Unmasking Hate: Romas Zabarauskas’ “The Activist” Delivers a Fierce Neo-Noir on LGBTQ+ Resistance in Lithuania

Romas Zabarauskas, one of Lithuania’s most outspoken queer filmmakers, returns with “The Activist,” a taut, genre-defying thriller that intertwines political urgency with classic film noir aesthetics. The film premiered at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) in 2025, marking a new chapter in Zabarauskas’ career as a Baltic storyteller unafraid to confront the realities of LGBTQ+ life in Eastern Europe .

The story unfolds in Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city, as preparations for its first-ever LGBTQ+ Pride march are underway. Deividas, the charismatic leader of Rainbow Kaunas, is murdered in his apartment by a masked assailant just hours after a heated argument with his closeted boyfriend, Andrius. Shaken by grief and guilt—and frustrated by the indifference of local authorities—Andrius sets out on a perilous journey to find Deividas’s killer. Disguised under a new identity, he infiltrates a ruthless neo-Nazi gang that has threatened the Pride march and the fragile community it hopes to empower .

The protagonist, Andrius (Robertas Petraitis), embodies the internal conflict faced by many in Lithuania’s LGBTQ+ community: the fear of public exposure and violence versus the moral imperative to stand up for loved ones and one’s identity. His relationship with Deividas is marked by tension between activism and self-preservation, a dynamic that resonates with queer audiences in societies where coming out often carries significant risk .

After Deividas’s murder, the city of Kaunas becomes a microcosm of the wider struggle: the local police threaten to revoke the Pride march permit, and neo-Nazi gangs position themselves as defenders of “traditional values.” Andrius’s infiltration of the gang exposes layers of hypocrisy, internalized shame, and the chilling reality of hate-fueled violence . The film’s noir visuals—heavy shadows, clandestine meetings, and simmering erotic tension—heighten the sense of danger and moral ambiguity.

Romas Zabarauskas, whose previous works include “The Writer” and “The Lawyer,” has established a reputation for challenging political and social norms through cinema. “The Activist” draws inspiration from the melodramatic intensity of Billy Wilder and Douglas Sirk, yet it remains distinctly Baltic in its portrayal of urban landscapes, post-Soviet anxieties, and institutional inertia .

Zabarauskas’s own activism is woven into the film’s DNA. As a gay public figure in Lithuania, he has used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. His films, often featuring queer protagonists and narratives, have traveled internationally, including premieres at Berlinale and showcases at Cannes, and have helped foster conversations about the intersection of art, identity, and resistance .

“The Activist” has garnered significant attention beyond Lithuania. Ahead of its international premiere, the film was acquired for distribution in nearly 20 territories. Tla Releasing secured rights for the U.S. and Canada, while Wbd International Content LLC acquired Baltic rights for HBO Max. French-speaking territories saw Optimale take the lead, and Cinemien, Pro-Fun, and Tongarino Releasing will cover much of Europe and Latin America .

These deals reflect both the growing interest in Eastern European queer stories and the universal relevance of “The Activist’s” themes: the battle against hate, the complexity of queer love, and the dangers faced by LGBTQ+ activists worldwide. Brett Walker, president of Alief, described the film as a “genre-bending gay neo-noir” that resonates with audiences seeking both entertainment and urgent social commentary .

For LGBTQ+ viewers, “The Activist” is more than a thriller—it’s a reflection of lived experience. The murder of Deividas and the subsequent investigation by his lover echo real-world violence against queer activists in Lithuania and across Eastern Europe, where Pride marches are still contested spaces and hate crimes remain underreported .

The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the psychological toll of activism, the fear of outing, and the struggle for justice in the face of societal indifference. Yet it also celebrates resilience: Andrius’s decision to infiltrate the neo-Nazi group is a radical act of self-determination, underscoring the courage required to confront hate head-on. The film’s queer romance is central, foregrounding vulnerability and intimacy without resorting to stereotype or sensationalism .

Produced by Zabarauskas alongside Glenn Elliott and Gabrielė Misevičiūtė, and supported by the Lithuanian Film Center and Lithuanian National TV LRT, “The Activist” benefited from the Republic of Lithuania’s Film Tax Incentive, reflecting a growing willingness to support diverse voices in national cinema .

The film’s technical team includes cinematographer Narvydas Naujalis, composer Ieva Marija Baranauskaitė, and production designer Giedrė Valeišaitė, whose contributions create a visually lush and emotionally charged atmosphere. The cast features Robertas Petraitis as Andrius, Vaslov Goom as Bernardas, Simas Kuliesius as Jonas, and Elvinas Juodkazis as Deividas, among others .

“The Activist” was awarded Best Baltic Film at PÖFF, accompanied by a €5,000 grant from Piletilevi, affirming its impact within the regional film community . Early reviews have praised its gripping plot, nuanced performances, and the boldness with which it tackles political and social taboos .

While the film’s IMDb rating currently stands at 5.2/10, reflecting the divisiveness of its subject matter, audience responses highlight the necessity of telling stories that challenge mainstream narratives and amplify marginalized voices .

“The Activist” is part of Zabarauskas’s trilogy focusing on professional identities—following “The Lawyer” and “The Writer”—and signals a maturation of queer cinema in the Baltic region. Its success at international festivals and in global markets demonstrates both the appetite for authentic queer stories and the importance of solidarity across borders .

For Lithuanian LGBTQ+ communities, the film arrives at a pivotal moment. As Pride marches gain traction and visibility increases, “The Activist” serves as both a warning and a call to action: hate persists, but so too does the courage to resist and the power of storytelling to catalyze change.