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

“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

Related Films

Colorado Premiere

SPACE COWBOY (2024)

98 MIN

Joe Jennings, an innovator in the world of skydiving, has spent decades capturing breathtaking aerial moments with his camera for extreme sports competitions, Super Bowl commercials, and Hollywood blockbusters. Driven by a passion for "camera flying" in his youth, Joe cultivated a deep friendship with fellow skydiver Rob Harris, partnering to become one of the most influential skysurfing teams in history.

Learn More

TOM PETTY: HEARTBREAKERS BEACH PARTY

90 MIN

In 2024, the long-thought-lost 16mm reels of Tom Petty in Cameron Crowe’s first film, HEARTBREAKERS BEACH PARTY, were finally found. The classic ‘80s documentary captures Tom Petty and the band in 1982-1983 as they finish, promote, and tour around the “Long After Dark” album. After its initial airing on MTV in 1983, the film was deemed too experimental and abruptly pulled from the air. In the more than 40 years since, it has become folklore to fans, musicians, and within the entertainment industry - even credited with inspiring scenes in Spinal Tap. The highly anticipated & fully remastered HEARTBREAKERS BEACH PARTY is a fun, candid, fast-paced, & musically rich ride with America’s greatest rock & roll band, a time capsule of the dawn of the MTV era, and a rare & shining glimpse into Tom Petty’s lasting creative genius. This exclusive theatrical release features 19 minutes of fully remastered, never-before-seen, archival bonus footage and new commentary from director Cameron Crowe.

Learn More

THE REMARKABLE LIFE OF IBELIN

106 MIN

Norway

Underwritten by Monica Vidal + Joe Sherman When Mats Steen, a Norwegian gamer, died of a degenerative muscular disease at age 25, his parents mourned what they thought had been a lonely and isolated existence. They were unaware that Mats had long been leading a vibrant digital life that had profoundly impacted a community of […]

Learn More

¡CASA BONITA MI AMOR!

90 MIN

Q+A with Director Arthur Bradford Underwritten by Laurie Cappello From the producers of the Emmy®-nominated SIX DAYS TO AIR, feature documentary ¡CASA BONITA MI AMOR! tracks the rise, fall, and revival of the beloved Colorado landmark Casa Bonita. Casa Bonita opened in 1974 in an unassuming strip mall. The massive "Disneyland of Mexican restaurants" is an Old West and Acapulco-inspired fever dream made famous by its indoor waterfall, cliff divers, and haunted caves. The restaurant was featured in a classic 2003 episode of SOUTH PARK. When the show's creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, learn that Casa Bonita might close its doors for good, they attempt to preserve a crumbling piece of their childhood and Denver history.

Learn More

CHAMPIONS OF THE GOLDEN VALLEY

About the Film

Trailer

Related Films

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