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.
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Barbara WestDirector
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Barbara WestWriterThe Cherry Tree Carol; ...and I felt the simple sweetness of me (book of poetry)
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Tom the TurkeyKey Cast"Turkey"
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David MaiEditorMaw in the Dark
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David MaiSound
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Project Type:Documentary, Experimental, Short, Other
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Runtime:59 seconds
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Completion Date:June 29, 2018
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Production Budget:30 USD
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:No
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Southern California Poetry Festival's Innaugural Poetry Film FestivalVenice, CA
United States
November 17, 2018
Premiere
Official Selection -
Berlin Flash Film FestivalBerlin
Germany
December 31, 2018
Online Premiere
Monthly Category Winner: Micro Short Smartphone -
Reel PoetryHouston, TX
United States
March 22, 2019
North American Premiere
Official Selection -
Motion Pictures International Film FestivalSalt 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 FestivalCalgary, Alberta
Canada
March 1, 2020
Official Selection -
InterFaith Film and Music FestivalNew York, New York
United States
December 8, 2019
Official Selection -
Miami Independent Film FestivalMiami Beach, Florida
United States
November 30, 2019
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.
I am grateful to filmmaker David Mai, whose exquisite editing brought my amateur footage to life.