CHAMPIONS OF THE GOLDEN VALLEY
SCREENING TIMES & TICKETS:
Dir. Ben Sturgulewski | Documentary | U.S.A. | 2024 | 1 hr. 21 min. | English and Dari with English subtitles
Followed by a discussion with director Ben Sturgulewski
In the remote villages of Bamyan Province in Afghanistan, a newfound passion for skiing brings young athletes together. They are from rival ethnic groups and only equipped with minimal gear and handmade wooden skis, but ski coach Alishah Farhang inspires a sense of unity and determination by organizing an exhilarating annual race that focuses on camaraderie, joy, and triumph. Made by a seasoned director of ski films, this documentary has thrilling footage but also reveals the humanity and perseverance of a people affected by decades of political upheaval and war.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Ben “Sturge” Sturgulewski grew up on a rugged and remote island in Alaska’s Aleutian Chain, inspiring a life dedicated to the exploration of the world’s wild side, and the people who call it home. Ben has created a portfolio of award-winning short films that have appeared in festivals around the globe, taking home dozens of awards for cinematography, editing, creativity, and storytelling—as well as overall grand-prizes and audience awards. He has directed, filmed, and edited acclaimed content for clients such as Patagonia, Arcteryx, YETI, Rivian, NFL Films, and Red Bull. Ben has produced a library of Vimeo Staff Picks, and his ski film Valhalla was recently named “The Greatest Ski Film of All Time” by Outside Magazine. His collaborations with brands, agencies, production houses, and passion projects continue to take him on new and unexpected adventures. Champions of the Golden Valley is his first feature documentary.
Tickets for these screenings are general-admission and pay-what-you-can. The suggested ticket price is $20. If you can pay more, we greatly appreciate it!