In a remarkable collaboration, Tiger Baby and Emaho Films are partnering with Oscar-winning HHMI Tangled Bank Studios to unveil the stunning documentary ‘Turtle Walker’ at DOC NYC 2024. Slated for its much-anticipated premiere on November 17, the documentary offers an inspiring glimpse into the pioneering efforts of Satish Bhaskar, often revered as the Father of Sea Turtle Conservation in India. Under the directorial vision of Taira Malaney, ‘Turtle Walker’ promises to captivate audiences with its visual storytelling while underscoring the critical importance of marine conservation in our time.
The documentary journeys back to the late 1970s, a pivotal era when Bhaskar embarked on his momentous quest to explore and conserve the rich biodiversity along India’s coastlines. His mission was simple yet daunting: to live among the rare and enchanting sea turtles and safeguard them from the looming threat of extinction. What began as a modest, independent undertaking in the scenic state of Goa gradually transformed into a worldwide cooperative endeavor that spanned seven years, drawing the attention and collaboration of international entities devoted to conservation.
As the film gains momentum, it has already marked its territory in the sphere of nature and conservation filmmaking. Garnering accolades and significant recognition, ‘Turtle Walker’ secured the prestigious ‘Conservation’ and ‘Grand Teton’ Awards at the Jackson Wild Media Awards—a ceremony often regarded as the Oscars for documentaries in this genre. Director Taira Malaney herself has been lauded with awards such as the “Best Natural History and Wildlife Pitch” at Sunny Side of the Doc (2019) and the “Emerging Filmmaker Award” at DocEdge Kolkata (2018), further solidifying her distinctive footprint in documentary filmmaking.
Reflecting on the journey of creating ‘Turtle Walker,’ Taira Malaney, founder and director at Emaho Films, shared heartfelt insights into her motivations behind the project. “Satish Bhaskar shared a deep wonder for the marine world. By telling his story, we aim to inspire global dialogue about ocean conservation,” Malaney stated, highlighting the transformative impact Bhaskar’s work has had on inspiring widespread awareness and conversation around marine conservation.
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This sentiment is echoed by Zoya Akhtar of Tiger Baby, who emphasized the emotional resonance and significance of the story they aim to tell. “We are passionate about stories that move us. ‘Turtle Walker’ showcases Satish Bhaskar’s unwavering dedication to saving sea turtles, reminding us of the beauty and fragility of our planet,” remarked Akhtar. Her words underline the broader mission of raising awareness about the delicate balance of our ecosystems and the urgent need to protect them.
The film comes together with the combined efforts of a talented production team comprising Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, Angad Dev Singh, Vikram Malaney, and Taira Malaney. Sam Rogers plays a crucial role in weaving the narrative, both co-writing the script and spearheading the editing process, while Krish Makhija contributes as associate director and head of cinematography. Their collective vision promises to deliver a cinematic experience that is not just inspiring but also visually mesmerizing.
A testament to its quality and appeal, ‘Turtle Walker’ has secured distribution rights through Submarine Deluxe, ensuring the documentary reaches a global audience eager to learn from and be inspired by the conservation legacy of Satish Bhaskar. This move reinforces the film’s potential impact on ocean conservation dialogue worldwide and highlights the universal relevance of Bhaskar’s efforts.
In sum, ‘Turtle Walker’ is poised to be a remarkable visual and educational journey, celebrating the life and work of Satish Bhaskar. It serves as a powerful call to action for ocean conservation, aiming to inspire a new generation to cherish and protect our natural world. As the world awaits its premiere at DOC NYC 2024, the anticipation builds not just for a film but for a movement towards understanding and safeguarding the fragile beauty of our planet’s marine life.
