Lithuanian writer-director Romas Zabarauskas has attracted attention with his latest film, The Activist (Lithuanian: Aktyvistas), which is set to premiere internationally at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival on November 17, 2023. The crime drama has gained popularity in Lithuania, and now Zabarauskas aims to showcase its gripping narrative to a broader audience.
The film stars Robertas Petraitis as Andrius, a man overwhelmed by grief and guilt following the murder of his secret lover, Deividas, played by Elvinas Juodkazis. Deividas was a prominent human rights activist, and his death pushes Andrius into a world of fear and distrust, especially as he grapples with the impending first-ever LGBTQ+ march in Kaunas. As neo-Nazi threats loom, Andrius embarks on a clandestine investigation, questioning the motives of those around him.
In addition to Petraitis and Juodkazis, the cast features Vaslov Goom as Bernardas, who strives to keep the activist group Rainbow alive, and Redita Dominaityte as politician Rolanda Markeviciene. The film also stars Karolis Kasperavicius and Arnoldas Augustaitis as neo-Nazis Mykolas and Rytis.
Zabarauskas co-wrote the film with Marc David Jacobs and Vitalija Lapina. The director describes his work as part of a thematic trilogy that includes his previous films, The Lawyer (2020) and The Writer (2023). While the films share common themes surrounding queer male couples navigating political turmoil, each entry delves into different genres, with The Activist leaning towards thriller.
Challenging Perceptions of Eastern Europe
Zabarauskas aims to challenge stereotypes about Eastern Europe while exploring complex political landscapes. “I like to explore those political circumstances in a complex way and reverse some stereotypes about Eastern Europe,” he states. He began developing The Activist in 2018, intrigued by the rise of the far-right.
The director notes that while the far-right is often viewed as regressive, it possesses modern elements that contribute to its communication strategies. “If you look at France, one of the leaders of the far-right National Rally is Sébastien Chenu, who lives with his partner,” Zabarauskas explains. “It’s crucial to investigate how these unexpected alliances form, even within the LGBTQ+ community.”
The film also tackles how certain music genres, such as vaporwave and synthwave, have been appropriated by far-right groups, presenting a unique backdrop for the narrative. Zabarauskas emphasizes the need to discuss these surprising forms to effectively combat extremism.
Future Endeavors and Artistic Vision
The director expresses his desire to present modern society’s complexity through his films. He critiques the prevalent trends in arthouse and queer cinema, which often portray victimization or surrealism. “I want to represent modern society in all its complexity, and I think that makes for good drama,” Zabarauskas remarks.
As The Activist prepares for its international release, the film has already garnered attention in the U.S. and Canada, with TLA Releasing acquiring distribution rights. Its reach extends further, with WBD International Content securing rights for HBO Max in the Baltics. Zabarauskas reflects, “The rise of the far-right is pretty universal. I am grateful for the opportunity to address global issues through this film.”
Looking ahead, 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. He is also working on a screenplay for a mini-series about Jonas Mekas, a notable Lithuanian-American filmmaker. This ambitious project aims to capture the essence of Mekas’s life, a figure known for his contributions to American avant-garde cinema.
In summary, Zabarauskas’s work sheds light on the complexities of identity and politics in contemporary society, aiming to provoke thought and discussion through his compelling narratives.
