Zoya Akhtar-backed documentary, "Turtle Walker," is set to open the All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF) on December 4, 2025. Directed by Taira Malaney, the 75-minute documentary shines a light on the remarkable life and work of the late Satish Bhaskar, a pioneering Indian sea turtle conservationist whose studies laid the groundwork for turtle conservation efforts in India.
"Turtle Walker" follows Bhaskar's journey as he traversed over 4,000 kilometers of India's coastline on foot over 19 years, beginning in the 1970s, to study various turtle species. His travels took him across diverse regions, including Kerala, Gujarat, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. The documentary captures Bhaskar's dedication to protecting endangered turtles and his profound impact on their survival.
Malaney began working on "Turtle Walker" in 2018, spending time with Bhaskar as he recounted his solo travels. She says she was deeply moved by Bhaskar's dedication to protecting endangered turtles. According to Malaney, Satish Bhaskar's story has illuminated a deep wonder for our marine world. The documentary took seven years to complete.
Producers Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti didn't hesitate to support "Turtle Walker". Akhtar describes the film as a tribute to a man's quiet heroism. She stated that it is the story of an extraordinary man and his quiet devotion to sea turtle conservation. Kagti emphasized its universal appeal, noting that it is rooted in India but speaks to people everywhere. Akhtar has also expressed that Tiger Baby is passionate about stories that move them, and "Turtle Walker" is one of those. She added that the documentary serves as a reminder of how precious our planet is and how every individual can make a difference.
Prior to its screening at ALTEFF, "Turtle Walker" has garnered international acclaim. It premiered at Doc NYC in 2024 and has since traveled to film festivals worldwide, including the Raindance Film Festival in the UK, and the Academia Film Olomouc in the Czech Republic. The film has also been selected for a special screening at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France. It also had its Indian premiere at the 17th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK) on August 23, 2025.
"Turtle Walker" has received several awards, including the Best Film Award in the International Competition at AFO, the Conservation Award at the International Ocean Film Festival, and two top prizes, 'Conservation' and 'Grand Teton', at the Jackson Wild Media Awards.
The documentary is written and directed by Taira Malaney, co-written and edited by Sam Rogers, with cinematography by Krish Makhija.
