The dust has barely settled on the global launch of the powerful Philipstown WireCar Grand Prix documentary, and the project’s ambitious next phase is already kicking into high gear. Following the film’s debut on Prime Video, which showcased the resilience and ingenuity of a small, struggling Karoo town on the global stage, the newly established Philipstown WireCar Foundation now invites the world to be part of this story of hope by choosing to watch, play, and buy and in turn positively impacting the future of the Philipstown community.
By inviting people from all corners of the world to actively participate in writing the next chapter for the town’s youth, this multifaceted initiative aims to transform the global attention generated by the film into a sustainable engine for community upliftment. Every documentary view, every game download of the recently launched WGP Mobile Game, a digital recreation of the real-life WireCar Grand Prix, and every purchase from the new e-commerce store directly fuels the foundation’s mission to provide tangible opportunities for the next generation.
Kay Fourie, Chairperson of the Philipstown WireCar Foundation and a co-founder of the original race, elaborates on the vision. “Seeing our story on a global platform was a dream we never dared to have. But the film was always just the beginning. The real work starts now, by channelling this incredible wave of support into lasting change. We are asking the world not just to be spectators, but to be partners in our journey. Every single action, no matter how small it seems, contributes to building a future filled with prospects for our children.”
The cornerstone of the movement remains the feature documentary, The Philipstown WireCar Grand Prix, produced by Giant Films and Accenture Song and directed by Paul Ward (WARD). The film is the world’s gateway into the heart of Philipstown, celebrating the community’s spirit without shying away from its struggles. It follows a group of young racers who, armed with scrap wire, bottle caps, and boundless imagination, build intricate draadkars (wire cars) to compete in the town’s annual race that takes place every September.
Alistair King, Vice Chair of the Foundation, describes the film as the perfect vehicle to inspire 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. “
King adds that the wire itself became a central 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.”
It’s a story told from the inside out, a testament to how creativity and hope can flourish in the most challenging of circumstances. “We want people to watch it, feel it, and then ask themselves; how can I get involved?”
To answer that question, the foundation has launched the WGP Mobile Game on the iOS App Store and Google Play. This game immerses players in a digital twin of Philipstown, allowing them to experience the thrill of racing a wire car through meticulously recreated streets and landmarks.
The game is free to play, ensuring accessibility for a global audience. Players can compete against the town’s local champions, upgrade their virtual wire cars, and unlock new tracks. The core of its mission, however, lies in its optional in-app purchases. Every cent spent on unique car customisations, performance boosts, or other digital items goes directly to the Philipstown WireCar Foundation’s programmes.
BUY A PIECE OF PHILIPSTOWN’S INGENUITY
The third pillar of the initiative is an invitation to own a piece of this unique African artistry. The official e-commerce platform has launched, offering authentic, handcrafted wire cars made by artisans in Philipstown, alongside exclusive merchandise and other local art.
Each wire car is a one-of-a-kind creation, a complex machine featuring a chassis, steering mechanism, and custom designs born from memory and passion. Purchasing one of these creations celebrates and preserves a tradition passed down through generations while providing a vital source of income and pride.
The Philipstown WireCar Foundation is the engine of change
Contributing to this initiative serves a single, unified purpose – to fund the vital work of the Philipstown WireCar Foundation. The foundation has already purchased a modest building in the town, which it is in the process of renovating into a community hub and state-of-the-art e-learning centre.
The funds raised will go towards critical upliftment programmes. “My dream is for this foundation to become a centre of excellence,” says Fourie. “We want to offer everything from computer skills and robotics training to driver’s licence programmes and essential social support. We want to build a future where the next generation has real upliftment and employment opportunities they never would have had otherwise.”
How you can become a part of the Philipstown story:
- Watch: Stream The Philipstown WireCar Grand Prix. Immerse yourself in the story and share it with your friends and family. Watch the trailer here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxCAYzuHV54
- Play: Download the WGP Mobile Game from the iOS App Store or Google Play. Race through the streets of Philipstown knowing that every in-app purchase supports the town’s youth. Watch the trailer here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k9FIq5FqN0
- Buy and donate: Visit https://philipstownwirecar.com/collections to purchase an authentic, handcrafted wire car, as well as other Philipstown merchandise or make a direct donation to the Philipstown WireCar Foundation.
Follow the #PhilipstownGrandPrix conversation on:
- Website: Philipstown Wirecar Company
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philipstownwirecar/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipstownwirecar/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philipstownwirecar
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