Instagram Story Save

The reviews are in after the world premiere of “State of Firsts” at @Tribeca!!!

Thank you to Rep. @sarahemcbride for energizing the sold-out audience alongside director @chaseJoynt and producer @Jennamkelly in a brilliant Q&A moderated by @anderfinn from @glaad

The reviews are in after the world premiere of “State of Firsts” at @Tribeca!!!

Thank you to Rep. @sarahemcbride for energizing the sold-out audience alongside director @chaseJoynt and producer @Jennamkelly in a brilliant Q&A moderated by @anderfinn from @glaad

The reviews are in after the world premiere of “State of Firsts” at @Tribeca!!!

Thank you to Rep. @sarahemcbride for energizing the sold-out audience alongside director @chaseJoynt and producer @Jennamkelly in a brilliant Q&A moderated by @anderfinn from @glaad

The reviews are in after the world premiere of “State of Firsts” at @Tribeca!!!

Thank you to Rep. @sarahemcbride for energizing the sold-out audience alongside director @chaseJoynt and producer @Jennamkelly in a brilliant Q&A moderated by @anderfinn from @glaad

The reviews are in after the world premiere of “State of Firsts” at @Tribeca!!!

Thank you to Rep. @sarahemcbride for energizing the sold-out audience alongside director @chaseJoynt and producer @Jennamkelly in a brilliant Q&A moderated by @anderfinn from @glaad

The reviews are in after the world premiere of “State of Firsts” at @Tribeca!!!

Thank you to Rep. @sarahemcbride for energizing the sold-out audience alongside director @chaseJoynt and producer @Jennamkelly in a brilliant Q&A moderated by @anderfinn from @glaad

The reviews are in after the world premiere of “State of Firsts” at @Tribeca!!!

Thank you to Rep. @sarahemcbride for energizing the sold-out audience alongside director @chaseJoynt and producer @Jennamkelly in a brilliant Q&A moderated by @anderfinn from @glaad

The reviews are in after the world premiere of “State of Firsts” at @Tribeca!!!

Thank you to Rep. @sarahemcbride for energizing the sold-out audience alongside director @chaseJoynt and producer @Jennamkelly in a brilliant Q&A moderated by @anderfinn from @glaad

✨Proud to share that Champions of the Golden Valley (@championsdoc) is now streaming on Olympics.com – as an Olympic Channel Original! Thank you @olympics for giving this film a home and helping this story reach new audiences around the globe. It’s free, available in 12 languages, and launching right as the world turns its eyes to the XXV Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina. As the Games begin, check out the official Olympics trailer and tag your friends who should give it a watch! 🥇
 
🎬Champions of the Golden Valley is a timely story of unity, resilience, and the power of sport to build peace. It follows @alishah_farhang_ — former Afghan Olympic hopeful and ski coach — and the brave skiers of Bamyan, whose heart and strength embody the Olympic spirit and what it truly means to be a champion. When you see this community gliding down mountains on their handmade wooden skis, we hope it fills you with joy and reminds you of the shared humanity that connects us to our neighbors everywhere.

🎿Perfect timing: Ski Mountaineering (#SkiMo) is making its debut at Milano Cortina — the first new Winter Olympic sport in 20 years! It combines the grit of uphill skiing with a high-speed descent – and if you’ve seen Champions, the climactic ski race will feel very familiar! 

🫶 We hope you will watch it with the people you love – on the biggest screen you can find. So many people have believed in and supported this film along the way, and we are deeply grateful for each and every one of you for joining us on this journey. 💫

Director: @sturgegram
Producers: @ktstj & @baktashahadi
In association with @xtr & @optimist
🎥: @sturgegram @jasonmannings @goodiepocket
EPs: @malala @arianmoayed @madpixfilm @rockauteur @christemple @zachingrasci @nadia_outside @janetsmenagerie @elizstiff
Publicity: @feliciawng and @c_albert
Score: @cyrus_reynolds @joaquinignaciog @oskar.schuster
Social: @gaby_rose13 and @skyeprenticemedia
Trailer Edit: @andrewhbrown

Today, our documentary IMILLASKATE presented by Vans was nominated for the 2026 Emmys!! Watch it on @Nowness & @documentaryplus.

An @Optimist production
Presented by: @Vans & @Documentaryplus
In Association With: @pachamama_sabia
Directors: @rbasaure, @marianocarranza
Producers: @jennamkelly, @natalieconneely
Exec Producers: @christemple @zachingrasci, @jackie0m, @justin_villano_, @c_xavier, @rockateur, @natalieconneely, @hoodablah
Co-Executive Producer: @brynmooser
Special Thanks: @lizziearmanto
Featuring: @Imillaskate
Cinematographer: @rbasaure
Editor: @hoodablah
Social Editor: @ethan.sperber
Composer: @alercottle
Mix: Aidan Thomas
GFX: @Tamai.max
Color: @colorspacefinishing
Photographer: @lapir0
Impact Producer: @SamanthaDols
Publicity: @42West
Fiscal Sponsor: @creativevisionsfoundation
#imillaskate

Today, our documentary IMILLASKATE presented by Vans was nominated for the 2026 Emmys!! Watch it on @Nowness & @documentaryplus.

An @Optimist production
Presented by: @Vans & @Documentaryplus
In Association With: @pachamama_sabia
Directors: @rbasaure, @marianocarranza
Producers: @jennamkelly, @natalieconneely
Exec Producers: @christemple @zachingrasci, @jackie0m, @justin_villano_, @c_xavier, @rockateur, @natalieconneely, @hoodablah
Co-Executive Producer: @brynmooser
Special Thanks: @lizziearmanto
Featuring: @Imillaskate
Cinematographer: @rbasaure
Editor: @hoodablah
Social Editor: @ethan.sperber
Composer: @alercottle
Mix: Aidan Thomas
GFX: @Tamai.max
Color: @colorspacefinishing
Photographer: @lapir0
Impact Producer: @SamanthaDols
Publicity: @42West
Fiscal Sponsor: @creativevisionsfoundation
#imillaskate

Today, our documentary IMILLASKATE presented by Vans was nominated for the 2026 Emmys!! Watch it on @Nowness & @documentaryplus.

An @Optimist production
Presented by: @Vans & @Documentaryplus
In Association With: @pachamama_sabia
Directors: @rbasaure, @marianocarranza
Producers: @jennamkelly, @natalieconneely
Exec Producers: @christemple @zachingrasci, @jackie0m, @justin_villano_, @c_xavier, @rockateur, @natalieconneely, @hoodablah
Co-Executive Producer: @brynmooser
Special Thanks: @lizziearmanto
Featuring: @Imillaskate
Cinematographer: @rbasaure
Editor: @hoodablah
Social Editor: @ethan.sperber
Composer: @alercottle
Mix: Aidan Thomas
GFX: @Tamai.max
Color: @colorspacefinishing
Photographer: @lapir0
Impact Producer: @SamanthaDols
Publicity: @42West
Fiscal Sponsor: @creativevisionsfoundation
#imillaskate

Today, our documentary IMILLASKATE presented by Vans was nominated for the 2026 Emmys!! Watch it on @Nowness & @documentaryplus.

An @Optimist production
Presented by: @Vans & @Documentaryplus
In Association With: @pachamama_sabia
Directors: @rbasaure, @marianocarranza
Producers: @jennamkelly, @natalieconneely
Exec Producers: @christemple @zachingrasci, @jackie0m, @justin_villano_, @c_xavier, @rockateur, @natalieconneely, @hoodablah
Co-Executive Producer: @brynmooser
Special Thanks: @lizziearmanto
Featuring: @Imillaskate
Cinematographer: @rbasaure
Editor: @hoodablah
Social Editor: @ethan.sperber
Composer: @alercottle
Mix: Aidan Thomas
GFX: @Tamai.max
Color: @colorspacefinishing
Photographer: @lapir0
Impact Producer: @SamanthaDols
Publicity: @42West
Fiscal Sponsor: @creativevisionsfoundation
#imillaskate

Today, our documentary IMILLASKATE presented by Vans was nominated for the 2026 Emmys!! Watch it on @Nowness & @documentaryplus.

An @Optimist production
Presented by: @Vans & @Documentaryplus
In Association With: @pachamama_sabia
Directors: @rbasaure, @marianocarranza
Producers: @jennamkelly, @natalieconneely
Exec Producers: @christemple @zachingrasci, @jackie0m, @justin_villano_, @c_xavier, @rockateur, @natalieconneely, @hoodablah
Co-Executive Producer: @brynmooser
Special Thanks: @lizziearmanto
Featuring: @Imillaskate
Cinematographer: @rbasaure
Editor: @hoodablah
Social Editor: @ethan.sperber
Composer: @alercottle
Mix: Aidan Thomas
GFX: @Tamai.max
Color: @colorspacefinishing
Photographer: @lapir0
Impact Producer: @SamanthaDols
Publicity: @42West
Fiscal Sponsor: @creativevisionsfoundation
#imillaskate

Today, our documentary IMILLASKATE presented by Vans was nominated for the 2026 Emmys!! Watch it on @Nowness & @documentaryplus.

An @Optimist production
Presented by: @Vans & @Documentaryplus
In Association With: @pachamama_sabia
Directors: @rbasaure, @marianocarranza
Producers: @jennamkelly, @natalieconneely
Exec Producers: @christemple @zachingrasci, @jackie0m, @justin_villano_, @c_xavier, @rockateur, @natalieconneely, @hoodablah
Co-Executive Producer: @brynmooser
Special Thanks: @lizziearmanto
Featuring: @Imillaskate
Cinematographer: @rbasaure
Editor: @hoodablah
Social Editor: @ethan.sperber
Composer: @alercottle
Mix: Aidan Thomas
GFX: @Tamai.max
Color: @colorspacefinishing
Photographer: @lapir0
Impact Producer: @SamanthaDols
Publicity: @42West
Fiscal Sponsor: @creativevisionsfoundation
#imillaskate

Today, our documentary IMILLASKATE presented by Vans was nominated for the 2026 Emmys!! Watch it on @Nowness & @documentaryplus.

An @Optimist production
Presented by: @Vans & @Documentaryplus
In Association With: @pachamama_sabia
Directors: @rbasaure, @marianocarranza
Producers: @jennamkelly, @natalieconneely
Exec Producers: @christemple @zachingrasci, @jackie0m, @justin_villano_, @c_xavier, @rockateur, @natalieconneely, @hoodablah
Co-Executive Producer: @brynmooser
Special Thanks: @lizziearmanto
Featuring: @Imillaskate
Cinematographer: @rbasaure
Editor: @hoodablah
Social Editor: @ethan.sperber
Composer: @alercottle
Mix: Aidan Thomas
GFX: @Tamai.max
Color: @colorspacefinishing
Photographer: @lapir0
Impact Producer: @SamanthaDols
Publicity: @42West
Fiscal Sponsor: @creativevisionsfoundation
#imillaskate

New @optimist film coming May 31st! Here’s the story of @twloha, told twenty years later. It began with a MySpace post to help a 19-year-old woman named Renee who was struggling with self harm, and has grown into a global movement that has helped save thousands of people’s lives.

We’re honored to use our storytelling to help elevate stories of non-profits like this one. These partnerships are rare for us, but for the right values-aligned story, we love to do it! Directed by @owendubeck and produced by @celimitidieri.

Executive Producer @malala speaks about Champions of the Golden Valley (@championsdoc) in her new @ted talk - reflecting on her advocacy work, and how the despair she felt for Afghanistan in August 2021 reshaped her understanding of how to create change. Visit tinyurl.com/MalalaTEDtalk to view the whole speech. #TED2026

2026 Webby Award winner!! ImillaSkate is on a roll🏆 @thewebbyawards

2026 Webby Award winner!! ImillaSkate is on a roll🏆 @thewebbyawards

First the Emmy nomination, and now we’re up for a Webby! What a past week 🤯. We would be so appreciative if you could take a second to vote 🥰⭐️. Link in @optimist’s bio and in the carousel above. Film presented by @vans. @thewebbyawards

First the Emmy nomination, and now we’re up for a Webby! What a past week 🤯. We would be so appreciative if you could take a second to vote 🥰⭐️. Link in @optimist’s bio and in the carousel above. Film presented by @vans. @thewebbyawards

This film will remind you that politics isn’t broken—it’s just waiting for the next generation of leaders whose values will help you believe in it again.

Thank you @sonomafilmfest for this honor!!

This film will remind you that politics isn’t broken—it’s just waiting for the next generation of leaders whose values will help you believe in it again.

Thank you @sonomafilmfest for this honor!!

This film will remind you that politics isn’t broken—it’s just waiting for the next generation of leaders whose values will help you believe in it again.

Thank you @sonomafilmfest for this honor!!

📣 Big announcement today! Champions of the Golden Valley was nominated for a National Sports Emmy — for Outstanding Documentary!

This is the highest echelon in sports media, and we are so thrilled that through this nomination — @alishah_farhang_ and the skiers of Bamyan, Afghanistan will be able to stand alongside some of the most legendary figures in all of sport. It’s a recognition that their story of bravery, resilience, ingenuity, and unity is about so much more than sliding on snow — it epitomizes why sport is able to bring the world together in way absolutely nothing else can.

Immense gratitude to the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for this honor, to the @olympics for believing in the film and bringing it to the world — to the audiences who have resonated with the film and to the entire brilliant team who got us here. We’re looking forward to the awards ceremony in NYC on May 26 to celebrate with our incredible fellow nominees!

🍿 If you haven’t seen @championsdoc — it’s now streaming globally on Olympics.com!

Director: @sturgegram
Producers: @ktstj & @baktashahadi
In association with @xtr & @optimist
🎥: @sturgegram @jasonmannings @goodiepocket
EPs: @malala @arianmoayed @madpixfilm @rockauteur @christemple @zachingrasci @nadia_outside @apripista_official @janetsmenagerie @tittigrr @elizstiff • William LaBahn
Co-EPs: @jennamkelly @brynmooser
Featuring: @alishah_farhang_ @bamyanalpineskiclub
Publicity: @feliciawng and @c_albert
Score: @cyrus_reynolds @joaquinignaciog @oskar.schuster
Special thanks to @halleeadelman @skyeprenticemedia @gaby_rose13 @untamedborders @sidiqi1977 @samanthadols @tribeca @coupestudios @jonniesirotek @studiomammmal @aidanhaley @jojensen07

🏆⛷️🇦🇫

📣 Big announcement today! Champions of the Golden Valley was nominated for a National Sports Emmy — for Outstanding Documentary!

This is the highest echelon in sports media, and we are so thrilled that through this nomination — @alishah_farhang_ and the skiers of Bamyan, Afghanistan will be able to stand alongside some of the most legendary figures in all of sport. It’s a recognition that their story of bravery, resilience, ingenuity, and unity is about so much more than sliding on snow — it epitomizes why sport is able to bring the world together in way absolutely nothing else can.

Immense gratitude to the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for this honor, to the @olympics for believing in the film and bringing it to the world — to the audiences who have resonated with the film and to the entire brilliant team who got us here. We’re looking forward to the awards ceremony in NYC on May 26 to celebrate with our incredible fellow nominees!

🍿 If you haven’t seen @championsdoc — it’s now streaming globally on Olympics.com!

Director: @sturgegram
Producers: @ktstj & @baktashahadi
In association with @xtr & @optimist
🎥: @sturgegram @jasonmannings @goodiepocket
EPs: @malala @arianmoayed @madpixfilm @rockauteur @christemple @zachingrasci @nadia_outside @apripista_official @janetsmenagerie @tittigrr @elizstiff • William LaBahn
Co-EPs: @jennamkelly @brynmooser
Featuring: @alishah_farhang_ @bamyanalpineskiclub
Publicity: @feliciawng and @c_albert
Score: @cyrus_reynolds @joaquinignaciog @oskar.schuster
Special thanks to @halleeadelman @skyeprenticemedia @gaby_rose13 @untamedborders @sidiqi1977 @samanthadols @tribeca @coupestudios @jonniesirotek @studiomammmal @aidanhaley @jojensen07

🏆⛷️🇦🇫

📣 Big announcement today! Champions of the Golden Valley was nominated for a National Sports Emmy — for Outstanding Documentary!

This is the highest echelon in sports media, and we are so thrilled that through this nomination — @alishah_farhang_ and the skiers of Bamyan, Afghanistan will be able to stand alongside some of the most legendary figures in all of sport. It’s a recognition that their story of bravery, resilience, ingenuity, and unity is about so much more than sliding on snow — it epitomizes why sport is able to bring the world together in way absolutely nothing else can.

Immense gratitude to the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for this honor, to the @olympics for believing in the film and bringing it to the world — to the audiences who have resonated with the film and to the entire brilliant team who got us here. We’re looking forward to the awards ceremony in NYC on May 26 to celebrate with our incredible fellow nominees!

🍿 If you haven’t seen @championsdoc — it’s now streaming globally on Olympics.com!

Director: @sturgegram
Producers: @ktstj & @baktashahadi
In association with @xtr & @optimist
🎥: @sturgegram @jasonmannings @goodiepocket
EPs: @malala @arianmoayed @madpixfilm @rockauteur @christemple @zachingrasci @nadia_outside @apripista_official @janetsmenagerie @tittigrr @elizstiff • William LaBahn
Co-EPs: @jennamkelly @brynmooser
Featuring: @alishah_farhang_ @bamyanalpineskiclub
Publicity: @feliciawng and @c_albert
Score: @cyrus_reynolds @joaquinignaciog @oskar.schuster
Special thanks to @halleeadelman @skyeprenticemedia @gaby_rose13 @untamedborders @sidiqi1977 @samanthadols @tribeca @coupestudios @jonniesirotek @studiomammmal @aidanhaley @jojensen07

🏆⛷️🇦🇫

📣 Big announcement today! Champions of the Golden Valley was nominated for a National Sports Emmy — for Outstanding Documentary!

This is the highest echelon in sports media, and we are so thrilled that through this nomination — @alishah_farhang_ and the skiers of Bamyan, Afghanistan will be able to stand alongside some of the most legendary figures in all of sport. It’s a recognition that their story of bravery, resilience, ingenuity, and unity is about so much more than sliding on snow — it epitomizes why sport is able to bring the world together in way absolutely nothing else can.

Immense gratitude to the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for this honor, to the @olympics for believing in the film and bringing it to the world — to the audiences who have resonated with the film and to the entire brilliant team who got us here. We’re looking forward to the awards ceremony in NYC on May 26 to celebrate with our incredible fellow nominees!

🍿 If you haven’t seen @championsdoc — it’s now streaming globally on Olympics.com!

Director: @sturgegram
Producers: @ktstj & @baktashahadi
In association with @xtr & @optimist
🎥: @sturgegram @jasonmannings @goodiepocket
EPs: @malala @arianmoayed @madpixfilm @rockauteur @christemple @zachingrasci @nadia_outside @apripista_official @janetsmenagerie @tittigrr @elizstiff • William LaBahn
Co-EPs: @jennamkelly @brynmooser
Featuring: @alishah_farhang_ @bamyanalpineskiclub
Publicity: @feliciawng and @c_albert
Score: @cyrus_reynolds @joaquinignaciog @oskar.schuster
Special thanks to @halleeadelman @skyeprenticemedia @gaby_rose13 @untamedborders @sidiqi1977 @samanthadols @tribeca @coupestudios @jonniesirotek @studiomammmal @aidanhaley @jojensen07

🏆⛷️🇦🇫

📣 Big announcement today! Champions of the Golden Valley was nominated for a National Sports Emmy — for Outstanding Documentary!

This is the highest echelon in sports media, and we are so thrilled that through this nomination — @alishah_farhang_ and the skiers of Bamyan, Afghanistan will be able to stand alongside some of the most legendary figures in all of sport. It’s a recognition that their story of bravery, resilience, ingenuity, and unity is about so much more than sliding on snow — it epitomizes why sport is able to bring the world together in way absolutely nothing else can.

Immense gratitude to the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for this honor, to the @olympics for believing in the film and bringing it to the world — to the audiences who have resonated with the film and to the entire brilliant team who got us here. We’re looking forward to the awards ceremony in NYC on May 26 to celebrate with our incredible fellow nominees!

🍿 If you haven’t seen @championsdoc — it’s now streaming globally on Olympics.com!

Director: @sturgegram
Producers: @ktstj & @baktashahadi
In association with @xtr & @optimist
🎥: @sturgegram @jasonmannings @goodiepocket
EPs: @malala @arianmoayed @madpixfilm @rockauteur @christemple @zachingrasci @nadia_outside @apripista_official @janetsmenagerie @tittigrr @elizstiff • William LaBahn
Co-EPs: @jennamkelly @brynmooser
Featuring: @alishah_farhang_ @bamyanalpineskiclub
Publicity: @feliciawng and @c_albert
Score: @cyrus_reynolds @joaquinignaciog @oskar.schuster
Special thanks to @halleeadelman @skyeprenticemedia @gaby_rose13 @untamedborders @sidiqi1977 @samanthadols @tribeca @coupestudios @jonniesirotek @studiomammmal @aidanhaley @jojensen07

🏆⛷️🇦🇫

Join us at @sonomafilmfest on March 28 for a screening and reception of “State of Firsts”, our feature documentary about the incredible journey of @sarahemcbride. The whole Optimist team and director @chasejoynt will be there! 🎉

Join us at @sonomafilmfest on March 28 for a screening and reception of “State of Firsts”, our feature documentary about the incredible journey of @sarahemcbride. The whole Optimist team and director @chasejoynt will be there! 🎉

Join us at @sonomafilmfest on March 28 for a screening and reception of “State of Firsts”, our feature documentary about the incredible journey of @sarahemcbride. The whole Optimist team and director @chasejoynt will be there! 🎉

An intimate look into America’s immigration system through the eyes of a young man.
FIVE YEARS NORTH streaming on @documentaryplus

We’ve done over 120 screenings of @championsdoc in the last 18 months. This was our final hurrah at Cooper Union in NY before the film releases globally for streaming (!!) December 19th on Olympics.com.

Now available for Academy Award consideration for best feature documentary.

@coxusa @arianmoayed @malala @ktstj @sturgegram @baktashahadi @tribeca #Foryourconsideration #afghanistan