Lithuanian Director Romas Zabarauskas Unveils Thrilling Noir Drama

Lithuanian writer-director Romas Zabarauskas is poised to captivate audiences with his new crime drama, The Activist (original title: Aktyvistas), which has already garnered significant box-office success in Lithuania. The noir thriller will make its international debut at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival on March 3, 2024. The film stars Robertas Petraitis as Andrius, a character grappling with grief and guilt following the murder of his secret lover, Deividas, portrayed by Elvinas Juodkazis. Deividas is depicted as Lithuania’s most influential human rights activist and his death sends Andrius into a perilous investigation amidst rising threats from neo-Nazi groups.

As the narrative unfolds, Andrius struggles with his identity and fears surrounding the upcoming LGBTQ+ march in Kaunas, marking a pivotal moment for the community. The cast also features Vaslov Goom as Bernardas, who is committed to maintaining the momentum of the activist group Rainbow, alongside Redita Dominaityte as the politician Rolanda Markeviciene and Karolis Kasperavicius and Arnoldas Augustaitis as neo-Nazis Mykolas and Rytis. The film, co-written by Zabarauskas, Marc David Jacobs, and Vitalija Lapina, is being handled for world sales by Alief.

Exploring Themes of Tension and Identity

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Zabarauskas reflects on how The Activist serves as the third installment in his queer trilogy, following The Lawyer (2020) and The Writer (2023). He emphasizes that while the films are thematically linked, they diverge in terms of plot and genre. “These films are centered around queer male couples navigating complex political circumstances,” he notes, highlighting the shift from romantic drama to thriller in this latest work.

Zabarauskas reveals that his interest in the far-right movements began in 2018, and he aims to challenge prevailing stereotypes about Eastern Europe. “While the far-right is often viewed as regressive, it also exhibits a modernity that is both surprising and unsettling,” he explains. He cites examples from Western Europe, such as Sébastien Chenu from France’s National Rally and Alice Weidel from Germany’s AFD, both of whom are openly queer yet politically aligned with homophobic ideologies.

Addressing Global Issues Through Cinema

The film even explores the intersection of music and politics, particularly how genres like vaporwave and synthwave have been appropriated by far-right groups. “I wanted to use a specifically created track to delve into these underground aesthetics,” Zabarauskas says. He believes that examining the unexpected forms the far-right takes is crucial in combating these ideologies.

The director critiques trends in arthouse cinema that often focus on victimization without addressing the complexities of modern society. “I want to represent society in all its complexity, and I think that makes for compelling drama,” he asserts. While he acknowledges that a different approach might yield greater commercial success, he remains committed to addressing pressing global issues through his work.

Recently, TLA Releasing acquired the U.S. and Canadian distribution rights for The Activist, while WBD International Content will handle the film’s release in the Baltics on HBO Max. Zabarauskas expresses gratitude for these opportunities, noting that the rise of the far-right is a universal concern that transcends borders.

As he prepares for the film’s release, Zabarauskas is also working on several projects, including a PhD in film at the National Film School of the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre. He is developing a screenplay for a mini-series about Jonas Mekas, a notable Lithuanian-American filmmaker, with the support of the Jonas Mekas Estate.

In conclusion, Zabarauskas emphasizes the importance of discussing uncomfortable topics, stating, “We must scrutinize the faults of activists and liberal politicians to find answers.” He maintains a belief in the potential of liberal democracies, showcasing various institutions within his film while advocating for civic engagement. As he continues his cinematic journey, Zabarauskas remains a voice for complexity and authenticity in contemporary storytelling.