Lithuanian Director Romas Zabarauskas Explores Queer Themes in New Thriller
Lithuanian writer-director Romas Zabarauskas is set to captivate audiences with his new crime drama, The Activist (Lithuanian: Aktyvistas), which is making its international premiere at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival on November 17, 2023. The film, inspired by real-life events, explores themes of grief, guilt, and the complexities of queer identity against the backdrop of rising far-right sentiments in Eastern Europe.
The plot follows Andrius, played by Robertas Petraitis, who grapples with the aftermath of his secret lover, Deividas (portrayed by Elvinas Juodkazis), being murdered by a masked intruder. Deividas is depicted as Lithuania’s most influential human rights activist, and his death propels Andrius into a covert investigation amidst the threats posed by neo-Nazi groups ahead of Kaunas’s first-ever LGBTQ+ march. The film also features a diverse cast, including Vaslov Goom as Bernardas, Redita Dominaityte as politician Rolanda Markeviciene, and Karolis Kasperavicius and Arnoldas Augustaitis as neo-Nazis Mykolas and Rytis.
Zabarauskas, who co-wrote the screenplay with Marc David Jacobs and Vitalija Lapina, notes that The Activist serves as the third installment in his queer trilogy, following The Lawyer (2020) and The Writer (2023). Initially, he did not plan for a trilogy but realized the thematic connections while developing the film.
Challenging Stereotypes and Political Landscapes
Zabarauskas aims to challenge stereotypes surrounding Eastern Europe through his films. He explained, “I like to explore those political circumstances in a complex way and reverse some stereotypes about Eastern Europe.” He began developing the concept for The Activist in 2018, driven by an interest in the growing influence of far-right ideologies in the region. He emphasizes that while these movements are often seen as regressive, they can be surprisingly modern in their communication strategies, even co-opting elements from queer culture.
His film also critiques the unexpected alliances formed between far-right groups and LGBTQ+ individuals. “If you look at France, one of the leaders of the far-right National Rally is Sébastien Chenu, who lives with his partner,” Zabarauskas pointed out. He also referenced Germany’s AFD party, where Alice Weidel, a member who is openly gay, is part of a party known for its homophobic policies.
The film’s soundtrack, featuring vaporwave and synthwave music, further underscores this intersection of culture and politics, with Zabarauskas noting the importance of addressing these unexpected forms taken by the far-right.
Future Projects and Artistic Vision
Looking ahead, Zabarauskas is developing another feature film and working on a screenplay for a mini-series about the influential Lithuanian-American filmmaker Jonas Mekas. He has received a scholarship from the Lithuanian Film Center to write the pilot script, highlighting Mekas’s significant contributions to avant-garde cinema. “It is a very ambitious project,” Zabarauskas stated, acknowledging Mekas’s rich history, including friendships with notable figures such as John Lennon and Salvador Dali.
Despite the challenges of navigating complex narratives and societal issues, Zabarauskas remains optimistic about the potential for his films to resonate with audiences. He aims to create works that reflect the intricacies of modern society, stating, “I want to represent modern society in all its complexity.”
With recent distribution deals, including TLA Releasing for the U.S. and Canada, and WBD International Content for HBO Max in the Baltics, The Activist is poised to reach a wider audience. Zabarauskas expressed gratitude for these opportunities, emphasizing the universal nature of the themes addressed in his film.
In a world increasingly divided by political ideologies, Zabarauskas’s work invites viewers to engage with uncomfortable topics and reflect on the intricate realities of activism and identity in contemporary society.
