The new Lithuanian crime drama, The Activist (Lithuanian: Aktyvistas), directed by Romas Zabarauskas, delves into the complex issues surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and violence in society. The film premiered in Lithuanian theaters on September 19, 2023, where it debuted in second place at the box office. It is set to have its international premiere at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival on November 14, 2023.
The plot centers on the murder of Deividas, portrayed by Elvinas Juodkazis, who is recognized as Lithuania’s leading human rights activist. His death occurs just as the city of Kaunas prepares for its inaugural LGBTQ+ march. The narrative becomes even more intricate when Deividas’s secret lover, Andrius, played by rising star Robertas Petraitis, embarks on a covert investigation into his partner’s death. Andrius grapples with personal fear and guilt, navigating a world filled with hidden enemies.
In addition to Juodkazis and Petraitis, the film features a notable cast including Vaslov Goom as Bernardas, who seeks to keep the activist group Rainbow thriving, and Redita Dominaityte as politician Rolanda Markeviciene. The film also portrays neo-Nazi characters through Karolis Kasperavicius as Mykolas and Arnoldas Augustaitis as Rytis, presenting a stark contrast to the film’s themes of acceptance and resistance.
Exclusive Preview Clips Offer Insight
Three exclusive clips from The Activist have been released, providing audiences with an early glimpse of its characters and themes. The first clip features Juodkazis as Deividas and Dominaityte as Markeviciene confronting a protest led by neo-Nazis and other right-wing activists. This scene sets the tone for the film’s exploration of societal tensions.
The second clip captures a planning meeting among right-wing activists intending to disrupt the LGBTQ+ march. Viewers are introduced to Petraitis’s character, who takes on an undercover role, alongside Baroti as Laima and the neo-Nazi characters played by Kasperavicius and Augustaitis. The discussion escalates as they reveal the location of a queer rights group’s meeting, heightening the sense of danger.
The final clip showcases a tense conversation between Petraitis’s Andrius and Goom’s Bernardas. As Andrius wrestles with the implications of his investigation, themes of scandal and reputation come to the forefront, underscoring the film’s dramatic intensity.
Through its gripping narrative and complex characters, The Activist aims to shine a light on both the struggles and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community in Lithuania. As it prepares for its international debut, the film is poised to spark conversations and raise awareness about the pressing issues it addresses.
