Dream Big Receives an Outstanding Reception for
Contribution to STEM Education Applauded By
Museum Directors
Laguna Beach, CA, March 28, 2017 —Following a spectacular world premiere at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, and now playing in 45 theatres across North America, MacGillivray Freeman’s Dream Big: Engineering Our World is easily the most talked-about new STEM-based initiative to land in museums and science centers in years. The film is receiving extraordinarily enthusiastic reviews from the media, teachers, parents and the engineering community, and is serving up a fresh and much-needed new perspective on what it means to be an engineer.
“We’re getting some of the best reviews we’ve seen in ten years, which is interesting because the film is not your typical location-based IMAX film, but a more personal film with a focus on human stories,” said director Greg MacGillivray about his 39th giant screen release.
Museum and theatre directors are especially pleased with how well Dream Big fits their science education and STEM initiatives while offering an experience that is both heartfelt and fun.
What Museum Directors Are Saying About Dream Big
“For the month of March, DREAM BIG has been our top-performing film. It hits a rare sweet spot, emotionally drawing our viewers into the personal stories and triumphs of people who pursue engineering with a passion while seamlessly being an advocate for STEM initiatives.
—Joe DeAmicis, California Science Center
“I’ve watched a LOT of IMAX films over the years, but this one is quite unique. Never before has a film so perfectly embodied our mission statement, or looked so good doing it.”
—Howard George, Michigan Science Center
“Once again, the MFF team has produced a film that works on so many levels. It explains visually and verbally what engineers do, features female engineers (nice), takes the audience on adventures around the globe and is very inspirational. BRAVO!”
—Marlene Janetos, Museum of Discovery and Science
“Dream Big is one of the five highest-rated films we have shown here at the Tennessee Aquarium. Audiences love it, and we are getting a great response from teachers and students. We often have teachers thank us for showing a film that highlights female scientists and engineers.
—Gordon Stalans, CFO, Tennessee Aquarium
“Dream Big is a hit with parents and educators! They love the inspirational messages of the film and many have commented that this is one of best films we’ve shown in a long time. It pairs perfectly with our Makerspace Field Trip packages.”
—Jackie Mollet, St. Louis Science Center
“I think the movie is a triumph. MacGillivray Freeman has done some amazing work in the past. But I think this might be your best work ever. The story is just spectacularly crafted and the imagery is great. I don’t believe there is anyone that would not be engrossed and moved by this movie.”
—Steve Kovak, Carnegie Science Center
Education Program Offers Valuable Resources
For MacGillivray Freeman and its partners, ASCE and Bechtel Corporation, the film is just one part of a far-reaching educational campaign that is impacting students, young engineers, and the many engineering organizations dedicated to public outreach. The team has put together the most extensive educational outreach program for the giant screen industry ever, including:
- Educator Guide with lesson plans for grades K – 12
- 10 Educational Videos
- 50 Hands-on Engineering Activities
- Girls Night Out Program
- Two Design Challenge Exhibits
These materials can be found on the film’s website, www.dreambigfilm.com as well as on the non-profit DiscoverE’s website, www.discovere.org/dreambig.
“Teachers seeking a way to show the breadth of STEM possibilities or inspire their students for design challenges should look for showings of Dream Big in their areas,” says Jacob Blinkenstaff, film reviewer for the National Science Teacher Association’s NSTA News. “They can make good use of the online resources available to support the film even if their students can’t see the film in a theater.”
“With this film and its accompanying educational materials, we are trying to change the stereotype of what it means to be an engineer and motivate young people, especially girls and minority kids, to consider engineering as a career,” says Mary Jane Dodge, Senior Project Director. “This tremendous response we’re getting from teachers and parents shows what a positive impact Dream Big is having.”
See Why Film Critics Are Raving About Dream Big
“A rousing and ravishing call-to-engineering arms for future generations…It’s the sort of majestic educational film that every adult will want their child to see —and in all likelihood, will want to see themselves.”
—VARIETY
“[An] inspiring IMAX documentary that could cause a spike in engineering school enrollments.”
—THE TORONTO STAR
“This IMAX documentary does an epic job of inspiring young viewers to realize the importance of engineering to society. A+ for Educational Value”
—COMMON SENSE MEDIA
“With its focus on problem-solving, teamwork and the power of the imagination, it’s certain to spark syllabus highlights for STEM teachers and their students…Its what-if mix of physics, imagination, and goodwill is an exhilarating conversation starter.”
—THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
“Inspirational in the same way Hidden Figures was.”
—FOX5 NEWS, SAN DIEGO
“As with most MacGillivray projects, there’s plenty of razzle-dazzle eye candy on display…The result is fast-paced and attention-getting.”
—THE SEATTLE TIMES
“A fresh perspective on what it means to be an engineer.”
—PARADE MAGAZINE
“We had no idea how creative and fun being an engineer can be!
5 out of 5 Stars”
—KIDZWORLD.COM
“Sure to inspire your future innovators!”
—SCHOLASTIC TEACHER
DREAM BIG is the first giant screen project to promote the educational STEM movement (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). MacGillivray Freeman Films and its partners at ASCE and Bechtel have produced educational materials to go with the film and are providing funding for programs at museums and science centers such as Engineering Festivals and Girls Night Out. Some of the targeted programming is meant to introduce middle and high-school girls to dynamic women engineer role models to encourage their interest in engineering careers. Also available are 50 hands-on engineering activities, educational videos, lesson plans for grades K-12 and other engineering-themed events. These educational components are hosted on the educational website www.DiscoverE.org/dreambig.
DREAM BIG: Engineering Our World opens globally on February 17, 2017
www.dreambigfilm.com
About MacGillivray Freeman Films
MacGillivray Freeman Films is the world’s foremost independent producer and distributor of giant-screen 70mm films with 40 films for IMAX theatres to its credit. Throughout the company’s 50-year history, its films have won numerous international awards including two Academy Award® nominations and three films inducted into the IMAX Hall of Fame. MacGillivray Freeman’s films are known for their artistry and celebration of science and the natural world. It is the first documentary film company to reach the one billion dollar benchmark for worldwide box office.
About the American Society of Civil Engineers
As a production partner, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has been planning, coordinating, and promoting Dream Big and its outreach programs since inception. With 150,000 members in 177 countries, ASCE members engineer the built environment while protecting and restoring the natural environment.
About Bechtel Corporation
Bechtel Corporation is among the most respected engineering, construction and project management companies in the world. Together with their customers, they deliver landmark projects that foster sustainable progress and economic growth. Since 1898, they have completed more than 25,000 extraordinary projects across 160 countries on all seven continents.
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