Press

These sea turtles in India have rebounded after years of patchwork efforts

Olive ridley turtle populations appear to have rebounded in India after years of patchwork efforts to stem their decline. Can it last?

Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti-Backed 'Turtle Walker' To Open All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF)

The festival will feature 80-plus films—including Kiran Rao-backed ‘Humans in the Loop’— from India and across the globe.

Zoya Akhtar-backed documentary ‘Turtle Walker’ to open All Living Things Environmental Film Festival 2025

Turtle Walker, a documentary produced by Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, Taira Malaney and the Oscar-winning HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, will open the 2025 edition of the All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF), scheduled to run from December 4 to 14.

Zoya Akhtar backed 'Turtle Walker' to open ALTEFF festival

MUMBAI: (Nov 12) Zoya Akhtar backed documentary “Turtle Walker” is set to open the All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF), taking place from December 4 to 14.

All Living Things Environmental Film Festival unveils line-up for 2025 edition

All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF) is set to return for its fifth edition from December 4 to 14 this year, with events happening in 33 cities across the country. The line-up was unveiled recently.

Zoya Akhtar-backed Turtle Walker to open ALTEFF 2025

Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti and Taira Malaney collaborated with Oscar-winning HHMI Tangled Bank Studios Turtle Walker has had a successful festival journey all around the world, receiving an overwhelming response from audiences globally.

Turtle Walker to open ALT EFF 2025

We are so honoured to be sharing Turtle Walker at the opening night of ALT EFF this year. Satish Bhaskar’s story has illuminated in me a deep wonder for our marine world, and more importantly a renewed sense of hope at a time when I needed it most.” said Taira.

Turtle Walker, Humans in the Loop: All Living Things Environmental Film Festival announces 2025 lineup

The All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF) is set to return with its fifth edition, which will run from December 4 to 14, 2025.

If you care about the planet, add these powerful environmental films to your watchlist

Each December, India’s creative community pauses to consider where we stand in our ongoing conversation about the environment. The All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF) returns for its sixth edition this year from December 4 to 14, and it’s easily their most sweeping, future-facing edition yet. What began as a niche platform for indie climate cinema has quietly grown into India’s most important environmental festival, one that treats storytelling as both art and activism. And in 2025, that mission gets louder, bolder, and far more culturally plugged-in.

I have been waiting for the day we premiere Turtle Walker in India" – Taira Malaney

The award-winning documentary “Turtle Walker” is set to premiere at the International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala. Directed by Taira Malaney, it chronicles conservationist Satish Bhaskar’s decades-long work protecting sea turtles. The film, co-produced by Zoya Akhtar’s Tiger Baby, has already won accolades at global festivals. Its India debut holds special significance as Bhaskar’s journey began in Kerala’s coastal regions.

Acclaimed Documentary 'Turtle Walker' Set for Indian Premiere at IDSFFK 2025

The award-winning documentary ‘Turtle Walker’, directed by Taira Malaney, will premiere in India at the 17th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK) 2025. The film, co-produced by Tiger Baby and Emaho Films, highlights Satish Bhaskar’s pivotal conservation efforts for endangered sea turtles.

'Turtle Walker' to be screened at film festival in Kerala

New Delhi [India], August 13 (ANI): Award-winning documentary ”, directed by Taira Malaney, is all set to be screened at the 17th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK) 2025.

Tiger Baby and Emaho Films' documentary 'Turtle Walker' to premiere at IDSFFK 2025

NEW DELHI: (Aug 13) Tiger Baby and Emaho Films’ award-winning documentary “Turtle Walker” is all set for its Indian premiere at the 17th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala on August 23.

Written and directed by Taira Malaney, the film is backed by names such as Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti in collaboration with the Oscar-winning HHMI Tangled Bank Studio.

Taira Malaney and the making of Turtle Walker: A story of wonder and wildlife

(Jun 29, 2025) Taira Malaney is a dreamer. Perhaps it stems from her childhood, influenced by outdoorsy parents who introduced her early to camping and the wonders of the natural world. Or maybe it was her schooling in the misty hills of Kodaikanal, where she developed a deep reverence for nature and the quieter rhythms of life.

Turtle Walker – ★★★ 1/2 (Raindance)

Taira Malaney’s Turtle Walker is an absolute treat. From the gorgeous visuals to the immensely charming and captivating Satish Bhaskar. A well-made and passionate documentary.

New York Indian Film Festival Highlights Include Shyam Benegal and James Ivory Tributes: What to See

The 25th anniversary edition of the New York Indian Film Festival — one of the nation’s leading showcases of independent Indian cinema — unspools at New York’s Angelika through Sunday, June 22.

Turtle Walker

Satish Bhaskar’s travels along India’s coastlines in order to study and survey sea turtles are recounted to director Taira Malaney and her team in an awe-inspiring, meditative documentary – from Raindance

Docu-bio Turtle Walker nominated to Raindance Film Festival

Satish Bhaskar’s journey stands as one of the finest examples of mankind’s commitment to wildlife conservation efforts.

Award-winning Indian documentary 'Turtle Walker' to be screened at UNOC 2025

The award-winning documentary ‘Turtle Walker’ by Taira Malaney will be screened at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France. Produced by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, the film follows the significant efforts of Satish Bhaskar, a pioneer in sea turtle conservation in India. Having premiered at Doc NYC 2024, the film has garnered international acclaim, making it a suitable choice for the globally influential event. The screening aims to spread awareness about marine conservation, aligning perfectly with the conference’s goals.

‘Turtle Walker’ Docu-Movie Captivates with UN Showcase

The Indian documentary ‘Turtle Walker,’ directed by Taira Malaney, is set for a special screening at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice. Highlighting sea turtle conservationist Satish Bhaskar’s work, the film has gained international acclaim, promoting awareness for marine conservation efforts.

Award-winning Indian documentary 'turtle walkar' to be screened at unoc 2025

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 30: The award-winning Indian documentary ‘Turtle Walker,’ directed by Taira Malaney and produced by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, has been selected for a special screening at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC).

The event will take place in Nice, France, from June 9 to 13 later this year.

Entertainment News | Award-winning Indian Documentary 'Turtle Walker' to Be Screened at UNOC 2025

Get latest articles and stories on Entertainment at LatestLY. The award-winning Indian documentary Turtle Walker, directed by Taira Malaney and produced by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, has been selected for a special screening at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in 2025.

Award-winning Indian documentary 'Turtle Walker' to be screened at UNOC 2025

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 30 (ANI): The award – winning Indian documentary ‘Turtle Walker’, directed by Taira Malaney and produced by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, has been selected for a special screening at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC)

The event will take place in Nice, France, from June 9 to 13 later this year.

The Turtle Walker: Satish Bhaskar, sea turtle conservationist

Founder’s Briefs: An occasional series where Mongabay founder Rhett Ayers Butler shares analysis, perspectives and story summaries.

For months on end, he would maroon himself on remote islands — no phone, no company, no fanfare. Just a transistor radio, a hammock, and the possibility of seeing a turtle. It was enough. For Satish Bhaskar, the joy lay not in discovery as much as in the quiet act of observing: measuring tracks in the sand, recording the dimensions of nests, counting eggs in painstaking detail. “I am glad I did the things I did,” he once said, without drama.

‘Turtle Walker’ is a heart-warming watch, spotlighting the extraordinary life and times of marine biologist Satish Bhaskar

In 1982, a small-framed, lean man named Satish Bhaskar arrived on an uninhabited island in Lakshadweep. There were no maps, no cell phones, no human habitation—just an uninterrupted view of the cerulean, froth-lipped Arabian sea. His backpack carried a notebook, transistor, camera, snorkelling gear, basic medicines and food. For the next five months, Bhaskar would make Suheli Par—a lush green, oval coral atoll in the middle of nowhere—his home.

India’s ‘Turtle Man’ walked most of 7,516 km coastline. Now, a film is winning awards in US

In the 1970s, the shy and retiring Bhaskar achieved something remarkable. He walked most of India’s 7,516 km coastline to discover and mark sea turtle habitats. Armed with little more than scant information, a small transistor, limited institutional support, and no Plan B, Bhaskar conducted primary research that set the baseline for all turtle conservation efforts in India. And he did it all by himself, like a Homeric hero.

Turtle Walker (2024) ‘DOC NYC’ Movie Review

Taira Malaney’s “Turtle Walker” (2024) revolves around Satish Bhaskar, an Indian biologist who devoted his life to preserving sea turtles. Although a biographical tale based on Bhaskar’s life, director Malaney treats his story like a fantasy adventure tale. From the get-go, it looks like a Ghibli film where refreshing colors grab your attention through neatly-composed frames. The sand appears in the prettiest tones of ochre while the sky and the ocean bring out tones of aquamarine almost with a pastel-like softness on a paper sheet. On top of that, it puts its two central subjects – a man and a turtle. So, it is near-impossible for it not to remind you of Michaël Dudok de Wit’s “The Red Turtle.”

PalCinema Review: Turtle Walker

Turtle Walker is a new documentary from Taira Malaney who focuses on the fascinating career of Satish Bhaskar, a man from India who spent nineteen years exploring the country’s coastlines to study sea turtles. His work helped to protect the species that has been exploited for its eggs, flesh, and shell. Knowing absolutely nothing about sea turtles myself I found this to be a very enlightening and inspiring piece of work.

A Seven-Year Journey and the Making of Turtle Walker: A Collective Spotlight on Taira Malaney

“I think human emotion is one the greatest tools we have access to as filmmakers and storytellers to connect our audiences to the natural world, be it through a person or an animal.”

Turtle Walker’ Film on Indian Sea Turtle Conservationist World Premiere at Doc NYC

For the past 7 years, I have been working on a feature documentary called Turtle Walker. This is the story of Indian sea turtle conservationist Satish Bhaskar, who walked two-thirds of the country’s coastlines in the late 1970s, to discover and protect endangered sea turtles and their habitats. It is a story of deep wonder for the marine environment, and how one person’s singlehanded efforts sparked a movement and legacy for sea turtle conservation in the country.

Zoya, Reema back sea turtle conservation

Documentary Turtle Walker tells Satish Bhaskar’s story, who dedicated his life to protect the endangered animals.

Have you heard? Zoya Akhtar to produce sea turtle conservation documentary

Co-produced by renowned filmmakers Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, Turtle Walker tells his story of unwavering dedication to sea turtle conservation.

Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti back documentary film Turtle Walker set to premiere at Doc NYC

Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti under their banner Tiger Baby have backed the indie documentary film Turtle Walker and also shared their thoughts about backing such a project and sending it to an international platform.

Tiger Baby and Emaho Films are collaborating with Oscar-winning HHMI Tangled Bank Studios on the cinematically stunning documentary “Turtle Walker,” directed by Taira Malaney.

MUMBAI: Tiger Baby and Emaho Films in collaboration with HHMI Tangled Bank Studios announced today the world premiere of their latest film, TURTLE WALKER, at Doc NYC, 2024 on Sunday, November 17. TURTLE WALKER, directorial debut of Taira Malaney, tells the story of an Indian pioneer in the field of sea turtle conservation, Satish Bhaskar, who dedicated his life to the protection of these beautiful but endangered animals.

Tiger Baby and Emaho Films in association with Oscar-winning HHMI Tangled Bank Studios announce the world premiere of their film Turtle Walker

Tiger Baby and Imaho Films today announced the world premiere of their latest film, Turtle Walker, in association with HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, at Dock NYC 2024 on Sunday, November 17. Turtle Walker, directed by Taira Malani, is her debut film. In which the story of Satish Bhaskar, an Indian who is at the forefront of the conservation of sea turtles, has been told beautifully. Who have spent their lives rescuing these beautiful but endangered animals.

Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti backed documentary Turtle Walker to have world premiere at Doc NYC

Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti backed documentary Turtle Walker will have its world premiere at Doc NYC, 2024 on November 17, the makers said on Wednesday. Directed by Taira Malaney, the film the story of an Indian pioneer in the field of sea turtle conservation, Satish Bhaskar, who dedicated his life to the protection of these endangered animals.

Tiger Baby and Emaho Films partner with Oscar-Winning studio for Taira Malaney’s documentary Turtle Walker

Tiger Baby and Emaho Films in collaboration with HHMI Tangled Bank Studios announced today the world premiere of their latest film, Turtle Walker, at Doc NYC, 2024 on Sunday, November 17. Turtle Walker, the directorial debut of Taira Malaney, tells the story of an Indian pioneer in the field of sea turtle conservation, Satish Bhaskar, who dedicated his life to the protection of these beautiful but endangered animals.

Turtle Walker' Documentary All Set To Premiere At DOC NYC 2024: A Tribute To India’s Sea Turtle Conservation Pioneer

Tiger Baby and Emaho Films, in collaboration with the Oscar-winning HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, are set to premiere the visually captivating documentary ‘Turtle Walker’ at DOC NYC 2024 on November 17. Directed by Taira Malaney, the film tells the inspiring story of Satish Bhaskar, India’s Father of Sea Turtle Conservation, who devoted his life to protecting these endangered creatures.

Zoya, Reema back sea turtle conservation

The upcoming documentary, Turtle Walker co-produced by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, tells the story of an Indian pioneer in the field of sea turtle conservation, Satish Bhaskar, who dedicated his life to the protection of these beautiful but endangered animals.

Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti back documentary film Turtle Walker set to premiere at Doc NYC

Tiger Baby, emaho Films join hands with HHMI Tangled Bank Studios for Turtle Walker

New Delhi / Team Digital: Tiger Baby and Imahho Films in association with HHMI Tangled Bank Studios today announced the world premiere of their latest film Turtle Walker, premiering at Doc NYC 2024 on Sunday, November 17th. Directed by Taira Maloney, Turtle Walker, her debut film, beautifully tells the story of Satish Bhaskar, an Indian sea turtle conservation leader who has spent his life saving these beautiful but endangered animals.

In the late 1970s, Satish Bhaskar embarked on this special journey to the beautiful shores of India. He tried to live with the unique sea turtles and take steps to save these marine creatures.

Tiger Baby and Emaho Films are collaborating with Oscar-winning HHMI Tangled Bank Studios on the cinematically stunning documentary “Turtle Walker,” directed by Taira Malaney.

Tiger Baby and Emaho Films in association with Oscar-winning HHMI Tangled Bank Studios announce the world premiere of their film Turtle Walker

Tiger Baby and Imahno Films, in association with HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, today announced the world premiere of their latest film, Turtle Walker, premiering at Doc NYC 2024 on Sunday, November 17. Directed by Taira Maloney, her debut feature, Turtle Walker beautifully tells the story of Satish Bhaskar, an Indian sea turtle conservation leader who has spent his life saving these beautiful but endangered animals.

Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti backed documentary Turtle Walker to have world premiere at Doc NYC. The film tells the inspiring story about sea turtle conservation in India

Tiger Baby and Emaho Films partner with Oscar-Winning studio for Taira Malaney’s documentary Turtle Walker

'Turtle Walker' Documentary All Set To Premiere At DOC NYC 2024: A Tribute To India’s Sea Turtle Conservation Pioneer

‘Turtle Walker’ Film on Indian Sea Turtle Conservationist Set for Doc NYC Premiere, Submarine Boards Sales (EXCLUSIVE)

HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, Tiger Baby, and Emaho Films have set the world premiere of Taira Malaney’s “Turtle Walker” at Doc NYC.

The documentary chronicles the life of Indian sea turtle conservationist Satish Bhaskar. Directed by Malaney in her feature debut, “Turtle Walker” explores Bhaskar’s journey along India’s coastlines in the late 1970s, where he studied and worked to protect endangered sea turtles. The film also examines the impact of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami on sea turtle habitats.

“Turtle Walker” takes top prize at 2024 Jackson Wild Media Awards

Nature- and ecology-focused non-profit Jackson Wild revealed the winners of the 2024 edition of its annual Jackson Wild Media Awards at its Grand Teton Awards gala on Thursday (September 5) …

SATISH ‘BATAGUR’ BHASKAR

Excerpt: “In 1982, Satish left his young wife and three month old daughter, Nyla to maroon himself on Suheli for the whole
monsoon, from May to September. It meant making elaborate preparations, like calculating the amount of food he would need.
We sat with Satish and talked about things that could go wrong during this isolation – chronic toothache, appen- dicitis, malaria
were just a few sobering thoughts. The Coast Guard provided some signal flares and there was talk of a two-way radio but
eventually Satish just set sail and that’s the last we heard of him till September.”

“THE STORY OF AN UNSUNG MARINE SUPERSTAR”

Published in The Times of India; February 2016
Excerpt: “A few months later, his wife Brenda back in Madras, received a loving letter from him. He had launched his message in a bottle on July 3rd and 24 days and more than 800 km later it was picked up by a Sri Lankan fisherman, Anthony Damacious, who very kindly posted it to Brenda along with a covering letter, a family picture and an invitation to visit him in Sri Lanka.”

“THE STORY OF AN UNSUNG MARINE SUPERSTAR”

Published in The Times of India, February 2016
Excerpt: “When Satish Bhaskar stayed alone in Suheli, an uninhabited island in Lakshadweep, to conduct a survey on sea turtles back in the 1970s, the only form of communication for him was to throw bottles, with little notes rolled up, into the sea. One such note reached Sri Lankan waters and eventually got to his wife three weeks later.”

“FROM SOUP TO SUPERSTAR – THE STORY OF SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION ALONG THE INDIAN COAST”

Published by Mongabay: News and Inspiration from Nature’s Frontline Written by Shreya Dasgupta, May 2016
Excerpt: “Satish is spending 5 months on Suheli [remote islands in the Lakshadweep Archipelago off the southwestern coast of India] on his own and reached the island in early May. His wife has had one letter from him; found in a bottle by a Sri Lanka fisherman who forward- ed it to her. Tracing its course we find that the ‘bottle-letter’ dated 3rd July has travelled a distance of about 500 miles in an estimated interval of 24 days. The letter reached Sri Lanka around 27th July.”