Caterpillar
“When memory begins to fade, love is put to the test.”
Synopsis
Three generations living under one leaky Wellington roof in 2003, all on the brink of transformation. Sixteen-year-old Cassie is all bravado and vulnerability, drifting into risky territory as she searches for validation in all the wrong places. Her mother Maxine, 52, a formidable single-mother filmmaker on the brink of a long-awaited breakthrough, is finally offered a greenlight - if she can just land a star. Holding everything together is Huia, Cassie’s grandmother, 80, whose life has been defined by quiet service to family and a private obsession with raising monarch caterpillars, dreaming of one day witnessing the legendary butterfly migration in Mexico. But when Huia’s mind begins to fail her, the family is thrust into chaos. Can the maternal line hold together while everything is throwing them apart?
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Caterpillar - Official TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2026-02-03
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
CinefestOZ
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Chelsie Preston Crayford
- Screenplay & Story
- Chelsie Preston Crayford
- Original Title
- Caterpillar
- Country of Origin
- New Zealand
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 37m
- Production Studios
- Miss Conception Films, New Zealand Film Commission
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Chelsie Preston Crayford
Chelsie Preston Crayford
Jonathan Woodford-Robinson
Georgina Allison Conder, Andrew Marshall
Department Leadership Roster
Chelsie Preston Crayford
Director
Chelsie Preston Crayford
Writer
Georgina Allison Conder
Producer
Andrew Marshall
Producer
Jonathan Woodford-Robinson
Editor
Heather Hayward
Production Design
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Caterpillar.
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Country: New Zealand
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Frequently Asked Questions About Caterpillar
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Caterpillar about?
Three generations living under one leaky Wellington roof in 2003, all on the brink of transformation. Sixteen-year-old Cassie is all bravado and vulnerability, drifting into risky territory as she searches for validation in all the wrong places. Her mother Maxine, 52, a formidable single-mother filmmaker on the brink of a long-awaited breakthrough, is finally offered a greenlight - if she can just land a star. Holding everything together is Huia, Cassie’s grandmother, 80, whose life has been defined by quiet service to family and a private obsession with raising monarch caterpillars, dreaming of one day witnessing the legendary butterfly migration in Mexico. But when Huia’s mind begins to fail her, the family is thrust into chaos. Can the maternal line hold together while everything is throwing them apart?
Who directed Caterpillar?
Caterpillar was directed by Chelsie Preston Crayford.
Who stars in Caterpillar?
The principal cast of Caterpillar includes Marta Dusseldorp, Lisa Harrow, Anais Shand, Kirimaia Noel, Matt Whelan.
When was Caterpillar released and how long is it?
Caterpillar was released in 2026 with a total runtime of 1h 37m.