Filmmakers Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti unite to produce an uplifting documentary titled Turtle Walker. The film is a biopic on the life of Satish Bhaskar, an Indian pioneer in sea turtle conservation who gave his life to ensure the protection of these endangered creatures. The documentary will be screened for the first time at Doc NYC 2024 this Sunday, November 17.
The film documents the late 1970s efforts of Satish Bhaskar, who, for the first time, set out along the coastlines of India to study and protect sea turtles. Bhaskar also lived among the rare creatures, trying to understand their secrets to help them from going extinct. His efforts translated into solid success for the protection of sea turtles in India.
The film, Turtle Walker, thus originated as the small, independent project of a crew in Goa, India, but through the years, it grew to become an international co-production, bringing together award-winning collaborators from various parts of the world. Submarine Deluxe has taken on the sales rights of the film.
Zoya Akhtar said, “At Tiger Baby, we like to tell stories that move us. Turtle Walker, by Taira Malaney, is the extraordinary true life of Satish Bhaskar, who walked most of the India coastline to track the nesting beaches of sea turtles to protect them.” She added that his “indomitable spirit” helped prevent the extinction of these creatures and put man in reminiscence for the protection of the planet.
Reema Kagti also commented: “This series fits into our dream of bringing inspiring. Unsung stories from India to a global platform.” She said, “We are very excited that the film is premiering at DOC NYC. And look forward to this great collaboration with HHMI Tangled Bank, Ceres, and Emaho Films.”
The writing and direction of Turtle Walker are also by Taira Malaney. While the producers are Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, Angad Dev Singh, Vikram Malaney, and Taira Malaney. The associate and head of cinematography is Krish Makhija.
Additionally, the co-writer and editor is Sam Rogers. The executive producers are Isabelle Couture, James Reed, Jared Lipworth, Sean B. Carroll, and Nikita Mamik.
The documentary allows one to delve deeply into the life of a man trying to save one of the most endangered species on Earth. And at the same time to underline environmental conservation.
ANI
