IDA Documentary Awards Craft Recognition

Champions of the Golden Valley

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After narrowly missing his chance to become Afghanistan's first Olympic skier, Alishah Farhang returns to the remote mountains of his homeland to inspire a vibrant new ski culture. Bringing together young athletes from rival villages with makeshift wooden skis and secondhand gear, he organizes a ski race like no other, uniting his community in a rare moment of hope and triumph. When their world is suddenly upended, he and the athletes must call upon those lessons learned on the slopes to find their way forward. Revealing a stunning unseen side of Afghanistan, the film is a captivating and uplifting story about how champions can be made by more than Olympic medals.

  • Year
    2025
  • Runtime
    81 minutes
  • Country
    United States
  • Director
    Ben Sturgulewski
  • Producer
    Katie Stjernholm, Baktash Ahadi
  • Cinematographer
    Ben Sturgulewski
  • Editor
    Ben Sturgulewski
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