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CHAMPIONS OF THE GOLDEN VALLEY

About the Film

Documentary | 81 MIN | US, Afghanistan, Germany

Q+A with Producer Katie Stjernholm

Underwritten by Katherine Kendrick

In the remote mountain villages of Bamyan, Afghanistan, a newfound passion for skiing attracts young athletes from rival ethnic groups to the slopes. With minimal gear and makeshift skis, the determined ski coach, Alishah Farhang, organizes a thrilling ski race that fosters camaraderie, joy, and triumph. However, after the shocking collapse of their country, many of the skiers are displaced across the globe as refugees and must call upon the lessons learned in the mountains of their homeland.

In CHAMPIONS OF THE GOLDEN VALLEY, filmmaker Ben Sturgulewski masterfully captures the thrill of a sports rivalry intertwined with the poignant narrative of a community grappling with profound change – revealing what it means to be a champion in all its forms.

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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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