Episode Details

In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed screenwriter and director Carl Bessai of Raven West Films to explore his raw, human approach to storytelling. Known for embracing imperfection and championing underrepresented voices, Carl shares how real life, with all its messiness, complexity, and beauty, inspires his work. Carl’s commitment to honest moments and inclusive narratives proves that the most compelling stories come from the heart. Tune in for a conversation that celebrates the beauty of being real and the power of telling stories that truly matter.

Carl Bessai

Carl Bessai is a filmmaker based in Vancouver, BC. He has made over 25 narrative feature films and documentaries and has directed an impressive range of acting talent including Sir Ian McKellen (Emile), Carrie-Anne Moss (Normal ), Bruce Greenwood (Rehearsal ), Amy Smart (No Clue) and Bruce Dern (The Lears). He has received numerous jury awards, critics’ prizes and nominations and his films have played in some of the world’s leading film festivals and retrospectives including Toronto, Sundance, Berlin, the Canadian Film Institute and the Museum of Modern Art.

Carl's Website

@carlbessai on Instagram

We talk to visionaries and game-changers who are doing things differently; using their businesses to do more good in the world. Join us as we dive into the stories and strategies of companies driven by purpose, not just profit. Each episode uncovers unique strategies, challenges, and the deeply satisfying rewards of using business as a platform for change. We offer listeners practical insights on building businesses that are not only successful but also socially and environmentally conscious. You really can make both profit and a positive impact—come join us to find out how others are doing just that.

Leena Manro is an award-winning writer, director, and co-founder of All Purpose, an award winning B Corp-certified creative agency based in Vancouver. As VP of Strategy and Storytelling, she leads an in-house team that creates powerful, purpose-driven media for corporate clients. With over a decade of experience, Leena has directed hundreds of narrative projects across diverse genres, earning awards for their cinematic quality and storytelling depth.

Leena is driven by a passion to make a meaningful difference in her community, environment and the planet. She’s drawn to collaborating with people and initiatives that strive to make the world a better place.

All Purpose is proud to be B Corp certified. B Corps are companies verified to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. The B Corp Movement transforms our economy to benefit all people, communities and the planet.

Through this podcast, one of our aims is to showcase the impactful work of fellow B Corps, to inspire others to embrace purpose-driven practices that make a difference.

B Corp Certification

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