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BMW Art Car as a Catalyst: A New Era of African Film and Creativity
BMW has always been synonymous with innovation, luxury, and artistic excellence. The brand’s latest venture, in collaboration with celebrated artist Julie Mehretu, takes this reputation to new heights. The BMW Art Car project, now in its 20th iteration, has extended beyond the automobile industry to inspire a revolutionary film project across Africa. This initiative not only strengthens BMW’s global cultural commitment but also showcases the transformative power of artistic expression.
BMW Art Car and the Birth of AFMAC
Julie Mehretu, an Ethiopian-born American abstract artist, unveiled the 20th BMW Art Car, a uniquely designed BMW M Hybrid V8, at the Centre Pompidou in Paris in 2024. Following its participation in the prestigious Le Mans race, the vehicle became a beacon for a groundbreaking cultural initiative—the African Film and Media Arts Collective (AFMAC).
AFMAC, co-founded by Mehretu and Emmy-nominated film producer Mehret Mandefro, aims to empower African filmmakers by providing workshops, mentorship, and a platform to showcase their work. Hosted in five major African cities—Lagos, Dakar, Tangier, Nairobi, and Cape Town—this program will connect emerging talents with seasoned artists, offering unparalleled opportunities for creative growth.
Workshops and Filmmaking Across Africa
Under the guidance of esteemed African and international artists, including Berlinale-winning filmmaker Mati Diop, poet Robin Coste Lewis, and Kenyan performance artist Jim Chuchu, AFMAC’s workshops will foster innovation and artistic exchange. These sessions will culminate in six original film productions, forming a compelling anthology of contemporary African cinema. The films will be showcased in 2026 at Cape Town’s Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, with renowned curator Koyo Kouoh overseeing the exhibition.
BMW’s Commitment to Cultural Evolution
BMW’s Art Car project has a 50-year history of blending automotive engineering with artistic brilliance. However, this is the first time that the initiative has expanded beyond the vehicle itself to establish a long-term cultural movement. Ilka Horstmeier, a BMW Board of Management member, emphasized the company’s dedication to cultural exchange and creativity, stating that the AFMAC project is a testament to BMW’s values of diversity, innovation, and artistic collaboration.
Beyond the workshops, AFMAC aims to create a sustainable ecosystem for African filmmakers. The project includes the establishment of an online film archive, providing access to rare and historically significant African cinema. This archive will serve as an invaluable resource for aspiring filmmakers, enabling them to explore and build upon Africa’s rich cinematic heritage.
The Intersection of Art, Film, and Automotive Excellence
BMW’s involvement in the film industry has been longstanding, with the brand’s vehicles often playing iconic roles in Hollywood productions. However, the AFMAC initiative represents a deeper engagement, one that aligns with the evolving landscape of art and media. By facilitating artistic storytelling through film, BMW is not only redefining the role of an automobile brand in cultural discourse but also demonstrating how corporate entities can support artistic evolution.
The AFMAC project also resonates with Dubai’s thriving luxury car market, where BMW models continue to be highly sought after. Enthusiasts in Dubai who appreciate the fusion of art, engineering, and heritage can explore a wide range of used BMW cars on Auto Trader UAE. Whether you are looking for a high-performance BMW M-series or a sophisticated 7 Series, the platform offers a diverse selection of well-maintained pre-owned BMWs at competitive prices.
A Vision for the Future
AFMAC’s impact will extend far beyond 2026. With its innovative workshops, international collaborations, and commitment to fostering African storytelling, the initiative is set to influence the global artistic landscape for years to come. Through the lens of Mehretu’s Art Car, BMW has ignited a movement that celebrates the intersection of automotive design, artistic ingenuity, and cultural heritage.
For those passionate about luxury cars, art, and innovation, exploring the world of BMW is now more exciting than ever. If you’re in Dubai and looking to own a piece of BMW’s legendary craftsmanship, visit Auto Trader UAE to discover an exclusive collection of used BMW cars in Dubai. Whether you seek performance, elegance, or technological excellence, a pre-owned BMW from Auto Trader UAE is a perfect choice to experience the ultimate driving pleasure.
