“Champions of the Golden Valley”: A Story of Joy, Unity, and Resilience

“Champions of the Golden Valley is a moving and timely story about what joy and unity look like when everything else is falling apart.” — Malala Yousafzai, Executive Producer

We’re thrilled to share that Champions of the Golden Valley, a featured film at JHIFF 2024, is now an Oscar contender and one of the most decorated documentaries of the year. The film follows former Afghan Olympic hopeful Alishah Farhang as he brings together athletes of all ages and abilities from neighboring, and often divided, villages in the ancient mountain town of Bamyan, forming a competitive ski community.

The documentary has already screened at over 50 festivals, including its premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, and has received more than 30 grand prizes, jury awards, and audience awards, including Best Documentary at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival and the Berkshire International Film Festival.

Adding to the film’s prestige, Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai and “Succession” actor Arian Moayed have signed on as executive producers. Yousafzai shared, “I’m proud to support this film and the young people whose courage and spirit it so beautifully captures.” Moayed added, “These beautiful and resilient Afghans show us the power of what sport, community, and shared purpose can do, no matter what the obstacles may be.”

Director Ben Sturgulewski captures a side of Afghanistan that few outsiders see, telling a story that goes beyond skiing to explore resilience, joy, and what it means to be a champion.

We can’t wait to see the continued journey of Champions of the Golden Valley, and we invite you to join us in celebrating the filmmakers, the young athletes of Bamyan, and the executive producers who are helping bring this powerful story to the world.