WATCH: NWRC student’s new documentary 'Building A Village' tackles Derry’s loneliness crisis

Jonathan Cullen’s new documentary confronts loneliness crisis in the city following drastic funding cuts

A powerful new documentary short film created by North West Regional College journalism student Jonathan Cullen is set for public release, shining a light on the vital importance of grassroots connection in the Foyle constituency.

Titled 'Building A Village', the film explores the two-year evolution of Derry Meet Ups into the community organisation now known as Clann&Co, providing a timely look at how local residents are fighting back against a growing loneliness epidemic.

The documentary arrives as Northern Ireland’s community sector faces a staggering 64% reduction in funding, leaving many areas without traditional support systems. In Foyle, where official statistics suggest that over 25% of the population is currently battling loneliness, the film argues that organic community spaces are no longer a luxury but a fundamental necessity.

Through a series of intimate interviews with Clann&Co founder Cassie Jane, as well as various members, event facilitators, and local venue owners, 'Building A Village' demonstrates the transformative power of choosing connection in an increasingly isolated world.

The project recently celebrated a successful premiere at The Playhouse in Derry, where an audience of 80 people gathered to witness the story of Clann&Co’s journey. Among those in attendance was the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ruairí McHugh, who joined local activists and residents in celebrating the group’s second anniversary.

The film highlights the specific efforts of local figures and spaces that have fostered this growth, illustrating what can be achieved when a community is treated as an asset worth protecting.

Jonathan Cullen produced the film to capture the reality of the social landscape in 2026. He notes that while the statistics on funding and mental health are stark, the story of Clann&Co offers a blueprint for hope and resilience.

On hiatus from working in the videogame industry, having covered the industry for nearly 17 years through written word and audio through online and print for some of the biggest publications in the world such as Eurogamer, Official PlayStation Magazine UK/Official Xbox Magazine UK, PC Gamer, VG247 and more, Jonathan Cullen is in the final few weeks of a HND (Higher National Diploma) degree in journalism at NWRC and directed, wrote, produced and edited Building A Village.

Cullen also stars as a subject in the film as he himself is a member of Derry Meet Ups/Clann&Co.

“When I first got the word we were doing a documentary assignment at NWRC, the first three words that sprang to mind immediately, like neon lights, were Derry Meet Ups. Not just because of the important work it has done within Derry, but because of what it means to me personally as a card-carrying member,” said Jonathan Cullen, director, writer, producer and editor of Building A Village.

placeholder image — “When I first got the word we were doing a documentary assignment at NWRC, the first three words that sprang to mind immediately, like neon lights, were Derry Meet Ups. Not just because of the important work it has done within Derry, but because of what it means to me personally as a card-carrying member,” said Jonathan Cullen, director, writer, producer and editor of Building A Village.

Jonathan ‘Johnny’ Cullen, Founder/Creative Director, Orbital Frame. (Image credit: Michelle Campbell - @micam.photography on Instagram)

“In the time I’ve been with Derry Meet Ups and now Clann&Co, I’ve seen first-hand the power of community, connection, friendship and more it has provided.

“Pitching this documentary, it initially started as a way to show the appreciation and love I have for the organisation. And while that’s still very much true now, along the way, I learned too how important it was to show the need for community & connection, how they intertwine and how valuable they are in 2026 at a time when community funding in Northern Ireland has been slashed dramatically to below £10 million and when the Foyle constituency is the loneliest in all of Northern Ireland.

“There has been an incredible reception to Building A Village since it premiered at The Playhouse at the end of March that I am still not only taken aback by, but unable to put into words weeks afterwards. I hope people not only love as much as I have had making, but people come away watching it realising why there is such a fundamental need for community and connection than ever before.

Following its successful theatrical debut, the documentary is now being prepared for a wide digital release to ensure its message reaches those most in need of connection across the city and beyond.

The film will premiere on YouTube.com/orbital_frame as well as Twitch.tv/johnnycullen on Tuesday, May 5 at 8.00pm UK/Irish time and be available to watch anytime afterwards on YouTube.com/orbital_frame.