Introduction: Unhealing Wounds in Latin America
Latin America bears deep scars from the decades-long trauma of tens of thousands of disappearances, a wound that refuses to heal. This painful reality is acutely felt in countries like Mexico and Colombia, where the absence of justice and accountability has left families in anguish. The 97th Academy Awards brought this issue into the global spotlight through two powerful films: the Brazilian drama "I’m Still Here" and the Mexican musical "Emilia Pérez." Both films shed light on the enduring suffering of those affected by disappearances and the pervasive impunity that perpetuates this injustice.
The Story Behind "I’m Still Here": A Family’s fight for Justice
"I’m Still Here," directed by Brazilian filmmaker Walter Salles, is based on the true story of Rubens Paiva, a leftist congressman who vanished in 1971 during Brazil’s military dictatorship. His disappearance left his family in a decades-long fight for justice and truth. The film is inspired by the book of the same name by Paiva’s son, Marcelo Rubens Paiva, who vividly recounts the family’s relentless struggle. Eunice Paiva, Rubens’s widow, became a symbol of resilience, refusing to give up even as the authorities refused to acknowledge the truth. It took 40 years for the government to issue Rubens’s death certificate, and even then, the full circumstances of his disappearance remain unacknowledged.
At the Oscars, Salles dedicated the film’s Best International Film award to Eunice Paiva, praising her resilience and resistance against oppression. Marcelo Rubens Paiva remarked that the film’s recognition is a reminder to the world of the fragility of democracy and the importance of human rights. The film not only honors the memory of Rubens Paiva but also highlights the broader struggle for justice and accountability in Latin America.
"Emilia Pérez": A Fictional Tale with a Harsh Reality
The second film, "Emilia Pérez," directed by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, tells the story of a fictional Mexican drug lord who abandons his criminal life to search for the disappeared. The film’s central character, Manitas del Monte, joins forces with a lawyer, Rita Castro (played by Zoe Saldaña, who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress), to uncover the truth about the disappeared. While the story is fictional, it mirrors the grim reality of disappearances in Mexico, where organized crime and government complicity have contributed to the crisis.
The film’s depiction of impunity is strikingly accurate. Manitas del Monte escapes punishment for his crimes, just as real-life perpetrators of disappearances in Mexico often evade justice. According to official figures, there are currently 123,147 disappeared people in Mexico, with only 2% to 6% of cases being prosecuted. The United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances has condemned the Mexican government’s failure to address the issue effectively.
Disappearances in Mexico: A Crisis Without End
The phenomenon of disappearances in Mexico began in the 1960s but escalated dramatically in the 2000s, driven by the rise of drug cartels and the government’s militarized response to organized crime. Today, the burden of searching for the missing often falls on their families, who face immense risks as they venture into cartel-controlled territories. Activists like Indira Navarro, leader of the Guerreros Buscadores de Jalisco collective, embody this struggle. Navarro has been searching for her brother, who disappeared in Sonora nine years ago, and hopes the Oscars will serve as a wake-up call for the world to recognize the scale of the crisis.
The Role of Activists and the Power of Film
Activists like Navarro and the families of the disappeared continue to demand justice and accountability in the face of systemic impunity. Their efforts are often met with resistance from authorities and criminal groups, but they remain undeterred. The Oscars’ recognition of "I’m Still Here" and "Emilia Pérez" has provided a global platform to amplify their voices and bring attention to this overlooked issue.
The films not only highlight the trauma of disappearances but also celebrate the resilience of those who refuse to give up. As Marcelo Rubens Paiva noted, the stories of Eunice Paiva and others like her remind us of the importance of democracy, human rights, and empathy in the face of authoritarianism and violence.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The Oscars’ spotlight on "I’m Still Here" and "Emilia Pérez" is a step toward raising global awareness of the disappeared in Latin America. However, the real work lies in ensuring that this awareness translates into action. As activists like Navarro and Paiva continue their fight, the world must listen and support their demands for justice. The stories of the disappeared are not just a reminder of past injustices but a call to defend democracy and human rights in the present and future.
