We’re delighted to have had the chance to connect with Yayoi Lena Winfrey to learn more about her upcoming animated short, What’s on Your Palate?

VF: Thanks for connecting with us, Yayoi! We’d love to know more about your animation.

Yayoi Lena Winfrey: “What’s on Your Palate?” is the animated tale of a mama cow and her baby calf. One day, as they are peacefully grazing, a farmer suddenly whisks the baby calf onto his truck and drives away. The baby calf is visibly terrified while the mama cow is beside herself with grief as she unsuccessfully chases after them. Even more insidious is what happens to the baby calf afterwards.

VF: What a truly heartbreaking story. It is also a deeply important one to tell. What inspired you to bring this particular story to life?

Yayoi Lena Winfrey: The story idea came to me when I saw a video posted on social media of a living cow and her calf in the exact same scenario. It was devastating to see the pain in the mama cow’s eyes as she chased after the truck. Obviously, cows are large and not very fast, so it was clear that she would never catch up. And, even if she had, what could she have done? It was traumatizing to watch her so helplessly trying to get her baby back.

VF: We actually know the video you’re speaking of, and it really does stick with you. It’s hard to know that humans can engage in such cruelty. Again, it is really meaningful that you’re bringing attention to this reality through your film. 

What experiences in your life have shaped your commitment to veganism and/or animal advocacy?

Yayoi Lena Winfrey: Unfortunately, experiences that have shaped my commitment to veganism include the loss of family and friends. Their early deaths and chronic illnesses have reinforced my personal beliefs about being vegan. But I don’t like to preach. Instead, I’d rather

offer myself as an example by staying healthy.

Regarding animal advocacy, our family always had pets and I would wonder if they yearned for freedom—especially those confined to a tiny aquarium. As I began eliminating animals from my diet, I developed a strong compassion for them. I became vegan for better health which evolved into a love for animals.

VF: We’re sorry to hear about the losses of your family and friends. It’s powerful how your journey to veganism has been shaped by both by this loss and deep compassion.

What impact do you hope your film will have on viewers, both vegan and non-vegan?

Yayoi Lena Winfrey: I hope non-vegans will be inspired to consider the feelings of animals. It’s weird to see non-vegans pampering their pet cats and dogs, yet think nothing of devouring a rare steak oozing with blood. Don’t they realize how that slab of flesh ended up on their plate? I just don’t understand the disconnection. 

Hopefully, my film will help non-vegans comprehend the emotional side of animals. For those already vegan, my film could be an opportunity for them to share a message with the non-vegans in their lives.

VF: The disconnect can be so frustrating to witness, for sure. Storytelling like yours can really help to bridge that gap.  And speaking of storytelling, outside of filmmaking, what are some of your favorite ways to spend your time?

Yayoi Lena Winfrey: Besides movie-making, I’m also a freelance artist with several online stores selling my products. I write, too, mostly fiction. Recently, my short play was table read at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. It’s an immigration story, and I’m always moved by diasporic tales.

Additionally, I’ve practiced yoga for as long as I’ve been vegan. I also take urban (hiphop) dance classes because I love old school r&b and rap music. And, I enjoy traveling (but not as a tourist), and learning new languages and cultures. Since my teens, I’ve studied metaphysics; and, I still practice Astrology.

VF: What an awesome and diverse range of passions 

What’s next for What’s on Your Palate? and beyond?

Yayoi Lena Winfrey: I’ve already created a rough cut of this film, but I want to expand it with more characters and more robust animation. I plan to include other mother/child relationships of farm animals like chickens and pigs. Thanks to VeganFlix, I’ll be able to purchase animation software to create a more substantial movie. 

As for distribution, I plan to enter several film festivals for maximum exposure. Finally, I will continue to make films crusading for veganism and protecting animals from all the cruelties that are inflicted upon them.

It’s been such a pleasure speaking with you, Yayoi. We’re excited to see What’s on Your Palate? unfold. Thank you for your great work!