The Philipstown WireCar Grand Prix debuts in Sandton
A small Karoo town has become the centre of a global story of resilience, imagination, and change.
A documentary rooted in community creativity, The Philipstown WireCar Grand Prix, made its local debut at Sandton Artistry on October 29.
Members of the media gathered for a special screening of the documentary, which has now launched globally on Prime Video.
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The film, produced by Giant Films and Accenture Song and directed by Paul Ward, tells the story of Philipstown’s children who, armed with scrap wire, bottle caps, and boundless imagination, build intricate ‘draadkars’ to race through their dusty town streets.
It’s a portrait of creativity under pressure, a story that has grown far beyond the screen into a worldwide call to action.
That call is led by the Philipstown WireCar Foundation, which has been established to turn global attention into tangible impact.
The foundation’s mission rests on three pillars: the documentary, a mobile game, and an e-commerce platform, all connected by the same goal of empowering the community’s youth.
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Kay Fourie, the foundation chairperson and co-founder of the original race, said, “The film was always just the beginning. We are asking the world not just to watch, but to take part in our journey. Every single action, no matter how small, builds a future for our children.”
The WGP Mobile Game, available on iOS and Android, turns Philipstown into a digital racetrack, where players can experience the thrill of racing wire cars and compete against virtual versions of the town’s real-life champions. Every in-app purchase, from customisations to upgrades, contributes directly to youth and skills development programmes.
The e-commerce store completes the circle, offering authentic handcrafted wire cars and local merchandise. Each piece sold represents a direct link between global audiences and the artisans whose skill and creativity built this story.
For Alistair King, the vice chair of the foundation, the symbolism runs deep.
“A discarded piece of wire can be transformed into something beautiful with care and imagination. That’s what this project is about, seeing potential where others see waste.”
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