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Red Rose Chain Film and Theatre Company is delighted to introduce you to Dream Machine; a Film and Resource Pack raising aspirations and challenging discrimination of young people with learning difficulties . Made specifically for young people with Special Educational Needs, this resource enables young people to realise and develop their dreams and aspirations. 

Dream Machine mission statement:

'We want to be treated the same and as equal to everyone else'

- Dream Machine Participants

The Dream Machine project took place over 2 years. Ten young people aged between 17 and 18 with severe learning difficulties worked with filmmakers from Red Rose Chain to develop stories inspired by their dreams.

The Dream Machine pack contains 3 short films (approx. 2 mins each) that focus on the ambitions of the participants for their futures:

The Trucker - A truck driver dreams of more than his everyday routine...

The Gardner - Things go pear-shaped when a gardener turns up at work...

The Superstar - An action-packed story where heroes save the day...

The young people participated in workshops incorporating a variety of activities, including improvisation, dance and visual art to create the film scripts. They took part in all aspects of preparing the film shoot, including choosing locations, costume design and acting. This project has had a life-changing impact on the participants.

'I feel more emotional and more confident now. I stick up for myself more and it helped me to grow.'

- Dream Machine Participant

The Dream Machine Resource Pack includes a wide range of activities and suggestions for working with this film. The activities allow students to evaluate and consider the films creatively through picture page exercises. Each activity is responsive to the needs and abilities of the students and aims to engage and inspire them.

'The educational package that links in to the film itself allows students, teachers, learning support staff and potential employers to ask really important questions about future aspirations, choice and progression.'

- Michelle Hughes, Director of Learning, Inclusion, Suffolk One College

This pack will help you and your pupils to understand and explore the issues faced by young people with learning difficulties today.