Experiencing Interruptions?

Turkey Teacher

Fifty-nine second video poem inspired by Buddhist teachings on how we create our own obstacles. Of interest to any of us who struggle with ego getting in the way.

  • Barbara West
    Director
  • Barbara West
    Writer
    The Cherry Tree Carol; ...and I felt the simple sweetness of me (book of poetry)
  • Tom the Turkey
    Key Cast
    "Turkey"
  • David Mai
    Editor
    Maw in the Dark
  • David Mai
    Sound
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Experimental, Short, Other
  • Runtime:
    59 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 29, 2018
  • Production Budget:
    30 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Southern California Poetry Festival's Innaugural Poetry Film Festival
    Venice, CA
    United States
    November 17, 2018
    Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Berlin Flash Film Festival
    Berlin
    Germany
    December 31, 2018
    Online Premiere
    Monthly Category Winner: Micro Short Smartphone
  • Reel Poetry
    Houston, TX
    United States
    March 22, 2019
    North American Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Motion Pictures International Film Festival
    Salt Lake City, Utah
    United States
    August 24, 2019
    Official Selection
  • Cardora Micro-Movie Film Festival

    United Kingdom
    June 30, 2020
    Official Selection
  • NurBox Year Round Film Festival
    Calgary, Alberta
    Canada
    March 1, 2020
    Official Selection
  • InterFaith Film and Music Festival
    New York, New York
    United States
    December 8, 2019
    Official Selection
  • Miami Independent Film Festival
    Miami Beach, Florida
    United States
    November 30, 2019
Director Biography - Barbara West

During some days off from her job as a Wound/Ostomy Nurse, Barbara West went on retreat to work on her second book. Observing a turkey fixated on her Prius, she wrote a poem about it. The next day, the turkey generously repeated his performance and she captured this footage on her iPad.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I am grateful to filmmaker David Mai, whose exquisite editing brought my amateur footage to life.