Carlow filmmaker Frank Mannion has told RTÉ Entertainment that he decided to make his new feature-length documentary Quintessentially British, as he wanted to bring "an outsider's perspective" to the fact-finding on the big screen.
The film, which opens in Ireland and the UK on 12 December, sees Mannion "examine everything that is supposedly great and British... with some surprising results and discoveries".
Along the way, he meets actors Judi Dench and Ian McKellen, comedian Tom Allen, former footballer-turned-presenter Jermaine Jenas and many more.
When asked what the British do not realise about themselves, Mannion replied: "I think they conveniently forget that many quintessentially British things owe their origins to outside influence and cultures - fish and chips was brought in by Jewish settlers from Europe, smoked dishes like salmon came from the Vikings.
"As Ian McKellen points out in the film, beef is a derivative from 'boeuf', as 'the French were better cooks'.
"English gin is not English at all, it was developed by the Dutch, while English cider owes its origins to the Normans."
"The film allowed me to look at distinctive British symbols with a fresh eye," he continued.
"For instance, I discovered that the iconic red telephone box was modelled on a tomb - that of Sir John Soane - and was originally intended to be silver.
"The English flag, the St George's Cross, is Italian in origin, and the city of Genoa still uses it as its state flag - Jermaine Jenas was very amused in the film to discover that, having proudly worn it on his England jersey."
A London resident for over 20 years, Mannion said he encountered no condescension towards him as an Irishman examining all things British.
"In fact, the opposite," he enthused. "It encouraged the likes of Judi Dench, Oz Clarke (writer) and Max Hastings (journalist) to talk proudly about their own Irish heritage - they want to be part of our exclusive Irish gene club!"
As for what Irish viewers will take from Quintessentially British, Mannion said: "I think it will make us appreciate that as an island nation we too have been the beneficiaries of outside influence and cultures.
"But, equally, it will remind us that the Irish diaspora continues to be a big part of the DNA of modern-day Britain and still influential."
With Quintessentially British arriving in cinemas, Mannion is busy preparing for his next film.
"We actually start filming Quintessentially Irish next month," he revealed. "It should be perfect Paddy's Day viewing! Maybe I will end up calling the film Notions!"
