Zoya Akhtar backed ‘Turtle Walker’ to open ALTEFF festival

The All Living Things Environmental Film Festival, which runs from December 4 to 14, will begin with the documentary “Turtle Walker,” which is supported by Zoya Akhtar. The festival honors movies and filmmakers who portray tales about climate action and awareness.

“Turtle Walker” has been seen all over the world since its 2024 global premiere at DOC NYC. The Oscar-winning HHMI Tangled Bank Studios and Akhtar, Reema Kagti, and Taira Malaney produced the movie, which won the International Ocean Film Festival’s Conservation Award. Additionally, it received recognition at the Jackson Wild Media Awards, where it won the “Grand Teton” and “Conservation” Awards, which are the highest honors in nature and environmental cinema.

Satish Bhaskar, an Indian pioneer in the field of sea turtle conservation who devoted his life to turtle protection, is the subject of Malaney’s documentary. In order to solve the mystery surrounding endangered sea turtles and prevent their extinction, Satish Bhaskar set out on an epic trek over India’s breathtaking beaches in the late 1970s.

Akhtar said “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 ALTEFF- a festival that supports and champions the environment and wildlife”.

Festival director Kunal Khanna said they were honoured to have “Turtle Walker” as the opening film.

“Satish Bhaskar’s story is not just about conservation, it’s about commitment, humility, and the power of one individual to change the course of environmental history. This film embodies the essence of what ALTEFF stands for: celebrating stories that reconnect us with the natural world and inspire meaningful action.”

Director Malaney said working on Bhaskar’s story instilled adeep wonder for our marine world in her. “And more importantly a renewed sense of hope at a time when I needed it most.”

Kagti said the film captures both the fragility and resilience of nature, and is a story that needs to be told to as many audiences as possible.

“ALTEFF 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,” she added.