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Champions of the Golden Valley
Champions of the Golden Valley

Director(s): Ben SturgulewskiUS81 min.2024
100%(one rating)
Categoriesdocumentary
Accessibilitynot suitable for minors under 12 years of age
LanguagesEnglish, Persian (Farsi) (orig.)
SubtitlesSlovak

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 wooden 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 to find a way to rebuild. CHAMPIONS OF THE GOLDEN VALLEY captures the thrill of a sports rivalry intertwined with a poignant portrait of a community in profound transition — parallel stories converging to explore what it means to be a champion, in all its forms. The film has been winning the hearts of juries and audiences alike. Recent awards include Audience Choice at Heartland, Denver, Banff, Austin, and Crested Butte; Best Documentary at SCAD Savannah; Grand Prize at Banff; and Best Documentary at Crested Butte.

Projection of Champions of the Golden Valley at MOUNTAINS AND CITY 2025
Film block: SNOW (English friendly)
Film was already screened
Film was already screened
Film block: WINNING FILMS I
Film was already screened
Film was already screened
* Program subject to change