Lithuanian writer-director Romas Zabarauskas presents his latest work, The Activist (Lithuanian: Aktyvistas), which has garnered attention for its gripping narrative and timely themes. Following a successful run in Lithuania, this crime drama is set to make its international debut at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival on November 17, 2023. The film stars Robertas Petraitis as Andrius, a man grappling with grief after the murder of his secret lover, Deividas, portrayed by Elvinas Juodkazis, who was a prominent human rights activist in Lithuania.
The plot unfolds as Andrius, motivated by personal loss and fear, embarks on a covert investigation into the murder that threatens to overshadow the first-ever LGBTQ+ march in Kaunas. The narrative captures the tension surrounding this event, as neo-Nazi groups pose a significant threat to the marchers. The Activist features a cast that includes Vaslov Goom as Bernardas, who strives to keep the activist group Rainbow operational, and Redita Dominaityte as Rolanda Markeviciene, a politician navigating complex loyalties.
Exploring Complex Themes Through Film
Zabarauskas, who co-wrote the film with Marc David Jacobs and Vitalija Lapina, is known for his commitment to exploring intricate social issues. The Activist marks the third installment of his queer trilogy, which began with The Lawyer (2020) and continued with The Writer (2023). While these films are thematically linked, Zabarauskas emphasizes their distinct narrative styles, with The Activist diverging into the thriller genre.
“I initially set out to create a single film, but as I developed The Activist, I realized it could form part of a trilogy,” Zabarauskas explained. “Each film focuses on queer male couples facing various political challenges.” The director aims to challenge stereotypes about Eastern Europe and engage audiences in discussions about pressing issues.
He began conceptualizing The Activist in 2018, drawn to the rise of far-right ideologies and their unexpected complexities. “Many perceive far-right movements as regressive, but they often exhibit modern communication strategies and unexpected alliances, even among LGBTQ+ individuals,” he remarked. This nuanced view is evident in the film, where the intertwining of political narratives provides depth to the characters and their struggles.
A Unique Cinematic Approach
Zabarauskas aims to differentiate his work from conventional arthouse films, which he feels often lean towards victimization or surrealism. “I want to portray contemporary society in its complexity, and I believe that creates compelling drama,” he stated. He recognizes that his approach might seem provocative, yet he remains committed to creating drama-driven narratives.
The film has attracted attention beyond Lithuania, with TLA Releasing acquiring distribution rights for the U.S. and Canada, while HBO Max will handle the Baltic distribution through WBD International Content. Zabarauskas expressed gratitude for the film’s international reach, emphasizing the global relevance of the themes explored in The Activist.
In his research for the film, Zabarauskas examined various global figures, including far-right politicians in France and Germany, and noted the complexities of their affiliations with LGBTQ+ communities. He highlighted the surprising alliances that can form within these movements, urging audiences to confront uncomfortable truths.
“The topics addressed in this film are challenging, but they are necessary for discussion,” Zabarauskas asserted. He believes that cinema should not merely preach to the converted but should instead provoke thought and reflection on societal issues.
As he looks to the future, Zabarauskas is developing a new feature film and pursuing a PhD in film at the National Film School of the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre. Additionally, he is working on a mini-series screenplay about Jonas Mekas, a notable figure in avant-garde cinema, with the support of the Jonas Mekas Estate.
Through these endeavors, Zabarauskas continues to push boundaries in filmmaking, using his platform to explore complex narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences.