UPCOMING SCREENINGS
MARTHA’s VINEYARD, MA: The Martha's Vineyard Film Festival
The Martha's Vineyard Film Festival is a non-profit located on the island of Martha's Vineyard. Our mission is to produce community events, educational programs, and films that spark discussion, debate, and action. Our signature events include the 20th annual MVFF (March 19-22, 2020), a Summer Film Series, and free educational programs taking place year-round.
Details & Tickets here.
Saturday, March 29th | 1pm at The Grange Hall
Sunday, March 30th | 3:30pm at Capawock Theater
Fribourg, Switzerland: International Premiere
The 39th edition of FIFF will take place from 21th to 30th March 2025.
Fribourg International Film Festival aims to promote the understanding between cultures through films. It gives preferences to productions that stimulate reflection and provoke discussion. Our Festival shines a light on blind spots, reveals new talents and put the history of cinema in context with exclusive approaches.
Friday March 21 | 6:30pm (REX 1)
Friday March 21 | 8:30pm (ARENA 1 BCF)
Details & Tickets here.
Newport, Rhode Island: Newport Film Screening
Details & RSVP here!
Presented by Roger Williams Park Conservancy & newportFILM
The Winter Warm Up Series is sponsored by the Providence Tourism Council with additional support from the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
This is a FREE event
RSVP Required
Suggested $10 Donation
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
Floral Ave, Providence, RI 02905
PARKING
Parking is available on-site.
6:00 PM:Venue Opens
7:00 PM:Film Start
Fargo, North Dakota: Fargo Film Festival
The Fargo Film Festival is the premier film festival event in the state of North Dakota.
THU MARCH 20 | 4:05 p.m.
Fargo Theatre - Screen 2
314 Broadway N #4715, Fargo, ND 58102
Details & Tickets here.
Longmont, Colorado: Boulder international film festival
Sunday, March 16, 2025 3:00pm at Stewart Auditorium | Longmont Museum
Details & Tickets here. Full program here.
The Boulder International Film Festival’s Adventure Film Program is back for its fifth year, promising a heart-pounding lineup of the world’s most inspiring adventure films and shorts.
What sets this year apart? This year's program will feature the critically acclaimed Champions of the Golden Valley, a documentary that Variety calls “The ultimate underdog story.” Directed by Ben Sturgulewski and produced by Katie Stjernholm— both based in Colorado — this film takes you deep into the heart of Afghanistan’s mountains, where a ski race brings rival communities together in a moving celebration of shared humanity.
Boulder, Colorado: Boulder international film festival
Friday, March 14, 2025 7:30pm at Grace Commons
Details & Tickets here. Full program here.
The Boulder International Film Festival’s Adventure Film Program is back for its fifth year, promising a heart-pounding lineup of the world’s most inspiring adventure films and shorts.
”What sets this year apart? This year's program will feature the critically acclaimed Champions of the Golden Valley, a documentary that Variety calls “The ultimate underdog story.” Directed by Ben Sturgulewski and produced by Katie Stjernholm— both based in Colorado — this film takes you deep into the heart of Afghanistan’s mountains, where a ski race brings rival communities together in a moving celebration of shared humanity. Both filmmakers will be present for a Q&A.”
Following the screening is an Adventure Film Party at Velvet Elk Lounge from 9pm-Midnight. Free entry with ticket stub from Champions screening of festival pass.
Sedona, Arizona: SIFF
Sedona International Film Festival
Mon Feb 24 at 7pm at Harkins 6 (tickets) and Wed Feb 26 at 4pm at Harkins 6 (tickets).
The Sedona International Film Festival was founded in 1995 as a 3-day exhibition of independent film and introduced the festival workshops as a way of teaching and inspiring filmmakers of tomorrow. Today, it is a 9-day, world-renowned event and is the jewel in the crown of Sedona's cultural life and the largest single annual event in the community.
Details & Tickets here.
More information here: https://sedonafilmfestival.com/.
Sedona, Arizona: SIFF
Sedona International Film Festival
Mon Feb 24 at 7pm at Harkins 6 (tickets) and Wed Feb 26 at 4pm at Harkins 6 (tickets).
The Sedona International Film Festival was founded in 1995 as a 3-day exhibition of independent film and introduced the festival workshops as a way of teaching and inspiring filmmakers of tomorrow. Today, it is a 9-day, world-renowned event and is the jewel in the crown of Sedona's cultural life and the largest single annual event in the community.
Details & Tickets here.
More information here: https://sedonafilmfestival.com/.
Fernie, British Columbia: Fernie Mountain Film Festival
Friday Feb 21st at 6pm at Knox Church on 2nd (tickets)
Champions was selected for the Friday Night Feature.
FERNIE MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL is dedicated to filmmakers who spark awareness of mountain cultures, fragile environments, and the passion and perseverance of global explorers.
Breckenridge, CO: Community Screening
Tuesday Feb 18th at 7pm at The Eclipse Theatre (tickets)
Director Ben Sturgulewski and Producer Katie Stjernholm will be in attendance for a Q&A.
Join us for $1-off drinks during Happy Hour (6pm) with the film starting at 7pm! Blue Members and above get in free and will be sent their discount codes via email,
In addition to our usual Happy Hour, the filmmakers and Breckenridge art consultants will be tabling ahead of the screening.
Programmer's Note: When Champions of the Golden Valley premiered, it felt like a no-brainer to bring to Breckenridge. A richly told true story that weaves together community, activism, and skiing is the kind of film we look for all year long. The documentary subjects are not so different from our ski-obsessed neighbors, but their struggles in Afghanistan bring a resilient and unlikely community to light. Champions of the Golden Valley will break your heart and glue it back together again - and really make you want to go skiing. (Cait McCluskie, Programming & Operations Director)
BIG SKY, MONTANA | YELLOWSTONE CLUB
Members of Yellowstone Club are invited to a private screening of the award-winning documentary Champions of the Golden Valley at 20 Below on 2/14 at 8 pm and/or 2/16 at 6 pm, followed by a Q&A and reception with the filmmakers!
These screenings will be in the 20Below theater, on Friday, February 14, from 7:30pm - 10:00pm, and Sunday, February 16, from 5:30pm - 8:00pm. Email championsdoc@gmail.com to register.
ROCHESTER, MN: Frozen River Film Festival
Wed Feb 12th at 7pm (Page Theatre at St. Mary’s University)
Sun Feb 16th at 12pm - (Winona State University - PAC Black Box)
Details & Tickets here: https://frff.org/schedule
The Frozen River Film Festival offers programs that engage, educate and activate viewers to become involved in the world.
Grass valley, CA: Wild & Scenic Film Festival
SYRCL’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival inspires environmental activism and a love for nature–through film. Their 5-day flagship festival is held annually in Nevada City and Grass Valley, California. Featuring 100+ films, workshops, visiting filmmaker and activist talks, family-friendly programs, art exhibitions, parties, and more.
Details & Tickets here: https://wsff.eventive.org/schedule/66f71f4e8b51c4004efd7073
EDMONTON, CANADA: International Festival of Winter Cinema
Friday Feb 14th at 8:30pm on Snow Screen
Details & Tickets here: https://www.ifwc.ca/schedule
The International Festival of Winter Cinema (IFWC) was founded in 2017 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The best winter films from around the world, on one huge snow screen, in a truly unique location.
BIG SKY, MONTANA | YELLOWSTONE CLUB
Members of Yellowstone Club are invited to a private screening of the award-winning documentary Champions of the Golden Valley at 20 Below on 2/14 at 8 pm and/or 2/16 at 6 pm, followed by a Q&A and reception with the filmmakers!
These screenings will be in the 20Below theater, on Friday, February 14, from 7:30pm - 10:00pm, and Sunday, February 16, from 5:30pm - 8:00pm. Email championsdoc@gmail.com to register.
West chester, PA - Community Screening
Thurs Feb 13th at 7pm at Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center
Details and tickets ($15): https://uptownwestchester.org/pf/champions-of-the-golden-valley/
Hosted by Sam Sidiqi to benefit the film’s impact partner Afghan Peaks.
Winona, MN: Frozen River Film Festival
Wed Feb 12th at 7pm (Page Theatre at St. Mary’s University)
Sun Feb 16th at 12pm - (Winona State University - PAC Black Box)
Details & Tickets here: https://frff.org/schedule
The Frozen River Film Festival offers programs that engage, educate and activate viewers to become involved in the world.
ROCHESTER, NY - Community Screening
Thurs Feb 6th at and Friday Feb 7th: 6pm at ROC Cinema (tickets)
Hosted by Afghan veteran Matt Zeller.
More details here: https://prod5.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=463168~0d73a255-d5f2-4e1c-b362-d53581a5cbb8&epguid=5c03fa82-0466-4ac8-8225-d3388beceeaf&
Jackson Hole, WY: Jackson Hole International Film Festival (JHiFF)
Screening as the Centerpiece Film for the Jackson Hole International Film Festival. Benefit Screening in Partnership with Carving the Future.
Saturday, December 14 • 5:30 pm
Jackson Hole High School
Details & tickets here.
Alaska premiere. Q&A to follow with Director Ben Sturgulewski, Producer Katie Stjernholm and a very special guest appearance by Afghan ski coach and the film’s main protagonist, Alishah Farhang.
AspeN, CO | Wintersköl Screening presented by Aspen Film
Special Wintersköl Screening presented by Aspen Film. Immediately following the film is a Q&A with the film director Ben Sturgulewski, producer Katie Stjernholm and very special guest Alishah Farhang, Afghan ski coach and the film’s main protagonist.
$15 member / $20 non member - 15% of ticket proceeds will be donated to the The Bamyan Alpine Ski Club. Details & Tickets here.
Anchorage, AK: Anchorage Film Festival
Screening at the 24th edition of Anchorage International Film Festival.
Saturday, Dec 7 at 2:30pm at Bear Tooth Theater. (Purchase tickets)
Alaska premiere. Q&A to follow with Director Ben Sturgulewski, Producer Katie Stjernholm and a very special guest appearance by Afghan ski coach and the film’s main protagonist, Alishah Farhang.
Vancouver, Canada | Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF)
SUMMITS & STRENGTH Series
Feel it all! The bonds of friendship tested on faraway peaks, pushing personal limits on mountain trails, and finding an escape from oppression by teaching others to ski.
SCREENING:
Monday, November 18th at 7pm | Rio Theater (tickets here)
Laguna Beach, California
Champions of the Golden Valley featured at the Coast Film & Music Festival 2024.
Rivian South Coast Theater on Sunday, November 17th at 7:00 PM. Buy tickets!
Park City, UT: Impact Screening with Park City Film
Presented as part of the Raising Voices Film Series — with grant support from Park City Chamber and Park City Municipal Corp, as well as Janet, Gottfried and Peter Tittiger of Tiger Tales Media.
SCREENING
Thursday, Nov 14 at 7pm at Jim Santy Auditorium at the Park City Library.
Details and tickets here.
Bainbridge Island, WA: BaINBRIDGE ISLAND Film Festival (BIFF)
The Bainbridge Island Film Festival is an annual 4-day celebration of contemporary films and filmmakers across multiple venues on Bainbridge Island. A community-focused, filmmaker-friendly festival, BIFF is about bringing together the robust audiences of the region in support of diverse stories and artists.
Showings
Sat, Nov 9th, 1:15 PM @ Buxton Auditorium at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (tickets)
Sun, Nov 10th, 4:00 PM @ Bainbridge Cinemas #3 (tickets)
Denver, CO: Denver Film Festival
Join us for the first screening in Colorado’s front range! Director Ben Sturgulewski & Producer Katie Stjernholm will be in attendance and participate in a Q&A.
SCREENING
•Saturday, November 9th @ 3:30pm | Holiday Theatre (tickets here)
Bainbridge Island, WA: BaINBRIDGE ISLAND Film Festival (BIFF)
The Bainbridge Island Film Festival is an annual 4-day celebration of contemporary films and filmmakers across multiple venues on Bainbridge Island. A community-focused, filmmaker-friendly festival, BIFF is about bringing together the robust audiences of the region in support of diverse stories and artists.
Showings
Sat, Nov 9th, 1:15 PM @ Buxton Auditorium at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (tickets)
Sun, Nov 10th, 4:00 PM @ Bainbridge Cinemas #3 (tickets)
Banff, Canada: Banff Mountain Film Festival
Champions is headed to one of our favorite mountain festivals! Director Ben Sturgulewski will be in attendance for a Q&A.
SCREENING DETAILS
Sat, Nov 2nd, 2:00 PM @ Jenny Belzberg Theatre, Banff Centre
Sat, Nov 2nd, 2:00 PM @ Margaret Greenham Theatre, Banff Centre
Details & tickets here.
Bozeman, MT: Impact Screening with Central Asia Institute
Join Central Asia Institute (CAI) for a private screening of Champions.
SCREENING
-Friday, November 1st at 7:00 PM | The Ellen Theatre
Details & Tickets here.
The film will be followed by a brief panel discussion featuring the film’s producer, Katie Stjernholm; Ambassador Richard Boucher, former Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia; and Alice Thomas, CAI Executive Director.
Savannah, GA: SCAD Savannah Film Festival
Champions of the Golden Valley is heading to the SCAD Savannah film festival and is in competition for the documentary features.
Thursday, Oct 31st @ 1pm at the Trustees Theater.
Details & tickets here.
Austin, TX: Austin Film Festival
Champions of the Golden Valley is screening at the 31st Austin Film Festival, where the film is nominated for the Documentary Feature Jury Award! Director Ben Sturgulewski and Producer Katie Stjernholm will be in attendance for the Q&As.
SCREENINGS
Friday, Oct 25 at 3:30pm at Galaxy Theatre 5 (tickets)
Monday, Oct 28 at 6:30pm at The Hideout Theatre (tickets)
#AFF31