Zoya Akhtar-Backed Documentary Turtle Walker To Open ALTEFF 2025

The environmental documentary Turtle Walker, directed by Taira Malaney and produced in collaboration with Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, and Oscar-winning HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, is set to open the All Living

Things Environmental Film Festival (ALTEFF) 2025. The festival, India’s leading decentralized platform for environmental storytelling, will run from December 4 to 14 and aims to spotlight films that inspire climate awareness and action.

Since its world premiere at DOC NYC in 2024, Turtle Walker has been showcased at prestigious festivals worldwide, including the UK premiere at Raindance Film Festival, the Hamptons International Film Festival, and a special screening at the United Nations Ocean Conference. The film has earned multiple accolades, including Best Film in the International Competition at AFO, the Conservation Award at the International Ocean Film Festival, and both the ‘Conservation’ and ‘Grand Teton’ Awards at the Jackson Wild Media Awards—recognised as the highest honours in environmental filmmaking.

Malaney’s directorial debut tells the story of Satish Bhaskar, an Indian pioneer in sea turtle conservation. In the late 1970s, Bhaskar embarked on a remarkable journey along India’s coastline, living alongside rare sea turtles to study and protect them from extinction. The documentary combines striking visuals with intimate personal narratives, highlighting the urgent threats facing marine wildlife today.

“We are so honoured to be sharing Turtle Walker at the opening night of ALTEFF 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 director Taira Malaney.

Festival Director Kunal Khanna expressed his excitement about the film’s opening slot: “We are honoured to open this year’s edition with Turtle Walker. 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.”

Producer Zoya Akhtar added, “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.”

Reema Kagti echoed the sentiment: “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. 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.”