World Hobbit Project in Aberystwyth studies fantasy fixation

As the final film in the adaptation of JRR Tolkien's book The Hobbit is released, Aberystwyth University has announced an ambitious research project into film audiences.

The study, known as the World Hobbit Project, will see up to 140 researchers in 46 countries looking at the importance of fantasy in contemporary culture.

Lead researcher, Martin Barker, emeritus professor at Aberystwyth University, told BBC Radio Wales' Mai Davies they wanted to know what people take away from fantasy films - not only fans but people who hate them.