Mountainfilm: “Champions of the Golden Valley,” 8/23!

22 Aug Mountainfilm: “Champions of the Golden Valley,” 8/23!

Join Mountainfilm at the historic Sheridan Opera House on Friday, August 23, for an exciting new summer fundraiser! 

Doors open at 6p.m.; show starts at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $35. All proceeds from the event support Mountainfilm and its mission to use the power of film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world. See you there!

Go here for more about Mountainfilm (going back to 2009, and including several stories and podcasts from the 2024 event).

And please scroll down for more info, including a video imbed of the trailer.

The night’s program will include a reception with small bites and a cash bar before a screening of “Champions of the Golden Valley.” The film screened as a surprise sneak peek at this year’s festival ahead of its world premiere at Tribeca and left audiences buzzing. Variety called it “the ultimate underdog story!”

“Champions of the Golden Valley” takes place in the remote mountain villages of Bamyan, Afghanistan, where 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. 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 forward.

“Champions of the Golden Valley” masterfully captures the thrill of a sports rivalry intertwined with the poignant narrative of a community grappling with profound change – revealing what it means to be a champion, in all its forms.

The film was created by Mountainfilm veteran filmmakers, director Ben Sturgulewski and producers Katie Stjernholm and Baktash Ahadi, in association with XTR, Optimist and Happy Place.

Don’t miss a discussion and Q & A with Katie Stjernholm after the film!

Sage Martin, the executive director of Mountainfilm, shares excitement for the event:

“This film is extraordinary. It truly embodies Mountainfilm’s celebration of indomitable spirit. After sharing a sneak peek at the festival to rave reviews, we are honored the filmmakers are returning to showcase this film for our summer fundraiser. We invite you to join us and show your support for Mountainfilm as we work to plan another spectacular festival in 2025.”

About Mountainfilm:

Established in 1979, Mountainfilm is dedicated to using film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world. Working at the nexus of filmmaking and action, its flagship program is the legendary Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado, a one-of-a-kind combination of films, conversations and inspiration.

Mountainfilm also reaches audiences year-round through its worldwide tour and Mountainfilm for Students, an educational outreach initiative for youth.

Mountainfilm has the power to change lives.

To learn more, visit www.mountainfilm.org.

To join the conversation, please read Mountainfilm’s news and follow Mountainfilm on X , Facebook, and Instagram.