The dust has barely settled on the powerful global launch of the Philipstown WireCar Grand Prix documentary, yet the project’s ambitious next phase is already speeding ahead.
Following the film’s debut on Prime Video, which illuminated the resilience and ingenuity of a small, struggling Karoo town, the newly established Philipstown WireCar Foundation is now inviting the world to play its part in the story of hope being woven in Philipstown.
This multifaceted initiative aims to transform the global attention garnered by the film into a sustainable engine for community upliftment, extending an open invitation for people from all corners of the globe to join in writing a new chapter for the town’s youth.
Every documentary view, every download of the recently launched WGP Mobile Game a digital recreation of the real-life WireCar Grand Prixa and every purchase from the new e-commerce store feeds directly into the foundation’s mission to provide tangible opportunities for the residents of Philipstown.
Kay Fourie, Chairperson of the Philipstown WireCar Foundation and co-founder of the original race, elaborates on this vision. ‘Seeing our story on a global platform was a dream we never dared to have. But the film was always just the beginning,’ she reflects.
The cornerstone of this transformative movement is the feature documentary, The Philipstown WireCar Grand Prix, produced by Giant Films and Accenture Song and directed by Paul Ward (WARD).
This cinematic gem serves as a global gateway into the heart of Philipstown, celebrating the community’s spirit while acknowledging its struggles.
The film tells the inspiring story of a group of young racers who, armed with scrap wire, bottle caps, and boundless imaginations, construct their intricate draadkars (wire cars) with hopes of competing in the annual race set to take place every September.
Alistair King, Vice Chair of the Foundation, describes the film as the catalyst for inspiring action. ‘When we first visited, the kids just blew my mind. They have this incredible joy and passion for racing and imaginations that are simply boundless. We realised that this brilliant idea, this race, deserved to be owned by them and taken to the next level. The documentary captures that magic,’
He adds a poignant metaphor: ‘A piece of discarded wire is rusting and of little use. But if you pick it up and work with it, it can be made into something beautiful. That became a symbol for the community, for the kids, and for what this foundation aims to do,’
This is an inside-out story, capturing how creativity and hope can flourish even in dire circumstances. ‘We want people to watch it, feel it, and then ask themselves; how can I get involved?’ prompts Fourie.
To address that very inquiry, the foundation has launched the WGP Mobile Game on both the iOS App Store and Google Play. This immersive game transports players into a digital twin of Philipstown, where they can experience the thrill of racing a wire car through meticulously recreated streets and landmarks.
It’s free to play, ensuring accessibility for a global audience. Players can compete against local champions, enhance their virtual cars, and unlock new racing tracks, with in-app purchases directly funding the Philipstown WireCar Foundation’s programmes.
The third pillar of this initiative encourages individuals to own a piece of unique African artistry. An official e-commerce platform has launched, offering authentic, handcrafted wire cars made by local artisans, along with exclusive merchandise and other artistic creations. Each wire car stands as a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, showcasing artisanship and creativity that has been passed down through generations, while providing a vital source of income and pride.
The foundation has already purchased a modest building within the town, currently undergoing renovation to become a community hub and state-of-the-art e-learning centre.
Fourie outlines an ambitious dream: ‘We want to offer everything from computer skills and robotics training to you driver’s licence programmes and essential social support. We aspire to build a future where the next generation has meaningful upliftment and employment opportunities they never would have had otherwise,’
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Picture: Supplied
