“Turtle Walker Film Premieres, Spotlighting Cinema & Climate at Mumbai 2026”
A special screening of the documentary Turtle Walker took place on February 9, 2026, at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Mumbai. The event was part of the Cinema & Climate Showcase, coinciding with Mumbai Climate Week, which runs from February 17 to 19, 2026.
Turtle Walker: A Voice for Conservation
Turtle Walker, directed by Taira Malaney, tells the inspiring story of Indian conservationist Satish Bhaskar. Bhaskar dedicates his life to protecting endangered sea turtles and documenting coastal ecosystems throughout India.
This award-winning film aims to raise awareness about climate change and conservation. It demonstrates how cinema can bridge scientific knowledge and community engagement regarding environmental issues.
Event Highlights
The screening was accompanied by a panel discussion featuring:
- Taira Malaney – Director, Turtle Walker
- Krish Makhija – Director of Photography and Associate Director, Turtle Walker
- Sarvnik Kaur – Director, Against The Tide
- Sejal Mehta – Author, Superpowers on the Shore
During the discussion, Taira Malaney expressed the importance of urban settings for fostering climate-related dialogue. She stated, “Mumbai Climate Week is crucial as climate change directly impacts our urban areas. These platforms allow us to emotionally connect with environmental issues.”
Creating Awareness Through Film
Vijayalakshmi, a Project Manager at Project Mumbai Stories, emphasized cinema’s ability to drive action through emotional storytelling. She stated that Turtle Walker highlights the interconnectedness between humans and nature.
The event attracted a diverse, youth-driven audience. The engagement signified a growing interest in climate issues through artistic expression.
Upcoming Events at Mumbai Climate Week
Mumbai Climate Week will feature various activities including workshops, case studies, and follow-up reports designed to engage a broad audience in climate action and awareness.
The main conference will occur at the Jio World Convention Centre, showcasing India’s leadership in addressing climate challenges.
About Project Mumbai
Founded in 2018 by Shishir Joshi, Project Mumbai is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing urban challenges through community engagement. It aims to connect citizens with government and private organizations for effective solutions in various sectors, including mental health and environmental conservation.
