Turtle Walker to open ALT EFF 2025

The highly anticipated environmental documentary, Turtle Walker, is set to open the All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF), starting on December 4.Since its world premiere at DOC NYC in 2024, Turtle Walker has travelled across the globe, with notable screenings at the Raindance Film Festival (UK premiere), the Hamptons International Film Festival, and a special showcase at the United Nations Ocean Conference. The film won the Best Film Award in the International Competition at AFO and received the Conservation Award at the International Ocean Film Festival. It was also honoured at the Jackson Wild Media Awards, winning both the ‘Conservation’ and ‘Grand Teton’ Awards - the highest accolades in nature and environmental filmmaking.

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. In the late 1970s, Bhaskar embarked on an epic journey along India's spectacular coastlines, living alongside rare sea turtles to unravel the mysteries that surround them - and set out to save the enigmatic sea creatures from extinction.

“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.

Producer Zoya Akhtar shared her thoughts, saying “Turtle Walker is a tribute to a man’s quiet heroism. Satish Bhaskar’s journey reminds us how deeply special every living being on this planet is, and we are excited to have it showcase at ALT EFF - a festival that supports and champions the environment and wildlife".

“This film captures both the fragility and resilience of nature, and is a story that needs to be told to as many audiences as possible. ALT EFF is a great platform for this Indian rooted story to be told, and we are delighted that it is the opening film of the festival” added producer Reema Kagti.