Actress Daniele Watts stars as missing teenager Crystal Gladwell in Muted, winner of the 18^th annual American Black Film Festival short film competition, showing on HBO throughout March 2015.

Muted follows Lena Gladwell, played by Chandra Wilson (Grey’s Anatomy), a mother whose world is shattered when her teenage daughter Crystal disappears. Lena attempts to enlist the help of the press and the police. Expecting the full support of law enforcement and local media, Lena quickly learns the painful and tragic lesson that all missing persons are not created equal.

Watts says of the movie, “I appreciate the filmmakers Brandi Ford, Rachel Gould, and Tara Tomlcevic for telling a story about complicated issues that are difficult to talk about. People may not be aware that biased media coverage continues to shape the way people are perceived or not perceived in America. As American society becomes more aware of the ways that a history of racism has shaped, and continues to shape our perceptions, we can open the door for greater clarity, compassion and understanding.”

Muted was written by Brandi Ford, produced by Tara Tomicevic and directed by Rachel Goldberg.