As he cradles his newborn, a father wonders if his daughter would be better off without him and imagines her life once he is gone. Completely hand-drawn with crayons.

Interview with Writer/Director/Animator Ethan Barrett

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

When my daughter was born two years ago, my wife and I decided she would go to work and I would stay home and take care of her. I was very depressed at the time and thought my film career would never take off, so I took one last shot and made a very raw and vulnerable short using crayons.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

You've probably never seen a short drawn completely with crayons! This film will make you laugh and really feel something. It will make you reflect on the people in your life and will make you grateful for the life you have.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Although this film was very personal for me, every time it screens I'm struck by the number of people who say they relate to it, whether it is them as a parent or they had a parent who struggled with depression.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

From the very beginning, I had a clear idea of how the film would go. The struggle was the maintain the same aesthetic throughout - it's quite minimal so I would have to "rough up" a lot of things to make them less sophisticated. As for the script, I had a different ending in mind than the one that turned out--my personal life and realizations led me there.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

So far I have heard so many kind words and encouragement from people all over the world. The film has received three Oscar-qualifying awards (from Austin, St. Louis, and Cairo) and a number of others.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

This is the first film of mine to go anywhere so I'm quite overwhelmed. I'm glad that it has moved people so much. It makes me feel that by opening up myself to vulnerability, others feel affirmed and are perhaps able now free to tell their own stories.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I hope more people are able to see the film and connect with it.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Anyone looking to screen or distribute this film! I would love this film and its message to get out into the world. (For distribution please contact Inga Diev at info@ouatmedia.com!)

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I would like people to be more able to talk about mental health issues. It seems that for men especially this is a taboo subject. It can also be difficult for parents to open up to their children about their struggles with depression or anxiety, so I hope this can open doors for people.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Right now I (Ethan Barrett, writer/director/animator) and producer Tiffany Barrett are working on another hand-drawn animated short.

Interview: July 2023

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

Rosemary A.D. (After Dad)

As he cradles his newborn, a father wonders if his daughter would be better off without him and imagines her life once he is gone. Completely hand-drawn with crayons.

Length: 9:39

Director: Ethan Barrett

Producer: Tiffany Barrett

Writer: Ethan Barrett

About the writer, director and producer:

ETHAN BARRETT grew up on a ranch in Neodesha, Kansas, USA. He has written and directed a number of animated short films, including Burp and Argus. He worked as a writer for NBC before becoming a director for esports at Blizzard Entertainment, and now works as a freelance editor. He lives in Austin with his wife, daughter, and two dogs.

TIFFANY BARRETT is an independent film producer living in Austin, TX. Although her "day job" as a pediatric dentist keeps her busy, she has a passion for telling real human stories in any medium.

Key cast: Tiffany Barrett, Rosemary Barrett, Ethan Barrett

Looking for: distributors, buyers

Facebook: Rosemary A.D.

Instagram: @spacedogfilm

Hashtags used: #RosemaryAD

Website: www.spacedogfilm.com/work/rosemary-ad-after-dad

Other: IMDb

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

ANIMATOR Festival of Animated Films/Poland - Jun 21 and 23; Dances with Films/Los Angeles - Jun 24