CHAMPIONS OF THE GOLDEN VALLEY

About the Film

Documentary | 81 MIN | US, Afghanistan, Germany

Q+A with the film’s Director, Ben Sturgulewski, and Producer, Katie Stjernholm. PLUS extra special guest, the film’s main protagonist, Afghan ski coach Alishah Farhang

“The ultimate underdog story!” – Variety

In the remote mountains of Afghanistan, a newfound passion for skiing attracts young athletes from rival villages to the slopes. With minimal gear and makeshift wooden skis, the determined coach, Alishah Farhang, organizes a ski race like no other that unites the community in a moment of joy and triumph just before the country’s collapse. CHAMPIONS OF THE GOLDEN VALLEY captures the spirit of a classic underdog sports story with the heartfelt portrait of a community finding hope amid disrupted dreams. Revealing a stunning unseen side of Afghanistan, it is an uplifting exploration of what it means to be a champion – in all its forms.

Following its World Premiere at Tribeca, this captivating documentary received the prize for Best Documentary at SCAD Savannah, Overall Audience Choice at Heartland International Film Festival, Grand Prize at Banff Mountain Film Festival, and a number of Audience Awards from festivals including Austin, Banff, Crested Butte, and Denver. Learn more on the film’s website HERE.

Nurture and develop the current ski culture and community in Afghanistan by supporting the Bamyan Alpine Ski Club (BASC). BASC makes wooden skis for children, assists in ski training, and organizes an annual ski race for the youth. Just $30 is enough to gift a pair of wooden skis to a local athlete!

View Screening

Director	Ben Sturgulewski
Produced By	Katie Stjernholm, Baktash Ahadi

Tribeca Film Festival 2024
DC/DOX Film Festival 2024
Woods Hole Film Festival 2024

Trailer

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CHAMPIONS OF THE GOLDEN VALLEY

About the Film

Trailer

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Working to Enlighten, Enrich, Educate, and Entertain Through Film