News
November 10, 2025
‘The Activist’ Director on Challenging Stereotypes, the Far-Right’s Surprising Modernity, and His Queer Trilogy
Romas Zabarauskas talks about his Lithuanian hit noir thriller, which is getting its international premiere at Tallinn, how arthouse cinema "oftentimes preaches to the converted," and what's next for him.
Lithuanian Director Romas Zabarauskas is making waves with his hit noir thriller, “The Activist,” and he’s not afraid to challenge the status quo. As the film prepares for its international premiere at the prestigious Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, Zabarauskas is opening up about the film's themes, the surprising face of modern far-right movements, and his plans for a queer-themed trilogy.
“The Activist” has already captivated audiences in Lithuania with its gripping storyline and complex characters. Zabarauskas describes the film as more than just a thriller; it's a commentary on contemporary society, exploring the nuances of political activism and the pervasive nature of stereotypes. He aims to provoke thought and spark conversations about the issues that shape our world.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Zabarauskas's perspective is his observation on the evolving nature of the far-right. He argues that while often portrayed as relics of the past, these movements are surprisingly modern in their tactics and appeal, particularly in their use of technology and social media to spread their ideologies. "They're not just skinheads anymore," Zabarauskas explained, "They're online, they're sophisticated, and they're reaching a new generation." His film delves into this complexity, forcing viewers to confront the uncomfortable truth about the far-right's adaptability.
Zabarauskas is also passionate about expanding the reach of arthouse cinema beyond its traditional audience. He acknowledges that often, these films "preach to the converted," reinforcing the views of those already sympathetic to their messages. He hopes "The Activist," with its thriller elements and engaging narrative, can break through these barriers and reach a wider demographic, prompting discussions among people with diverse perspectives.
Looking ahead, Zabarauskas is focused on developing a queer-themed trilogy, signaling his commitment to exploring LGBTQ+ stories on screen. While details remain under wraps, the project promises to further cement his reputation as a bold and innovative filmmaker unafraid to tackle challenging and relevant themes. The international premiere of “The Activist” at Tallinn marks a significant step in his career, offering a platform to share his vision with a global audience and spark conversations that extend far beyond the cinema screen.
“The Activist” has already captivated audiences in Lithuania with its gripping storyline and complex characters. Zabarauskas describes the film as more than just a thriller; it's a commentary on contemporary society, exploring the nuances of political activism and the pervasive nature of stereotypes. He aims to provoke thought and spark conversations about the issues that shape our world.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Zabarauskas's perspective is his observation on the evolving nature of the far-right. He argues that while often portrayed as relics of the past, these movements are surprisingly modern in their tactics and appeal, particularly in their use of technology and social media to spread their ideologies. "They're not just skinheads anymore," Zabarauskas explained, "They're online, they're sophisticated, and they're reaching a new generation." His film delves into this complexity, forcing viewers to confront the uncomfortable truth about the far-right's adaptability.
Zabarauskas is also passionate about expanding the reach of arthouse cinema beyond its traditional audience. He acknowledges that often, these films "preach to the converted," reinforcing the views of those already sympathetic to their messages. He hopes "The Activist," with its thriller elements and engaging narrative, can break through these barriers and reach a wider demographic, prompting discussions among people with diverse perspectives.
Looking ahead, Zabarauskas is focused on developing a queer-themed trilogy, signaling his commitment to exploring LGBTQ+ stories on screen. While details remain under wraps, the project promises to further cement his reputation as a bold and innovative filmmaker unafraid to tackle challenging and relevant themes. The international premiere of “The Activist” at Tallinn marks a significant step in his career, offering a platform to share his vision with a global audience and spark conversations that extend far beyond the cinema screen.
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World