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.

We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview.

_____________________________________________

Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Contributions of any amount are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content!

Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review!

Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series.

The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.