Emmy-winning actor Stephen Graham, known for his role in the acclaimed Netflix series “Adolescence,” has initiated a heartfelt project aimed at fostering communication between fathers and their sons. The project, titled “Letters to Our Sons,” invites fathers to contribute letters that share their experiences of manhood and parenting, with submission deadlines closing on Monday.
Inspired by the themes explored in “Adolescence,” Graham has penned his own letter to his son, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue between generations. He expressed his desire to hear from fathers of all backgrounds, whether they are new parents, those who have faced challenges, or fathers seeking to reconnect. The project is a collaboration with Orly Klein, a Brighton-based psychology lecturer, and is set to be published in October.
Among the contributors is Sam Zindell, who hopes to share wisdom derived from his experiences as a father to a 12-year-old. Zindell noted the rarity of written communication in modern relationships, stating, “Writing things down to give to another person, be them an adult or a member of your family, is just not something we do anymore.”
In addition to personal storytelling, Graham and Klein have committed to donating a portion of the proceeds to the charity ManUp? and the social enterprise Dad La Soul, both dedicated to supporting young men facing mental health challenges. Dan Flanagan, the founder of Dad La Soul, also contributed a letter and highlighted the unique significance of letter writing, noting its timeless nature and the emotional connections it fosters.
With over a thousand submissions received, Katy Follain from publisher Bloomsbury UK remarked on the diverse range of letters and the collective desire among fathers to continue the crucial conversation sparked by “Adolescence.” The series has catalyzed discussions on critical topics such as social media’s impact and toxic masculinity, ultimately leading to important dialogues among UK politicians and educators.
In a world increasingly reliant on digital communication, Graham’s project encourages a return to intimate, meaningful exchanges through the written word, providing fathers an opportunity to express their love, advice, and stories in a powerful and lasting format.