What happened to Deividas, Lithuania's most influential human rights activist?

Deividas, the secret lover of the protagonist Andrius, was killed by a masked intruder.

How does the film "The Activist" relate to director Romas Zabarauskas' previous works?

"The Activist" is the third installment in Zabarauskas' queer trilogy, following "The Lawyer" (2020) and "The Writer" (2023), all of which explore queer male couples in difficult political circumstances.

What is the significance of the planned LGBTQ+ march in Kaunas, Lithuania?

The planned LGBTQ+ march in Kaunas is the first-ever of its kind in the country, but it is threatened by neo-Nazis.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Queer Activist's Murder Sparks Covert Investigation in Lithuania

Queer Activist's Murder Sparks Covert Investigation in Lithuania

10 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Grieving man launches secret probe after activist lover's killing
Neo-Nazis threaten first-ever LGBTQ+ march in Kaunas, Lithuania
Director Romas Zabarauskas explores far-right's unexpected alliances

Queer Activist's Murder Sparks Covert Investigation in Lithuania

On November 10, 2025, Lithuanian filmmaker Romas Zabarauskas is set to premiere his latest crime drama "The Activist" (Aktyvistas) at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. The film follows Andrius, played by Robertas Petraitis, who is consumed by grief and guilt after a masked intruder kills his secret lover Deividas, Lithuania's most influential human rights activist.

Andrius, who has been too afraid to publicly support the queer community, now launches his own investigation without knowing whom to trust. As neo-Nazis threaten the planned LGBTQ+ march in Kaunas, politics also plays a role in the unfolding events. The film's ensemble cast includes Vaslov Goom, Redita Dominaityte, Tekle Baroti, Karolis Kasperavicius, and Arnoldas Augustaitis.