"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." – Tribeca Film Festival

Join artsPlace Canmore and the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival to celebrate International Mountain Day, designated by the United Nations since 2003 to recognize and create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the opportunities and constraints in mountain development, and to build alliances that will bring positive change to mountain peoples and environments around the world.

This year, we’re celebrating International Mountain Day with a screening of the film Champions of the Golden Valley, directed by Ben Sturgulewski, and produced by Tideshift Studio, Sturgefilm, Katie Stjernholm and Baktash Ahadi. This film won the Grand Prize and the Audience Choice Award at the 2024 Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival.

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 skis, the determined ski coach Alishah Farhang organizes a thrilling ski race that fosters camaraderie, joy, and triumph.

"The ultimate underdog story."  – Variety

Proceeds from the event will go to the Avalanche Canada Foundation in support of youth education, community outreach, research, and public safety programs.

Photo credit: Ben Sturgulewski