newportFILM Screens TRIBECA FESTIVAL Official Selection, CHAMPIONS OF THE GOLDEN VALLEY at the Roger Williams Botanical Center (via newportFILM)

In partnership with the Roger Williams Botanical Center, newportFILM announces its final film of the Winter Warm Up series, CHAMPIONS OF THE GOLDEN VALLEY — winner of the Grand Prize and Audience Choice at Banff Mountain Film Festival –  about young Afghan skiers from rival villages convening for a mountain race before many are displaced.

In the remote mountains of Afghanistan, a newfound passion for skiing attracts young athletes from rival villages to the slopes. With minimal gear and makeshift wooden skis, the determined coach Alishah Farhang organizes a ski race like no other that unites the community in a moment of unity and triumph, just before the country’s collapse. Champions of the Golden Valley captures the spirit of a classic underdog sports story with the heartfelt portrait of a community finding hope amid disrupted dreams. Revealing a stunning unseen side of Afghanistan, it is an uplifting exploration of what it means to be a champion – in all its forms.

Free hot chocolate courtesy of Ben and Jerry’s Thames Street Newport to those attending!

Discover Newport is newportFILM’s Indoor Presenting Sponsor. This event is supported by the Providence Tourism Council and Refugee Dream Center is a Community Partner.

Event Details

Thursday, March 20th, Doors at 6:00pm, Film at 7:00pm

Roger Williams Park Botanical Center 

Floral Ave, Providence, RI 02905

This event is free, but seating is limited – RSVPis required and can be made at newportFILM

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...