In an eagerly anticipated event for environmentalists and documentary enthusiasts alike, the striking documentary entitled ‘Turtle Walker’ is set to make its world premiere at DOC NYC 2024 on November 17. This visually stunning film, produced by the acclaimed Tiger Baby and Emaho Films, comes in collaboration with the Oscar-winning HHMI Tangled Bank Studios. Under the insightful direction of Taira Malaney, the documentary unveils the extraordinary life and mission of Satish Bhaskar, often hailed as India’s Father of Sea Turtle Conservation, who dedicated his existence to safeguarding these vulnerable oceanic wanderers.
‘Turtle Walker’ intricately chronicles Bhaskar’s adventurous expeditions along India’s expansive coastlines beginning in the late 1970s. In his quest to prevent the extinction of rare sea turtles, Bhaskar spent years intimately living among these remarkable creatures, driven by an unwavering resolve to study and rescue them. Born from a humble, independent initiative in Goa, this project has evolved into an illustrious international co-production over a span of seven years, attracting global partnerships and support from various prestigious entities. Furthermore, Submarine Deluxe has acquired the sales rights for the eagerly awaited film, ensuring its broad reach.
Within the filmmaking community, ‘Turtle Walker’ has already created ripples for its significant contributions to conservation dialogue. The film has been acknowledged with high honors, notably clinching the prestigious ‘Conservation’ and ‘Grand Teton’ Awards at the esteemed Jackson Wild Media Awards, which are widely recognized as the Oscars of nature and conservation documentary filmmaking. Moreover, Director Taira Malaney has been the recipient of noteworthy accolades, such as the “Best Natural History and Wildlife Pitch” at Sunny Side of the Doc in 2019 and the “Emerging Filmmaker Award” at DocEdge Kolkata in 2018.
Reflecting on this remarkable journey, Taira Malaney, the founder and director of Emaho Films, stated, “Satish Bhaskar had a profound appreciation for the marine world. By telling his story, we aim to foster global discourse on ocean conservation.
.” Her reflections echo the film’s larger aspiration to stir the global conscience and incite action toward preserving our oceans and their diverse inhabitants.
Zoya Akhtar, co-founder of Tiger Baby, expressed her excitement and commitment to the project by saying, “We are driven by stories that deeply resonate with us. ‘Turtle Walker’ shines a light on Satish Bhaskar’s relentless commitment to rescuing sea turtles, a vivid reminder of the delicate and exquisite nature of our planet.”
The film represents a collaborative production effort among Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, Angad Dev Singh, Vikram Malaney, and Taira Malaney. The narrative is co-written and meticulously edited by Sam Rogers, while Krish Makhija brings his expertise as an associate director and director of photography, ensuring the film captivates audiences with its breathtaking visuals and compelling storytelling.
‘Turtle Walker’ does more than merely document Bhaskar’s life; it resurrects his voice and vision, stirring a dialogue about environmental conservation’s criticality. As audiences prepare for the documentary’s premiere in New York City, the film’s producers and directors are hopeful that Bhaskar’s inventive methods and naturalist philosophy will inspire similar global efforts to conserve marine life.
Given the breadth and depth of Bhaskar’s work, ‘Turtle Walker’ promises to be more than an educational experience; it aspires to be a transformative backdrop for discussing and addressing the urgent need for conservation. The documentary’s story of determination and passion not only honours Bhaskar’s immense contributions but also calls for collective action to protect the endangered creatures he lived to save.
With spectacular visuals and a narrative woven tightly around one man’s incredible journey and tireless dedication, ‘Turtle Walker’ offers both a tribute to Satish Bhaskar’s legacy and a clarion call to embrace the vital cause of marine conservation. As the countdown to its premiere begins, anticipation mounts for an unforgettable portrayal of a pivotal figure in environmental history, poised to inspire many to follow in his conservationist footsteps.
