Meet Catherine Argyrople | Feature Film Director, Writer, Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Catherine Argyrople and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Catherine, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
I attribute a lot of my success and overall well-being to my self-care practice. I have a lovely morning routine that consists of meditation, writing, gratitude, and affirmations. I also love to spend time in nature and go on a long walk to the beach every day. All of these habits are very grounding and help me feel centered– ready to tackle whatever life throws at me!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am extremely proud of my debut feature film, Growing Pains. We are world premiering back at home at The Boston International Film Festival on April 14, which is truly a dream coming true. It feels really rewarding and exciting to be able to share something that I have worked on for many years with my community and the people who helped me make the film. The movie was inspired by my experience as a childhood cancer survivor and how the aftermath of cancer impacted my mental health and body image. There are many movies about characters that are receiving cancer treatment, but none that I can think of that focus on the mental and emotional difficulties that one struggles with after a traumatic illness.

Honestly, no part of my journey has been easy. I had Stage 3 Neuroblastoma at age 4, which has taught me to cultivate strength and resilience throughout my life. Now I am over 20 years cancer-free, which is a blessing that I am grateful for every day. This is a testament to my character, and is illustrated throughout my work as I am extremely passionate and have a strong zest for life!

I have faced many challenges, personally and professionally, but I do not let that impact my belief in myself and my films. I overcome challenges through gratitude and grounding mentally with my self-care practice, as well as the people in my support system. I am blessed with an amazing family and a great group of friends here in LA. I started making Growing Pains in Fall 2021, and many people doubted my abilities or told me I couldn’t make this film. It’s great to be premiering the film in my hometown and proving people wrong. I never doubted that I would be able to make the movie, and I am excited to be at the stage in the process where I can share it with the world!

I am committed to empowering women through female-centered narratives and authentic storytelling. My work primarily focuses on social-facing issues including mental health & disability, gender equity in sports, identity, and coming of age. I love to shine a light on underrepresented voices and give them an opportunity to tell their stories!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I wish this was happening in real life! My cousin, Melanie, is my best friend and one of my favorite people in the world. If Melanie was in town, I would plan a day trip up to Malibu so we could go on a nice hike and then swim in the ocean. I would love to go to a concert at Aviator Nation’s Dreamland– it’s such an iconic venue. My sister, Victoria, would join us as she also lives in LA. We would spend a lot of time at the beach, and I would try to get them to go surfing with me!

I’d love to take her to Bacari in Silver Lake because the ambiance and food are amazing! It is one of my favorite restaurants in LA. I know she would also love to go on a hike to Griffith Observatory and take in the beautiful views of the city. Lastly, I’d love to walk around and shop on Abbott Kinney with her.

There are a lot of amazing places in LA to check out, but what stands out to me about LA are the people. I have an amazing group of friends, largely thanks to surfing and filmmaking. There are many great people I’d love to introduce her to.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom has been the original supporter of me and my work. She believed in me when many people didn’t and has been an amazing stable foundation throughout my life. I am forever grateful for all of her love and support!

Website: catherineargyrople.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherineargyrople

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherineargyrople/