Skiing on wooden planks in a warzone? Afghanistan's wildest race will wreck your heart.
In the high peaks of Afghanistan, young athletes from rival villages build makeshift wooden skis and convene for a mountain race that unites the community in a moment of peace and triumph just before their country’s collapse. Champions of the Golden Valley merges the triumphant spirit of a classic underdog sports story with the heartfelt portrait of a community finding hope amid disrupted dreams. Revealing a stunning unseen side of Afghanistan, it is an uplifting exploration of what it means to be a champion – in all its forms.
Cinematography
Snow-capped peaks that mock human conflict
Direction
Sturgulewski finds joy without denying dread
Practical Effects
Those homemade skis actually work (mostly)
Director
Ben Sturgulewski
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
AF
DE
