Join artsPlace Canmore and the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival to celebrate International Mountain Day, designated by the United Nations since 2003 to recognize and create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the opportunities and constraints in mountain development, and to build alliances that will bring positive change to mountain peoples and environments around the world.
This year, we’re celebrating International Mountain Day with a screening of the film Champions of the Golden Valley. This film won the Grand Prize and the Audience Choice Award at the 2024 Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival.
In the remote mountain villages of Bamyan, Afghanistan, 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.
“The ultimate underdog story.” - Variety
Champions of the Golden Valley
(USA, 2024, 81 min)
Director: Ben Sturgulewski
Producers: Sturgefilm, Tideshift Studio, Katie Stjernholm, Baktash Ahadi
"The current state of global unrest, the increasingly destructive effects of climate change (and the impending election, if you’re American like me), can leave us overwhelmed and at times guilty for finding delight in the mountains. This film reminds us we are multitudes: joy and grief, hope and despair, coinciding in times of political crisis and persecution. There are beautiful wide-ranging shots that juxtapose the stark black and white present to the bright colorful images looking back, almost wistfully, at an enchanted past memory. One gets a sense of unfettered freeness in the pockets of snow. The lasting impact of the fleeting moment in time can be felt as the ski program continues to be resilient, to foster the joys of being in the mountains, and its sparkling feeling of hope."
- Shelma Jun, Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival 2024 jury member
Proceeds from the event will go to the Avalanche Canada Foundation in support of youth education, community outreach, research, and public safety programs.
Tickets: $20 | Youth $10 (Under 18)