Lithuanian writer-director Romas Zabarauskas is captivating audiences with his new film, The Activist (Lithuanian title: Aktyvistas), which is gaining traction in box office sales at home and is set for an international premiere at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival on November 17, 2023. This crime drama explores themes of grief, identity, and political tension through the lens of a gripping narrative.
The film stars Robertas Petraitis as Andrius, a man grappling with sorrow and guilt after the murder of his secret lover, Deividas (played by Elvinas Juodkazis), who was a leading human rights activist in Lithuania. As the first LGBTQ+ march in Kaunas approaches, Andrius, fearful of revealing his identity, embarks on a covert investigation into Deividas’s death. With neo-Nazi threats looming over the marchers, trust becomes a rare commodity in this tense atmosphere.
Zabarauskas co-wrote the film alongside Marc David Jacobs and Vitalija Lapina, and the cast includes Vaslov Goom as Bernardas, a supporter of the activist group Rainbow, Redita Dominaityte as politician Rolanda Markeviciene, and Karolis Kasperavicius and Arnoldas Augustaitis portraying neo-Nazi characters Mykolas and Rytis. The film’s world sales are being managed by Alief, with distribution deals already secured in the U.S. and Canada through TLA Releasing, and for the Baltics via WBD International Content for HBO Max.
Exploring Complex Themes
Zabarauskas describes The Activist as the third installment in his queer trilogy, following The Lawyer (2020) and The Writer (2023). While initially conceived as a standalone project, the director recognized thematic connections that linked these works. “These films are related thematically, focusing on queer male couples in challenging political landscapes,” he explains. The trilogy spans various genres, with The Activist standing out as a thriller compared to its romantic drama predecessors.
The director is keen on challenging prevalent stereotypes about Eastern Europe and diving into complex political nuances. “I enjoy exploring political circumstances in a nuanced way,” Zabarauskas states. He initiated the project in 2018, motivated by the rising influence of far-right ideologies across Europe. His perspective, however, diverges from conventional narratives.
“A lot of people view the far right as stagnant and regressive,” he elaborates. “Yet, it’s surprisingly modern in its communication and alliances, even involving LGBTQ+ leaders.” He cites examples from countries like France and Germany, where far-right politicians openly identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community while promoting homophobic ideologies.
Soundtrack Meets Social Commentary
The film also touches upon the intersection of music and politics, particularly how genres like vaporwave and synthwave have been appropriated by far-right groups, leading to the emergence of “fashwave.” Zabarauskas points out, “We need to discuss these unexpected forms the far right is taking to effectively combat them in the ideological arena.”
While Zabarauskas acknowledges the discomfort surrounding these topics, he emphasizes the importance of confronting them. “Arthouse cinema often preaches to the converted,” he notes, urging for a broader critique that includes the shortcomings of liberal democracies. “We must scrutinize the failures of activists and liberal politicians as we seek solutions,” he adds, affirming his belief in the potential of democratic institutions.
Looking ahead, Zabarauskas is developing a new feature film and a screenplay for a mini-series about the influential Lithuanian-American filmmaker Jonas Mekas. With the support of a scholarship from the Lithuanian Film Center, he aims to craft a pilot script that delves into Mekas’s intriguing life and contributions to cinema.
In summary, The Activist is not just a film; it is a complex commentary on societal issues that resonate beyond Lithuania. With its international release on the horizon, Zabarauskas’s work promises to engage audiences in critical discussions about identity, politics, and the evolving landscape of modern society.
