Lucknow/ Mumbai – Reelism Films has unveiled its latest documentary, *The Dirty Sky*, directed by veteran filmmaker O.P. Srivastava, shedding light on a rapidly escalating but often overlooked environmental threat: orbital debris.
As humanity’s reliance on satellite technology grows, Earth’s orbit is becoming increasingly congested with defunct satellites, rocket fragments, and debris from past collisions. The Dirty Sky provides a stark look at how this invisible crisis, fueled by mega-constellations like Starlink and OneWeb, could trigger the catastrophic Kessler Syndrome—a chain reaction of collisions that may render Earth’s orbit unusable.
The sky may look clean, but space is getting dirtier by the day, says Srivastava. The world is rushing to occupy the final frontier without thinking of the mess we’re leaving behind.
The 73-minute documentary combines compelling storytelling with scientific insights. It traces the history of satellite launches, explains orbital mechanics, and recreates past satellite collisions. Featuring perspectives from global space scientists and policy experts, the film also examines experimental debris-removal technologies such as laser deflection, robotic arms, and space tugs, while highlighting the challenges posed by the lack of binding international regulations and sustainable economic models.
More than a scientific exposition, *The Dirty Sky* serves as a wake-up call, urging governments, private space companies, and citizens to confront the mounting orbital crisis before it mirrors the environmental disasters on Earth—only this time, far beyond human reach.
The documentary is currently being showcased at national and international environmental and science film festivals, accompanied by outreach initiatives targeting students, space professionals, and policymakers.
About O.P. Srivastava
O.P. Srivastava’s career spans a successful tenure in banking followed by notable achievements in filmmaking and writing. He won a National Film Award for his documentary Life in Metaphors, which highlights his skill in storytelling and commitment to meaningful content. His filmmaking portfolio includes documentaries on diverse topics such as brain cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and environmental issues, alongside fiction films like Banwari Ki Amma.
Srivastava is also the founder of Oorjaa, a not-for-profit initiative that leverages cinema for social impact. His literary contributions include Life in Metaphors: Portraits of Girish Kasaravalli, Banking on Technology, Krishna Calling, and Pillars of Parallel Cinema.
