Haitian schoolgirls are among the first to walk across the newly built Chameau Bridge in Haiti. The bridge was built by the non-profit group Bridges to Prosperity, led by Avery Bang, which brings the benefits of engineering to developing countries. PHOTO COURTESY AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS
We’ve partnered with the California Science Center to host a special advance screening of the new IMAX film “Dream Big: Engineering Our World” from MacGillivray Freeman Films, and we’re inviting you and the kids.
The film celebrates engineering marvels – large and small – that help create better lives for people around the world, as well as the engineers whose compassion and creativity made them possible:
- Menzer Pehlivan, a Turkish-American who grew up wanting to be a movie star until a huge earthquake revealed another way to make a major impact on the world (engineering buildings that keep people safe)
- Steve Burrows, a curiosity-driven British structural engineer who is a kind of time traveler, using cutting-edge technology to uncover the ancient past in China and construct the future in San Francisco
- Avery Bang, who builds bridges in underdeveloped countries, connecting people with new opportunities
- Angelica Hernandez, a Mexican immigrant turned leading Arizona engineer who got her start in the legendary robotics club at Carl Hayden High School in Phoenix, Ariz.
Engineer Angelica Hernandez mentors students from her former Phoenix high school as they prepare to enter a robotics contest. PHOTO COURTESY AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS
The film is narrated by Academy Award-winning actor Jeff Bridges and was created to showcase the value of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) talent while taking viewers on an exciting adventure from the Great Wall of China and the world’s tallest buildings to underwater robots, solar car races and smart, sustainable cities.
“Dream Big: Engineering Our World” opens globally Feb. 17, but you can join California Science Center and L.A. Parent for a free screening and special Family Media Day Feb. 11. The Science Center will host family activities beginning at 9:30 a.m. and L.A. Parent Editor Christina Elston will be there with free coffee (while supplies last) and conversation for interested parents. She’ll be doing a little mom-on-the-street reporting, asking families about their dreams for a better world.
Dream Big delves into the inspirational story of civil engineer Menzer Pehlivan, who as a young girl experienced a devastating earthquake in Turkey. Here, Menzer uses everyday items to demonstrate to children how engineers design and build earthquake-proof structures. PHOTO COURTESY AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS
The 42-minute film will screen at 10:30 a.m., and Producer Shaun MacGillivray will be joined by featured engineers Avery Bang, Steve Burrows, Menzer Pehlivan and robotics educator Fredi Lajvardi for a moderated Q&A immediately afterward.
The California Science Center IMAX Theater is located at 700 Exposition Park Dr., L.A. Parking is available for $12 in the lot at Figueroa and 39th streets off Exposition Park Drive.
To attend the special screening, RSVP to BoutiquePublicity@gmail.com by Feb. 8. Learn more about the film at www.dreambigfilm.com.
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