theaters, a record for Brazilian films. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
