A new crime drama from Lithuania, titled The Activist (Aktyvistas), delves into the complexities of LGBTQ+ activism against a backdrop of neo-Nazi threats. Directed by Romas Zabarauskas, the film premiered theatrically in Lithuania on September 19, 2023, quickly securing the second spot at the local 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 around the murder of Deividas, portrayed by Elvinas Juodkazis, who is described as Lithuania’s most influential human rights activist. Just as the city of Kaunas prepares for its first LGBTQ+ march, a masked intruder takes Deividas’ life. In the wake of this tragedy, his secret lover, Andrius, played by rising star Robertas Petraitis, grapples with grief and guilt, prompting him to investigate Deividas’ death. His journey reveals a network of deceit and betrayal among those who surrounded the activist.
The film is part of Zabarauskas’ queer trilogy, following The Lawyer (2020) and The Writer (2023). It tackles pressing social issues while maintaining a thrilling narrative. The cast includes a diverse range of characters, with Vaslov Goom as Bernardas, a supporter of the activist group Rainbow, and Redita Dominaityte as the politician Rolanda Markeviciene. Other notable performances include Karolis Kasperavicius and Arnoldas Augustaitis, who portray neo-Nazis Mykolas and Rytis, respectively.
As the film unfolds, one clip reveals a tense confrontation where Deividas and Markeviciene face a protest led by neo-Nazis. Another clip takes viewers into a planning meeting of right-wing activists, illustrating the dangers facing the LGBTQ+ community. In this scene, Andrius operates undercover, highlighting the risks involved in his investigation.
The drama intensifies as Andrius and Bernardas discuss the implications of the ongoing investigation. Their conversation touches upon the personal scandals and reputational stakes that threaten both their lives and the broader movement for LGBTQ+ rights in Lithuania.
With its compelling storyline and timely themes, The Activist promises to engage audiences while shedding light on the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the region. The film not only seeks to entertain but also to provoke thought and discussion on the realities of activism in a challenging social landscape. As it prepares for its international debut, anticipation is high for this gripping portrayal of love, loss, and the fight for justice.
