The film follows conservationist Satish Bhaskar’s work, documenting sea turtle nesting sites along India’s coastline and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and his subsequent efforts to protect them.
India: Epic Wild Stories is a collection of wildlife and conservation stories from across the country, giving viewers a deeper understanding of India’s natural world. 4
The documentary ‘Turtle Walker’ marks the first collaboration between Animal Planet and the three acclaimed production houses.
Speaking on the association, Sai Abishek, Head of Factual Entertainment, Lifestyle & Kids - South Asia, Skydance said, “With India: Epic Wild Stories, we are bringing distinctive documentaries from some of the most celebrated Indian wildlife filmmakers, offering audiences an insight into the natural heritage of our country.
Turtle Walker presents the perfect confluence of a deeply personal journey with a larger story about conservation.
"It reflects our belief that the most powerful wildlife stories are those that connect the natural world with the people who dedicate their lives to protecting it. This collaboration reflects our commitment to working with Indian filmmakers and taking compelling stories to wider audiences,” he said.
Beginning in the late 1970s, Turtle Walker traces Bhaskar’s solitary expeditions, including his time on the uninhabited Suheli Par island in Lakshadweep, where he communicated with his wife through letters sent in bottles.
The film also follows his return to the Andamans after the devastating 2004 tsunami, as he sought to understand the impact of the disaster on sea turtles and their nesting beaches.
Zoya Akhtar says, “Satish Bhaskar’s is one of those extraordinary stories that deserves to be told widely. Animal Planet has been bringing stories that foster deeper connections with the natural world, and we are so glad Turtle Walker has found a place in India: Epic Wild Stories”
“What stays with you about Satish’s journey is how much one person can do simply by caring deeply and refusing to give up. After seeing his story connect with audiences around the world, it feels special to now have it reach a wider audience back home through Animal Planet,” adds Reema Kagti.
Turtle Walker premiered at DOC NYC in 2024 and has since screened at festivals including Raindance, Hamptons International Film Festival, BANFF Mountain Film Festival, Brisbane International Film Festival among others.
The film has also received notable awards such as Jackson Wild Grand Teton, Academia Film Olomouc (Best Film Award), SILBERSALZ Science & Media Awards (Best Nature Programme), Tasveer Film Festival (Jury Award) amongst others, and has been nominated for Grierson Awards for Best Science and Natural History Documentary.
Reflecting on the film’s journey, filmmaker Taira Malaney said, “After nearly 9 years in the making, and screening at 75+ international film festivals, 20+ awards and 100+ community screenings, we cannot wait to bring this film to Animal Planet’s vibrant and varied audiences across India.
"I hope viewers feel the same sense of awe for our country’s rich marine biodiversity that I did while making this film, and are inspired by the immense impact that a single individual can truly have.”
With Turtle Walker, Animal Planet’s anthology India: Epic Wild Stories continues its commitment to original storytelling by spotlighting acclaimed documentary filmmakers and bringing compelling narratives of universal relevance to the audiences across the country.
Turtle Walker premieres exclusively on Animal Planet on October 19 at 9 PM.