On Aug. 27, University Libraries and the Student Film Society co-hosted a screening of the film “Growing Pains” at D.H. Hill Library. Mari Fabian, a Technician alum and a co-writer of the film, was present for a discussion after the viewing.
Fabian co-wrote the film alongside director Catherine Argyrople. The two connected after Argyrople read Fabian’s Technician article, “TV screenwriters need to do their research on young adults.” Fueled by their shared views on coming-of-age media, the pair went on to draft the script for “Growing Pains.”
The film follows Zoe and Nat, two best friends navigating challenges surrounding relationships, sexuality, family and identity as they make the awkward transition from middle to high school.
Fabian explained that a key goal of the film was to address the lack of hispanic queer representation in film.
“When I was in film studies at NC State, I felt like I wasn’t seeing my people represented,” Fabian said. “That was a big thing, especially in coming-of-age films. This film was the perfect way to change that.”
Viewing this film alongside an audience of young people heightened its emotional impact, creating a sense of shared nostalgia and relatability. Raw, lingering shots highlighted the inescapable discomforts of adolescence, offering moments that resonated with viewers despite their different experiences.
As young people, we place our self worth and identity on glass shelves. For Nat, this manifests through her growing obsession with her weight and her position on the school’s rowing crew. As she confronts the limits of these labels, viewers are transported into reflections on their own adolescent regrets: an awkward relationship, a seemingly life-ruining grade or a friend who wasn’t really a friend.
This sense of humanity was emphasized by a script filled with bursts of Greta Gerwig-style overlapping chatter. Anyone who has spent time around a group of chattering girls knows that there is a constant flow of conversation that rarely pauses. By replicating this style, the scenes felt authentic, and the moments of silence felt even more impactful.
Apart from just discussing the film’s content, Fabian used the screening as an opportunity to encourage those interested in pursuing filmmaking.
“The biggest thing is don’t be afraid of trying,” Fabian said. “I started with short films on YouTube.”
There are many ups and downs in indie filmmaking, so along with taking the first steps, Fabian also emphasized the importance of persevering in the face of an unknown future.
“Imposter syndrome is a huge thing, and I go through it daily. I remember thinking during the writing process ‘What if this doesn’t get made?’ or ‘What if we can’t get any money?’ But you have to just keep doing your thing,” Fabian said.
Fabian and Argropyle’s diligence appears to be paying off with a recent development in the film’s distribution journey. Hammad Zaidi, founder and CEO of the Lonely Seal International Film, Screenplay and Music Festival, has agreed to represent “Growing Pains” at the Cannes Film Festival Buyers Market.
The Cannes Buyers Market is one of the largest opportunities for buyers and distributors to discover films, making it a major opportunity for an independent film such as “Growing Pains” to secure a deal that could dramatically shape the film’s future.
Those interested in what’s next for “Growing Pains” can follow the film’s Instagram @growingpainsmovie, or director Catherine Argyrople’s account @CatherineArgyrople for updates.
