There is a substantial gap in truly understanding the worth of the carer in our communities. In her search for an authentic and intimate description of the lived experience of a carer, Dalanglin Dkhar began looking at combining her professional background in documentary filmmaking and research. Unconditional, her PhD creative research work aims to give insight into the lived experience of the carer where caring spans from several years running on to decades.

The four carers who participated voluntarily in this documentary film are part of this research study. The participants joined the production through a recruitment email from the Researcher’s industry and funding partner, Carers ACT. With informed consent, the four carers came on board with the approval of the person they care for to participate and become collaborators in this research study. They were all filmed in the place that is home to each of them and where their caring duties mostly happens. All photographs, video diaries and the transcripts of their interviews have been approved by them and their loved ones for usage. Their feedback and viewpoints were valuable for the project to take shape. It was an integral aim for Dalanglin right from the start to establish a relationship based on trust, mutual respect and responsibility, and an empowered commitment to tell the carer’s story.

The location was based mainly in Ngunnawal Country, around the suburbs of Canberra. The shots of local streets immersed the visual lens within suburbia and neighbourhoods where carers live, raise, care for and advocate for their loved ones.