Champions of the Golden Valley Film Screening at The Ellen Theatre

Central Asia Institute hosted a screening of the award-winning film, Champions of the Golden Valley, at The Ellen Theatre in Bozeman, MT. The film was followed by 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.

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.