‘The things that connect us are fraying’: James Graham short film explores what it means to be English

The brief

What does it mean to be English? Ahead of England’s first knockout game of the World Cup, Ian McKellen and the award-winning playwright James Graham have released a short film that attempts to answer that deceptively simple question. The film, Love Letter to England, explores and celebrates what people across the country have in common. It draws on early contributions to the National Conversation, a UK-wide initiative that began last month. Members of the public are invited to take part by leaving a 60-second voice note sharing their views on not only supporting the England team, but also on what it means to belong and the kind of country they…