Doccie highlights Philipstown's inspiring wire car racing

IN PHILIPSTOWN, a small Karoo town, a distinctive tradition of wire car racing is thriving, offering a spark of creativity and hope for the community.

- ANITA NKONKI

The quirky, homegrown event has captured international attention and is now the focus of a new global documentary, The Philipstown WireCar Grand Prix, set to premiere this month.

At the heart of the movement is the newly established Philipstown WireCar Foundation, which aims to turn the film's global spotlight into real community upliftment.

"The film highlights the town's annual race, which for more than 14 years has been a tiny beacon of hope for local youth," says Alistair King, vice-chair of the Foundation.

King says that what began as a creative project to explore the intersection of technology and human ingenuity evolved into something much greater when they discovered the race.

Moved by the town's determination, they shifted focus from documenting a story to helping the community reclaim and redefine its own narrative.

"It follows a group of young racers as they pour their hearts and imagination into building intricate cars from scrap wire, bottle caps and soft drink cans, preparing to compete in the only race of its kind in the world.