Scenes of War
In the remote mountain villages of Bamyan, Afghanistan, a newfound passion for skiing attracts young athletes from rival ethnic groups to the slopes. With minimal gear and makeshift wooden skis, the determined ski coach Alishah Farhang organizes a thrilling ski race that fosters camaraderie, joy, and triumph. However, after the shocking collapse of their country, many of the skiers are displaced across the globe as refugees, and must call upon the lessons learned in the mountains of their homeland to find a way to rebuild.
CHAMPIONS OF THE GOLDEN VALLEY captures the thrill of a sports rivalry intertwined with a poignant portrait of a community in profound transition — parallel stories converging to explore what it means to be a champion, in all its forms.
This film was part of Fall Series 2024 and is no longer available for viewing.
Champions of the Golden Valley tells the unlikely story of an avid skiing community in the war-torn country of Afghanistan. Masterfully told, the viewer joins in the friendly rivalry of a local ski race showcasing contestants with makeshift skis and little more than physical strength to send them across the finish line. This classic underdog story digs deeper though, into the life of a refugee and the repercussions of war. Director Ben Sturgelewski is not only a skilled cinematographer, but an expert at conveying difficult narratives where resilience, joy and sorrow intermingle. For excellence in both film and storytelling, the jury is pleased to award Champions of the Golden Valley the Grand Prize.
– Joanna Croston, VIMFF 2025 Jury
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