MUMBAI, India, Feb. 16, 2026 -- As part of the Cinema & Climate Showcase, a spoke event of Mumbai Climate Week, a special screening of the critically acclaimed environmental documentary Turtle Walker was held on 9th February at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Mumbai, followed by an engaging panel discussion with leading voices in environmental storytelling and literature. Mumbai Climate Week is scheduled for 17th of February till 19th February at the Jio World Convention Center. There are a bunch of events happening around the city leading up to the Main Hub event. One such event which is currently on in the city is When Cinema Meets Climate, a cinema and climate showcase.
Taira Malaney's Turtle Walker is a stunning documentary that tells the remarkable story of Indian conservationist Satish Bhaskar, who has devoted his life to conserving endangered sea turtles and documenting coastal ecosystems in India. The film has received numerous international awards for its unique approach to raising awareness about climate change, conservation, and the importance of storytelling in influencing social change. The screening aims to create a bridge between scientific knowledge and community involvement through cinema as a vehicle for motivating people about climate change.
The event featured a panel discussion with:
- Taira Malaney – Director, Turtle Walker
- Krish Makhija - DoP and Associate Director of Turtle Walker
- Sarvnik Kaur – Director, Against The Tide
- Sejal Mehta – Author, Superpowers on the Shore
Speaking at the event, director Taira Malaney emphasized the importance of urban platforms in fostering climate dialogue. She said, "Mumbai Climate Week is important because climate change impacts are being felt very directly in our urban cities in India. These spaces allow us to share stories that emotionally connect people to environmental issues—whether they are faced within cities or in rural coastal communities. Cinema and art are powerful tools to spark discourse, inspire change, and deepen public understanding about protecting our oceans and ecosystems."
Vijayalakshmi, Project Manager — Mental Health, at Project Mumbai Stories, added, "Stories move us to action, and cinema does this powerfully through its visual and emotional impact. Turtle Walker reminds us of the deep interconnectedness between humans and nature. That's why the Cinema and Climate Showcase is a key part of Mumbai Climate Week — using film to spark awareness, dialogue, and action around climate issues. What stood out today was the diverse, youth-heavy audience and the moving reflection from a turtle conservationist during the Q&A, who shared how deeply the film resonated with her."
The film is part of an ongoing campaign to provide outreach through an impact campaign that is reaching many demographics and helping them to understand and engage with marine ecosystems, as well as the need to protect our oceans. In addition, this event highlighted Mumbai's emergence as a centre for climate conversation, demonstrating how film, literature, and other forms of art can work together to raise public awareness and inspire significant action on climate change.
About Turtle Walker
Turtle Walker is an award-winning documentary that showcases the life and legacy of Satish Bhaskar, whose pioneering work transformed sea turtle conservation efforts in India. Through powerful visuals and compelling storytelling, the film highlights the fragile balance of marine ecosystems and the urgent need for conservation efforts.
About Mumbai Climate Week
Scheduled from February 17 to 19, 2026, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai Climate Week will be more than a three-day event. Its impact will be extended through preparatory activities before and synthesis efforts after the main conference, including workshops, case studies, films, testimonials, and follow-up reports. By mobilizing India's vibrant network of climate-focused organizations and movements, it will highlight the nation's pioneering efforts in climate action while charting a bold path forward. Conceptualised & initiated by Project Mumbai, a citizen-driven non-profit founded in 2018, and, in partnership with Government of Maharashtra's Department of Environment and Climate Change, and supported by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, MCW reflects the vision of a dynamic megacity from the Global South stepping into a role of global climate leadership
About Project Mumbai
Project Mumbai, founded in 2018 by a former renowned journalist and social entrepreneur Shishir Joshi, is a pioneering not-for-profit initiative that works as a trusted bridge between citizens, government, and private institutions to co-create solutions for the city's most pressing challenges. With a focus on participatory governance, community engagement, and public service, Project Mumbai has consistently mobilized people and partnerships to deliver impact at scale—from mental health initiatives and waste management drives to urban mobility solutions and disaster relief. Its citizen-centric model has earned recognition nationally and internationally as an example of collaborative problem-solving rooted in transparency, trust, and accountability.
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