Emily Freda Sharp
Contrary to its title, MUTE is a film you can hear. It wriggles with sound: chatter, children, pencils, playgrounds, swings, or even silence.
In between the dialogue is where this script really sets itself apart, rhythmically guiding you through Megan's environment. It's these details that are key to exploring what is often misunderstood about Selective Mutism: it is not a conscious, personal, or targeted refusal to speak. It's fundamentally a physiological reaction to an environment.
In making this film, I want us to explore the relationship between Megan and her stimuli. By carefully positioning adults on the peripheries of frame, we're able to use film to convey her rapport with the people in her life. Decentering Megan to take in negative space, we develop the idea that she's swallowed by her environment. It's the tender strength of Grandad, the calm support of Mr Owens, Lucy's non-judgmental guidance, and ultimately Sarah's commitment to meeting her daughter where she needs to be met, all of which allows this quiet film to speak volumes.
To 'select' is to choose, it's a fundamentally proactive word. What I hope we can achieve with MUTE, is develop our audience's perception of Selective Mutism as a response; a response we don't have to explain to be able to understand.
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