The story of phantasy (with a ‘ph’) forms the basis of this latest Footnote episode, a term that is as muddy and complex as its more familiar ‘f’ counterpart. Whereas ‘fantasy’ is associated with carefree, escapist enjoyment in the imagination, phantasy describes a process of meaning making within the human psyche, and is a psychological act that is a regular part of our engagement with - and understanding of - the world. In Alex’s 10-minute survey of the term, topics include its relationship to the language of psychoanalysis; the pleasurable frivolity and creativity of fantasy vs. phantasy’s more pointed link (as a basic mechanic of how our brains work) to the imagination of situations that are not happening in front of us; and the implications of applying psychoanalytic theory and phantasy to the study of fantasy cinema.

**Fantasy/Animation theme tune composed by Francisca Araujo**