Films about King's College - its culture and its history: Recent Episodes
Cambridge University
Alan Macfarlane talks about various aspects of the College while walking around the College - questioned and filmed by Xu Bei in 2009.
Filmed in King's College in summer 2009, Alan Macfarlane explains some of the creative effects of beer and friendship, filmed by Xu Bei.
A film made in summer 2010 of Alan Macfarlane, filmed by Xu Bei, talking about well-known figures in Cambridge.
Rivers, reflections, bridges and the spirit of Cambridge, and the poet Xu Zhimou who visited in 1920-22. Filmed by Xu Bei and spoken by Alan Macfarlane
Alan Macfarlane briefly reflects on the supervision system in a conversation with Xubei in 2009.
An interview with Alan Macfarlane in August 2006, questions by Kenong Guan, filmed by Xiaoxiao Yan
A compilation of various films, available also in parts. Alan Macfarlane is interviewed by Xiaolong Guan and filmed by Xiaoxiao Yan on 8th August 2006
Alan Macfarlane explains to Xiaolong Guan, filmed by Xiaoxiao Yan in August 2006, how the 'set' and staircase of Oxbridge colleges work - inherited from a time when all the dons lived in the Colleges.
A film about the placing of a memorial stone for the Chinese poet Xu Zhimo by the bridge of King's College, Cambridge, on 2nd July 2008
Alan Macfarlane reflects on the famous Chinese poet who was attached to King's College Cambridge between 1920-2 and wrote his most famous poem, 'On saying goodbye to Cambridge - again' near the spot where this was filmed. Filmed by Xu Bei in 2012
The famous Chinese poet Xu Zhimou was at King's College, Cambridge from 1920-2 and wrote his most famous poem about the view of the river near the College, 'On Saying Goodbye to Cambridge'. Alan Macfarlane talks about the stone erected in his memory. Filme by Xu Bei in 2010
A film about the famous poker which featured in an argument between Ludwig Wittgenstein and Karl Popper in the earlier nineteenth century. It was once in the room where Alan Macfarlane (featured here) worked in King's College, and was then lost for thirty years. It has (probably) been found again. Filmed by Xu Bei and Alan Macfarlane in 2009 and 2011 [An error spotted by Youtuber - the argument took place in the earlier C20, not the C19 - apologies!]
Alan Macfarlane reflects on the role of wine and friendship in the history of Cambridge and how 'in vino veritas' has several meanings - including breeding collaboration and inspiration.
Alan Macfarlane reflects on the 800 year history of the University of Cambridge, standing near the new willow planted partly in memory of Xu Zhimou the great Chinese poet Filmed by Xu Bei in 2010
Alan Macfarlane, climbing the spiral staircase up to the roof of King's College Chapel, reflects on the long and spiralling history of an ancient building and an ancient university.
Standing on the Backs at King's College Cambridge and reflecting on the need for relaxation alongside concentration in order to produce creativity.
2012 is the 150th anniversary of of MR James the famous ghost story writers' birth - he will be on the first class stamp. As a very distant descendant of James, but, like him, a Fellow of King's, Alan Macfarlane tells us something about James Filmed in 2009 by Xu Bei
Filmed on King's College lawn in 2010, reflecting on life in an old city. Filmed by Xu Bei
The economist John Maynard Keynes spent much of his life in Cambridge, connected to King's College. Alan Macfarlane reflects on a few aspects of his life and work. Filmed by Xu Bei in 2010
Alan Macfarlane, a Fellow of King's College, Cambridge, visits the roof above the famous Chapel and explains some of its features. Filmed in summer 2009 by Xu Bei.
Filmed on the Backs in Cambridge, Alan Macfarlane explains a little of the background to the quite recent invention of the tradition of punting along the Backs. Filmed by Xu Bei in 2010.
Alan Macfarlane in Cambridge reflects on some of the great figures in Cambridge in the past and their influence on creativity and intellectual excitement. Filmed by Xu Bei in 2010.
Alan Macfarlane in King's College talks about the monastic tradition of eating together which has continued up to present Oxbridge, and how it both expresses fellowship and encourages trust.
Alan Macfarlane reflects on the role of the collegiate system of Oxbridge in sheltering and encouraging intellectual creativity and discovery. The role of clubs and associations. Filmed in 2010 by Xu Bei.
Alan Macfarlane on the way to the roof of King's reflects on time, continuity and change in England and Cambridge. Filmed by Xu Bei in summer 2010.
Alan Macfarlane reflects within the precincts of King's College, Cambridge, on the nature of civil society and Trusts in England Filmed by Xu Bei in Summer 2010.
Alan Macfarlane talks on King's College front lawn about the history and politics of Cambridge and how the University and Colleges have perfected the art of constant small changes, while maintaining the core continuity. Filmed by Xu Bei in Summer 2010.
Film taken from the roof of the famous chapel, with Alan Macfarlane a Fellow of the College explaining a few of the sights. Filmed in summer 2009 by Xu Bei.
Filmed in a Cambridge Combination (or Common) Room which functions as a club and is the centre of a College. Their particular nature and function and how they contribute to intellectual discovery. Alan Macfarlane talks about this.