"Champions of the Golden Valley" Documentary // Exclusive Clip

"This film is the ultimate underdog story" - Variety "Director Ben Sturgulewski captures an Afghanistan that few outsiders ever see in his exuberant debut feature film. A unique story that goes beyond skiing, Champions of the Golden Valley is about resilience, finding joy amidst difficult circumstances and what it means to be a champion." – Tribeca Film Festival World Premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival (June 9, 2024) Courtesy of Sturgefilm, Tideshift, The Taleem Project, Optimist, XTR, Happy Place, Adventure Not War. Get Involved: www.ChampionsDoc.com DIRECTED BY: Ben Sturgulewski PRODUCED BY: Katie Stjernholm & Baktash Ahadi EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Doug Blush, Chris Temple, Zach Ingrasci, Nadia Samadani, Little Lion Impact, Tiger Tales Media, Justin Lacob, Tara Razavi. SYNOPSIS: In the remote mountain villages of Bamyan, Afghanistan, a newfound passion for skiing attracts young athletes from rival ethnic groups who showcase their resourcefulness and skill on the slopes. Equipped with minimal gear, makeshift skis, and no chairlift, the determined ski coach Alishah Farhang organizes a ski race like no other, uniting the community in a moment of joy and camaraderie. However, when their country falls to the Taliban, many of the skiers are displaced across the globe as refugees, confronted with an uncertain future.