Walter Salles’ “I’m Still Here” is not just a film—it’s a hauntingly beautiful act of remembrance. Based on the memoir Ainda Estou Aqui by Marcelo Rubens Paiva, the story chronicles the life of Eunice Paiva, a mother of five whose husband, former congressman Rubens Paiva, was abducted and murdered by Brazil’s military dictatorship in 1971. What unfolds is a deeply personal yet politically resonant portrait of grief, resilience, and quiet defiance. Fernanda Torres delivers a career-defining performance as Eunice, embodying a woman who refuses to be broken. Her portrayal is subtle yet seismic—every glance, every gesture carries the weight of a nation’s trauma and a mother’s unwavering love. The film’s emotional power is amplified by the presence of Torres’ real-life mother, Fernanda Montenegro, who plays Eunice in her later years, adding a generational echo to the story’s themes. Salles’ direction is masterful. He juxtaposes the idyllic warmth of 1970s Rio de Janeiro with the creeping dread of authoritarian violence. Super 8 footage shot by the Paiva children adds a nostalgic texture, while scenes of military helicopters and silent agents lurking in doorways remind us of the ever-present threat. The cinematography by Adrian Teijido and editing by Affonso Gonçalves create a rhythm that feels both intimate and epic. What makes I’m Still Here so powerful is its refusal to sensationalize. Instead of dramatizing torture or violence, it focuses on the psychological toll of disappearance—the limbo of not knowing, the bureaucratic cruelty of delayed justice, and the emotional labour of keeping a family whole. Eunice’s resistance is not loud; it’s found in ice cream parlour outings, in smiles for family photos, in the insistence that joy is a form of protest. The title itself is a declaration. “I’m Still Here” speaks to Eunice’s enduring presence, to Rubens’ legacy, and to the memory of all those lost to political violence. It’s also a warning: authoritarianism may fade, but its shadows linger. In a time when far-right movements are re-surging globally, this film feels tragically timely. Verdict: I’m Still Here is a breathtakingly tragic, emotionally rich, and politically urgent masterpiece. It’s a love letter to maternal strength, a reckoning with Brazil’s past, and a reminder that memory itself can be an act of resistance. One of the best Twinning International Films to date. Unmissable

A most enjoyable visit enjoyed by all

French Twin Town visitors learn about Bognor’s history

More Very Successful Social Events

AGM celebrates a highly successful year On a rainswept night, but in the warmth of the Regis School of Music, members of the Bognor Regis Town Twinning Association gathered for their AGM and to listen to the Association’s achievements over the past year. And there were many achievements. Mrs Heather Perrott, Chairman, led the AGM and praised the success of the Town Twinning Association in 2024. The social programme had been expanded to include new ideas as well as keeping old favourites. Members had enjoyed rambles, games evenings, talks, coffee mornings, a boules tournament, a quiz evening and the popular Beaujolais Bistro, which sold out all 50 places in 10 days. A new event had been a Murder Mystery Evening, with members dressing up as the 14 suspects, whilst the rest of the 30 guests tried to figure out ‘Who Dun It’. Father Christmas once again made a stop at the final event of the social calendar, when he dropped in with presents, and a cheeky smile, to the Morning of Christmas Cheer. Members were not only cheered by his presence but probably also by the mulled wine, spiced apple punch and generous buffet available In May, for the first time in some years, due to Covid and other difficulties, a visit was undertaken by 22 Bognor members to our French twin town of St-Maur-des-Fossés. St Maur is located only a short train ride from Paris and visitors were given ample opportunity to explore the city. Closer to St Maur, visits were organised to the Chateau de Vincennes and the Abbaye de Saint-Maur. 2024 also gave the opportunity to welcome visitors from our two German twin towns, Trebbin and Weil am Rhein, to Bognor Regis. A programme of visits included a trip to the replica Sistine Chapel in Goring, Amberley Chalk Pits museum, Arundel and Chichester Cathedral. Add to this a Council funded evening reception for the visitors and a further dinner reception, arranged by the Association. A Council grant also allowed the Association to continue funding its Youth Programme, whereby young people from each twin town can join the exchange visits. For 2025, the AGM unanimously approved Mrs Perrott, the Life Honorary Vice President of the Association, as its next Chairman. Mrs Perrott, who is very familiar with the role of Chairman, first joined the Bognor Regis Town Twinning Association in the 1980s and went with her husband and three young daughters to Germany on an exchange visit. It was the start of many warm friendships, which still continue, as they do with all members who participate in the exchanges.

Taking Fundraising to new heights!

Another sold out success....

Did you solve the murder?

This years winners Amiaboules (Joelle Marsh, Leo Turner and Maralyn Green) receive their trophy