On February 9, 2026, the National Gallery of Modern Art in Mumbai hosted a special screening of the award-winning documentary Turtle Walker, directed by Taira Malaney. This event is part of the Mumbai Climate Week, occurring from February 17 to 19, which aims to enhance awareness around climate change through various cultural activities. The screening was followed by a panel discussion featuring prominent figures in environmental storytelling, including Krish Makhija, Sarvnik Kaur, and Sejal Mehta, who shared insights on the intersection of cinema and climate advocacy.
Turtle Walker narrates the life of Satish Bhaskar, a dedicated conservationist focused on preserving endangered sea turtles and documenting India's coastal ecosystems. The film has garnered international acclaim for its unique approach to environmental storytelling, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts. By utilizing cinema as a medium, the event sought to bridge scientific understanding and community engagement, motivating audiences to take action on climate issues.
- Engaging panel discussion — featured experts in environmental literature and cinema
- Impact of storytelling — aimed to create emotional connections to environmental issues
- Broad audience participation — highlighted the importance of youth engagement in climate discourse
During the discussion, director Taira Malaney highlighted the significant role urban platforms play in promoting climate dialogue. She stated, "Mumbai Climate Week is important because climate change impacts are being felt very directly in our urban cities in India." The event aimed to use the power of cinema to inspire change and deepen public understanding of the urgent need to protect our oceans and ecosystems.
Vijayalakshmi, Project Manager at Project Mumbai Stories, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how stories can motivate action. She remarked, "Turtle Walker reminds us of the deep interconnectedness between humans and nature." The documentary screening is part of a broader campaign to engage various demographics in marine ecosystem conservation and climate awareness. The event showcased Mumbai's rising prominence as a hub for climate conversation, demonstrating how art can catalyze significant action against climate change.
The Mumbai Climate Week will feature a variety of workshops, case studies, and follow-up reports aimed at mobilizing India's climate-focused organizations. This initiative, conceptualized by Project Mumbai, in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra and supported by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, showcases the city's commitment to leading global climate action efforts.