The documentary "Turtle Walker," directed by Taira Malaney, is scheduled for its Indian premiere at the 17th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK). The festival will take place in Thiruvananthapuram from August 22 to 27, 2025. The film focuses on the life and work of Satish Bhaskar, a significant figure in India's sea turtle conservation movement, whose dedicated efforts began in the 1970s. Bhaskar's extensive fieldwork involved surveying over 4,000 kilometers of India's coastline, including remote islands, to gather foundational data on turtle nesting patterns and habitats. His research was notably presented in a 1979 paper at the World Conference on the Biology and Conservation of Sea Turtles, which became a crucial resource for subsequent conservation strategies in India.
"Turtle Walker" explores Bhaskar's profound commitment, featuring actor Rohan Joglekar portraying the younger conservationist. The documentary has already received international recognition, winning Best International Science Documentary Film at Academia Film Olomouc 2025 and Best Feature at the Docutah International Film Festival 2025. Produced by Emaho Films, HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, and Tiger Baby Films, the film celebrates Bhaskar's legacy and emphasizes the ongoing importance of sea turtle conservation, providing a platform at the IDSFFK to raise awareness among a wider Indian audience.