Updated On: 15 June, 2025 11:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Debjani Paul
Ethan Barrett started to develop the idea for a film about his struggles on mental health shortly before the birth of his daughter, Rosemary. After she was born, he decided to turn these journals into a film

A still from the film
When a father is holding his newborn baby, one of the thoughts he may not be expected to have is, “Would my daughter be better off without me?” A father struggling with depression, however, started thinking about the possible outcomes of his daughter’s life if he were not a part of it.
Ethan Barrett started to develop the idea for a film about his struggles on mental health shortly before the birth of his daughter, Rosemary. After she was born, he decided to turn these journals into a film.
Rosemary AD (After Dad) is an animated short film (under 10 minutes) directed by Barrett, entirely drawn by hand, with coloured crayons. The drawings were shot with a DSLR camera on a tripod. Since its premiere at the 2022 BFI London Film Festival, the heartwarming film has won acclaim and accolades at film festivals around the world. You’ll realise why, when you laugh and sigh while watching.