Lilly Wachowski says Hollywood financiers have declined to back her proposed $10 million thriller, “The Hunted”, because it features an entirely trans cast. Her comments highlight continuing concerns over the industry’s willingness to fund trans-led stories, despite interest in the script itself.

Wachowski, who co-wrote the project with her partner Mickey Ray Mahoney, described it as a response to the pressures facing trans people and a way to channel her anger and frustration. The film is being developed with Anarchists United and Natasha Lyonne’s Ariadne banner; while seeking funding, Wachowski staged live table readings in Los Angeles on 7 and 8 August.