Absolutely, Queensley! It's definitely rare to see a director deflect blame in such a way. Historically, blame for a movie's reception has typically fallen on the creatives—think of films like "Heaven's Gate" (1980) directed by Michael Cimino, which is often cited for its massive box office failure and attributed to poor direction and production choices. Interestingly, there's a growing discourse in the film industry about representation and accountability. Recent studies, such as one published in the Harvard Business Review, show that diverse teams are more likely to achieve better outcomes, both creatively and financially. This suggests that when filmmakers genuinely incorporate authentic storytelling rooted in varied experiences, they tend to resonate more with audiences across the spectrum. It’s essential for creators to realize that simply labeling a film as "LGBTQ+" isn’t enough; they need to invest in meaningful narratives that reflect the complexities and richness of those experiences. Maybe this could serve as a wake-up call for directors and producers: less about scapegoating and more about listening to viewers, regardless of orientation. What are your thoughts on how creators can better approach storytelling in the indie film space to avoid this kind of backlash?

Thank you Amina. I have never seen an instance so this is a first for me. I believe the director or actors are always blamed for performance and not a group of people