Rita Banerji

Rita Banerji, renowned as a leading wildlife and environment filmmaker in India, boasts an impressive portfolio of award-winning films produced under Dusty Foot Productions. Notably, her acclaimed work includes 'The Wild Meat Trail,' which earned her the prestigious Panda award, also known as the Green Oscar, in 2010 at Wildscreen UK. Recognized for her significant contributions to environmental filmmaking, Rita was honoured with the National Geographic – CMS Prithvi Ratna Award in 2017.

In 2015, Rita spearheaded the Green Hub Project, a collaborative initiative between the North East Network and Dusty Foot Productions. This pioneering project aims to harness the potential of youth engagement in conservation efforts and social change through the medium of visual storytelling. As the Project Director of the Green Hub Project, Rita has nurtured a growing cohort of Green Hub fellows who serve as influential advocates for environmental conservation and sustainable development across the northeastern region of India.

Adding to her accolades, Rita was inducted as an Ashoka Fellow in 2019, further solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in environmental activism and filmmaking. Her dedication to leveraging the power of storytelling to drive positive change underscores her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues and inspiring action towards a more sustainable future.