About the Film

Documentary | 81 MIN | US, Afghanistan, Germany

Q+A with the film’s Director, Ben Sturgulewski and Producer, Katie Stjernholm

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.

Wintersköl, Aspen’s annual “toast to winter,” dates back to a quiet January in 1951 when locals chose to commemorate Aspen’s distinctive mountain way of life with a diverse weekend of events.  The multi-day festival showcases on-mountain activities, special screenings at the AF Isis Theatre, snow sculptures, a soup contest, a craft beer festival, a torchlight descent, and fireworks on Aspen Mountain, plus much more.

Tickets: $20 GA | $15 AF Member | *15% of ticket proceeds will be donated to the Bamyan Alpine Ski Club.