Shortwave is a short film commissioning program from Sydney Opera House, which invites Australian artists to explore their relationship with the screen. Each Shortwave film centres on the interplay between art, performance and screen, showcasing radical, innovative and experimental approaches to filmmaking.

‘Silver Tongues’ by Morgan Hogg delves into the avaiki (the underworld) of one of the creatures, the Momokē. Momokē's are innocent at heart but follow the instruction of Avaiki (the Goddess of the underworld). Momokē wishes to be part of the life of Cook Islanders, but instead takes the souls of those who are almost ready to leave the 'enua (the land) and enter into the next life.

Morgan Hogg is an artist and creative producer of Cook Island Māori (Ngāti Tāne), Tahitian and English descent, living and working on unceded Wangal and Dharug country. Through the perspective of her Kūki Airani heritage, Hogg utilises installation and performance as visual representations of her own exploration of cultural displacement and identity. Making space within her practice to rely on oral exchange between her familial relations and community, Hogg continues the story of her ancestry through maintaining traditional practices within a contemporary lens.

She has completed a double degree in a Bachelor of Visual Arts (Hons)/ Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Film studies) at Sydney College of the Arts, The University of Sydney. Currently completing a Masters of Fine Arts at the University of Sydney. Hogg has exhibited and performed works at Firstdraft, Performance Space, Beirut Art Centre, SCA Gallery, Casula Powerhouse, PICA, Carriageworks, Blacktown Arts Centre, Bankstown Art Centre, Sculpture by the Sea Bondi and the Art Gallery of NSW.

Silver tongues
Direction and Performance: Morgan Hogg
Videography and Gaffa: Mark Mailler
Sound design: Anouk