Interview with Catherine Argyrople on Growing Pains

This US-born and based independent film director, writer, and creative producer runs a full-service production company, CATALYZE HER. She is particularly passionate about diversity and inclusion. Her work has a strong focus on female-led film initiatives. Catherine directed two shorts, Fake Camping and Revere Beach: The Musical, in 2020 and 2022 respectively. Her debut feature Growing Pains, which this writer described as “a well-meaning film that sincerely cares about complex issues plaguing American life“, premiered earlier this year at the Boston International Film Festival.

Joshua Polanski – What was the first impulse that led to Growing Pains?

Catherine Argyrople – I wanted to tell an authentic story about teenage girls and reflect my own experience as a childhood cancer survivor navigating life after trauma. I’ve rarely seen stories on screen that explore what happens after cancer – yet it’s something that touches nearly everyone in some way. I was craving raw, truthful stories about women, told from our perspective, and the chance to champion two unique narratives that intertwine. Originally, I envisioned Growing Pains as a TV series (and I still plan to make that happen), but creating a feature felt like an attainable goal I could accomplish with limited resources if I put my heart into it. I was pretty mind blown that you can live in the same town and go to the same school as your friends growing up, but each person will have a radically different life, coming-of-age, and experience in their own mind and body. It was important to me to tell two authentic, diverse stories that showcase some of these differing experiences with the through-line of female friendship.

JP – Can you please tell us about the genesis, the vision and the mission of your production company CATALYZE HER, and how that’s related to Growing Pains?

CA – CATALYZE HER is a female-led production company dedicated to authentic, diverse stories about women – always rooted in social advocacy, mission-driven stories and created by women. At first, it was simply a way to house the business side of Growing Pains, but I always knew it would evolve into something larger. My films explore themes like mental health, disability, gender equity in sports, identity, and coming-of-age– subjects I’ve lived through and want to portray honestly. I draw from my personal experiences while collaborating with a diverse team of women filmmakers and actors to create work that feels real and impactful. I grew up with a philanthropic influence, spending much of my free time fundraising and advocating for nonprofits. CATALYZE HER is my way of blending that mission-driven spirit with storytelling. I believe art is the most powerful medium—it can shift perspectives, save lives, and leave a lasting impact. Eventually, I hope to expand the company to collaborate with even more female filmmakers, uplifting their voices alongside mine.

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