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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Aamna Mohdin Community affairs correspondent

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

Two men wearing England shirts. One lifts the emblem over his face and the other grins and points at the camera
The film draws on early contributions to the National Conversation initiative where people share their views on supporting the England team and what it means to belong. Photograph: James Graham

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.

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