Culture Gabfest cover image

Culture Gabfest

The Oscars Go Streaming

Feb 26, 2025
Isaac Butler, an acclaimed author and host of the Criterion Channel series, joins Bill Kramer, the CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. They dive into the rising buzz around the Brazilian film 'I'm Still Here' and its poignant portrayal of resilience during dictatorship. The discussion extends to the NEA's struggles under political pressure and the need for cultural institutions to adapt amidst challenges. They also contemplate how the Oscars can evolve for a streaming audience while embracing diversity and modern storytelling.
01:12:39

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Brazilian film 'I'm Still Here' exposes the personal trauma of dictatorship, illustrating cinema's role in resisting authoritarianism through powerful storytelling.
  • The National Endowment for the Arts faces uncertain times due to new administration guidelines potentially threatening artistic freedom and diversity in funding.

Deep dives

The Impact of 'I'm Still Here'

The Brazilian film 'I'm Still Here' explores the devastating personal impact of the 1970s Brazilian dictatorship, following the story of the Paiva family after the father, a politician, disappears. The mother, Onisi, portrayed by Fernanda Torres, grapples with the trauma of her husband's absence while transforming into a radical advocate for human rights after facing her own imprisonment and torture. Critics have noted the film's emotional restraint, suggesting that its understated approach might prevent the full rawness of the family's plight from being conveyed. Despite mixed critiques regarding its pacing and structure, the film's capacity to resonate with contemporary audiences is emphasized, particularly in the context of rising authoritarianism.

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