Dare to Dream Big

Upon first consideration, it might not seem the stuff of grand cinematic adventure. But could engineering secretly be an exciting, creative, heroic realm where the optimists of today are creating the life-saving, world-altering marvels that will make for a safer, more connected, more equal and even more awe-inspiring tomorrow?

With an eclectic, stereotype-bursting engineer cast, the huge story told by Dream Big answers that question with a resoundingly “yes” using a series of surprisingly human stories to expose the hidden world behind the most exciting inventions and structures across the globe. It is not only a journey through engineering’s greatest wonders, but equally a tale of human grit, aspiration, compassion and the triumph of human ingenuity over life’s greatest challenges

The project is so big, it is more than a movie—it’s part of a movement aimed at bringing engineering into the forefront of our culture. Dream Big is the first 3-D IMAX® and giant-screen film to answer the call of the STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) initiative, which aims to inspire kids of diverse backgrounds to become the innovators who will improve the lives of people across our entire planet during the 21st century and beyond. That’s why the film will be accompanied by ongoing educational, museum and community efforts to expose young people from all backgrounds to what engineering is…and what it can conjure in the world.

Narrated by Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges, Dream Big: Engineering Our World serves as a template for young and inspiring engineers and cultivates a learning curve of information for people to understand the important work of engineers. The made-for-IMAX film was given an 88 percent out of 100 rating from Rotten Tomatoes, a popular movie source.

Jack Futcher, president and chief operating officer of Bechtel, the company that financed Dream Big: Engineering Our World, and Roshellia Goines, a Bechtel Project Engineer, spoke with DiversityComm about the importance of making the film. Bechtel is also known for building the Hoover Dam and other large-scale engineering marvels worldwide.

Why did Bechtel decide to sponsor Dream Big?
FUTCHER: Bechtel decided to become the title sponsor for Dream Big because we wanted to be part of a “first of a kind” movie that would educate the general public about the inspiring work that engineers do worldwide. As a global leader in engineering, procurement and construction, Bechtel’s partnership with MacGillivray Freeman Films (MFF) and the American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE) gave us an opportunity to be a leader in attracting more K–12 students STEM careers.

Also, I would say that IMAX films have international appeal. This film is being used as the centerpiece of events with employees, customers, and community leaders in Bechtel locations globally. To date, we have held Bechtel-sponsored screenings in nearly 25 locations, including places such as Santiago, Chile; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Cairo, Egypt; Brisbane, Australia; and Edmonton, Canada; as well as numerous U.S. cities.

What is the importance of this film to you and why should young aspiring minds see it?
GOINES: This film showcases our engineering profession in a way that makes me even prouder of my profession. It puts a fresh perspective on engineering. This film showcases engineering and what we do as engineers, in a way that has never been done before. You get to see what engineers really do every day. It is inspiring kids of diverse backgrounds to become the innovators, educators and leaders who will improve the lives of people throughout the 21st century.

The film really answers the call of the STEM initiative. It showcases engineers from all walks of life and shows how engineers have changed everyday lives and entire societies. At the end of a recent film screening of Dream Big in my town, one young girl stood up in the movie theater and said, “I thought I wanted to be a teacher when I grow up, but now I really, really want to be an engineer.” That is exactly the mission of this film. (#MissionAccomplished)

Do you have any advice for our readers?
FUTCHER: The classroom is really where we can change kids thinking about engineering. Our goal is to convince students that they can excel in engineering or STEM and make outstanding contributions to society. My advice to young kids everywhere is to “dream big” and never give up pursuing your dreams.

GOINES: For professionals still early in their careers, I encourage you to get out into the field and do a field assignment. Watch your work being built and help resolve issues as they arise. When you come back into the office, you will be phenomenally better at designing the next project. When you’re trying to design something, you’ll remember those real-time field experiences and have a much better appreciation for designing around anticipated challenges. Also, learn to ask for help when you need it. I didn’t understand that when I was very young in my career. But I had some very good mentors and supervisors teach me how to say “I need help. I can’t do it all.”