Episode Details

In this week’s interview, Jasmin and Mariann sit down with filmmaker Ray Cruzzola, founder of World Change Media, to discuss his moving documentary I’m Trying — a tribute to Canadian animal rights activist Regan Russell, who was killed in 2020 while protesting outside a pig slaughterhouse. Ray shares how he uses cinematic storytelling as a tool for social change, why he chose to center Regan’s story to connect audiences to animal advocacy, and what the film’s title means for all of us who want to make a difference but don’t know where to start.

• Regan Russell’s legacy: Who she was, how she died protesting Canada’s ag-gag Bill 156, and why her story resonates globally with animal rights activists and everyday people alike
• Film as activism: How Ray deliberately crafts each scene in I’m Trying to address audience fears, build empathy, and inspire viewers — especially passive vegans — to take meaningful action for animals
• Strategic storytelling for animal advocacy: Why leading with human stories (rather than graphic animal footage) can be a more effective bridge for reaching non-vegan and vegan audiences
• The Plant-based Treaty connection: How I’m Trying supports The Plant-based Treaty’s mission of policy-level change, with endorsement from Regan’s own family

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Raymond Cruzzola is a Toronto-based documentary filmmaker and founder of World Change Media, creating cinematic, story-driven content for nonprofits and social impact organizations. With over a decade of experience, his work spans documentary and short-form campaigns rooted in the belief that the power to reduce suffering carries a responsibility to act — inviting audiences not only to bear witness, but to respond.

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