Champions of the Golden Valley

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 peace and triumph, just before the country’s collapse. “Champions of the Golden Valley” merges 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.

Post-film discussion with director Ben Sturgulewski, and producers Katie Stjernholm & Baktash Ahadi and reception with bites from Afghan Kitchen.
Ticket proceeds will benefit the Bamyan Alpine Ski Club. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door starting at 6pm the night of the show. 

Following its World Premiere at Tribeca, this crowd-pleasing and captivating documentary has won the Grand Prize and Audience Choice Award at 2024 Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival, Best Documentary Feature at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, Overall Audience Choice Award at the Heartland International Film Festival, and Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature at the Austin Film Festival.

ASL interpretation will be provided for the post-film discussions upon request. Please contact director@parkcityfilm.org by November 7th with ADA accommodation requests.

Presented as part of the Raising Voices Film Series, with grant support from Park City Chamber and Park City Municipal Corp.

Official Website