UNA-NYC Hosts Exclusive Screening of “Champions of the Golden Valley”

From left to right: co-executive producers of the film, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai with actor and producer Arian Moayed, introduced by UNA-NYC President Abid Qureshi.

On October 20, the United Nations Association of New York hosted an intimate screening of the award-winning documentary Champions of the Golden Valley at the Park Avenue Screening Room on Monday evening. The event, part of UNA-NYC's ongoing FilmTalkUNA series, brought together members, guests, and advocates for an evening devoted to film, dialogue, and the power of sport as a unifying force.

The film, co-executive produced by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai and Emmy-nominated actor and producer Arian Moayed, explores the rise of ski culture in Afghanistan's remote mountainous regions. Through its lens, Champions of the Golden Valley captures how young athletes - many from communities unaccustomed to such opportunities - use sport to overcome isolation, hardship, and cultural barriers. The documentary highlights how the pursuit of skiing became a form of expression, freedom, and resilience amid instability.

The evening opened with remarks from UNA-NYC President Abid Qureshi, who welcomed attendees and introduced both Malala and Arian. In her brief appearance before the screening, Malala shared her reflections on the film's message and its connection to youth empowerment. Later, Arian joined the audience for a thoughtful discussion about the making of the film and the importance of showcasing human stories from conflict-affected regions.

In attendance were several notable guests and members of the UNA-NYC community, including board member Dr. Lily Khidr and her husband, architect Nathan Lee Colkitt. Also present were Executive Director Ann Nicol, Halina Hofmann of the UNA-NYC Film Committee, and students Eugenia Piriz and Annie Slocum from Sacred Heart Greenwich, accompanied by chaperone Montse Garcia, a faculty member at Sacred Heart. Their attendance came through Dr. Khidr's connection to the school, which sent the students to take part in the evening and meet Malala. The inclusion of these young attendees lent the event an additional layer of meaning, emphasizing the film's spirit of youth engagement and global awareness. Also on hand were the film's director Ben Sturgulewski, and its producer, Katie Stjernholm.

Held at the Park Avenue Screening Room, an exclusive, 55-seat venue at 500 Park Avenue, the gathering reflected the UNA New York chapter's commitment to using film as a platform for dialogue and education on global issues. With its blend of artistry and advocacy, the FilmTalk series continues to bridge international themes with local audiences, encouraging reflection on how individual stories can inspire collective action.

As the evening concluded, the film's message resonated deeply with attendees. Champions of the Golden Valley offered more than a visual journey through Afghanistan's snow-covered valleys; it served as a reminder that courage and community can thrive even in the harshest conditions. In celebrating these "champions," UNA-NYC reaffirmed its mission to promote understanding, empowerment, and hope through global storytelling.