Skier Alishah Farhang dreamed of competing for Afghanistan in the Olympics. When that didn’t happen, he refocused his ambitions on his fellow Afghans in the mountainous region of Bamyan. In the years before the Taliban retook the country, Alishah develops a ski program welcoming both young men and women from all ethnic groups and introduces a yearly challenge race to declare a champion.

Ben Sturgulewski’s thrilling documentary captures the rivalry and camaraderie of this enthusiastic community of athletes, some dreaming of skiing down the Alps someday maybe even on their handmade, makeshift skis. But there is another story at play here, namely what happens when the Taliban reclaim leadership and impose their draconian will. Having coached girls, Alishah is a criminal, forced to flee with his family. A moving portrait emerges of a refugee and his family, as Alishah tries to make a new life in Germany while missing every day his beloved mountains of Afghanistan.

Nominated for and recipient of numerous awards, including both the Grand Prize and Audience Choice Award at the Banff Mountain Film Festival.