Former Afghan Olympic hopeful Alishah Farhang is on a mission to bring competitive skiing to the ancient mountain town of Bamyan. When Alishah introduced the wintry sport to the area in 2011 and established the area’s first ever ski club, it quickly caught on. Utilizing rudimentary makeshift equipment and gear, the locals take to the slopes with joyful verve. When Alishah organizes an annual Afghan Ski Challenge race, it brings people together with a new sense of focus and camaraderie, demonstrated by the ongoing friendly rivalry between Mujtaba and Hussain Ali, two skilled local skiers from rival ethnic groups. However, following the shocking collapse of the Afghan government at the hands of the Taliban in 2021, Alishah is forced to flee, leaving his beloved home country to face an uncertain future.

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.––Andrea Passafiume

Ben Sturgulewski