Synopsis
Unconditional is a documentary film directed and produced by Dalanglin Dkhar – PhD candidate, wife, mother and life long carer.
It takes the viewer into the homes of four carers of differing demographics, who took on the commitment of caring for their loved one/s, more than a decade ago and this duty continues for most of them well into their retirement. We hear about the impact of diagnosis day, or as one carer put it, “…when the penny dropped…” We hear them describe the myriad of emotions that they experience when they realise they are now a carer, and for some what it means on a daily basis. We hear how they deal with burnout, and the invisibility of that role in community – all told with searing honesty, generosity and a desire to inform and educate. The film shines a light on the lives of carers and is there to advocate for them and to harness the power of the human face to tell a story and bring awareness, empathy and open conversations around the carer. We need to know, see and hear from them to understand, and therefore support them better. Unconditional lets us in to their hearts and minds and gives us an insight that is layered and deep, to create awareness of these silent and forgotten everyday heroes that live in our community.
Story
The caring experience encapsulates the mind, body and spirit. They were all interviewed in their homes, around the streets that they live in, situating them in their community and showing us that carers live right within our midst. The participants were recruited on a voluntary basis through Carer’s ACT to be participants in my research study. Four carers put up their hands.
“There is nothing that is not touched by this.” Megan is the mother of an adult with cystic
fibrosis, a terminal genetic condition, and faces the reality that she might outlive her daughter.
“Family is very important. Whatever is needed, I’ll do it.” Razi has cared for both of his elderly parents for fifteen years and continues to do so.
“Caring is a full-time job. Part time is the rest of your life.” Craig cares for four people in his life, including his partner, and three children – all with complex needs.
“I took him to the local preschool down the road…The worker looked at him and said, ‘You can’t come here. You need to go to the disability one.’” Deborah is a First Nations mother, and the primary carer for her adult autistic son.
Come, witness the carer’s journey with Unconditional.
Production Stage
- Development
- Production
- Post-production
- Completed
- Outreach
DURATION: 52 MINUTES
Issue area
HUMAN RIGHTS & SOCIAL JUSTICE
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