Champions of the Golden Valley Screening + Q&A

September 20, 2025 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM MST
Big Sky Montana

We were thrilled to join the September 20 screening of the award-winning documentary “Champions of the Golden Valley,” hosted by the Lone Peak Film Festival. Set in the high peaks of Afghanistan, the film tells the story of young athletes convening for a skiing race, united in a moment of peace and triumph just before their country’s collapse. “Champions of the Golden Valley” is the melding of a classic underdog sports story with the heartfelt portrait of a community finding hope amid disrupted dreams. Revealing a stunning, rarely seen side of Afghanistan, it is an uplifting exploration of what it means to be a champion, in all its forms.
 
At Central Asia Institute, we see this same spirit every day in the students, teachers, and families we support in Afghanistan. Communities in remote, conflict-prone areas possess power, hope, and resilience. They thrive when given space and support—be it through sport or education.
 
The film was followed by a panel discussion featuring Baktash Ahadi, the film’s producer, in dialogue with our very own Alice Thomas, CAI Executive Director. Alice shared insights on the current situation in Afghanistan, where CAI is one of the few international organizations still in operation.
 
In addition, CAI also had a booth at the Lone Peak Film Festival’s Impact Fair, where local and global organizations shared literature and resources for the community. 
 
We are extremely grateful to be an Impact Partner with the “Champions of the Golden Valley” film! 

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