The Hunt for Gollum (2009) is a fan-made, independent short film set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, specifically within the world of The Lord of the Rings. Directed by Chris Bouchard, the film was produced with a relatively low budget but showcases impressive creativity, passion, and dedication to the source material. It is not an official part of the Lord of the Rings film franchise, but it takes place within the same universe, drawing on the lore of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

The film takes place between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. It focuses on Aragorn (played by Adrian Webster) and his quest to track down Gollum (played by Peter Cushing, with CGI enhancement), the creature who possesses the One Ring. After the events of The Hobbit, Gollum is on the run, and Sauron is aware of the danger the creature poses due to his knowledge of the ring’s whereabouts.

The film begins with Aragorn being tasked with finding Gollum, who has fled from the Shire, where he had been captured by the Elves. Aragorn’s journey leads him deep into Middle-earth, encountering dark forests, treacherous landscapes, and moments of peril as he hunts for the elusive creature. Along the way, Aragorn must deal with the growing danger posed by Gollum’s knowledge of the One Ring and his obsession with retrieving it.