Table of Contents
Three Key Takeaways
- Jonathan Hammond blends fantasy, sci-fi, and horror genres to craft a uniquely silly yet thoughtful romance.
- The film explores the dangers of romanticizing the past, especially regarding medical advice, with a comedic twist.
- Collaborative spirit and adaptability were vital, especially when unexpected challenges reshaped the production.
Jonathan Hammond, a three-time Emmy-nominated writer/director known for his award-winning shorts and documentaries, brings his latest creation Fireflies in the Dusk to FilmQuest 2025. Featuring a talented cast including Martin Spanjers, Emily Goss, Hale Appleman, Drew Droege, and Amy Yasbeck, the film is a fantastical romance that traverses time and space through magical letters. With a blend of humor and genre elements, Hammond’s film invites audiences to rethink nostalgia and modern-day reliance on social media for critical information.
What drew you to make Fireflies in the Dusk? Why this story, and why now?
I wanted to make something that commented on the dangers of romanticizing the past, especially when it comes to medical care—albeit commenting in the stupidest way possible. I also wanted to make a silly comedy.
What surprised you most about the filmmaking process this time—creatively or logistically? Was there a moment on set or in post that completely changed how you saw the story?
Well, we saw the Cecil character as being overly-excited and quite hyper. But what Hale brought was a self absorbed ninny and thank God as he is so funny.
Is there a moment in the film that feels the most you—something only you could have made?
“Literally every moment is a reflection of me. But the last four minutes are especially me—people fought me on that ending but I insisted.”
What was the hardest creative decision you made while making this film?
We had to combine characters as one of the actresses got Covid. This was hard for us but truly the right thing to happen.
What do you hope audiences take away from your film?
“I want [audiences] to laugh, see a film unlike anything they have ever seen and think harder about getting medical advice from Instagram.”
How has this film shaped or shifted the kind of stories you want to tell next?
It has raised the bar in terms of talent I have worked with. I do think the next thing I want to make will be a little more contained.
What’s a tool, technique, or resource that really helped you during production?
My tool was producer Martin, who has an eagle eye for detail. This was the most collaborative film I have made and that has its pros and cons.
Independent filmmakers often rewrite the rules out of necessity. What do you think is the greatest strength of independent filmmaking, and how did you lean into that on this project? Is there a lesson or breakthrough you’d share with others navigating this path?
The hardest thing about this film is also the saddest—filming in LA is a nightmare. I am from San Diego and the Film Office just hands you a permit and you can film anywhere without harassment so long as you don't interrupt traffic. In LA, it's unnecessarily expensive and a maze of hurdles.
“Filming in LA is a nightmare... In LA, it's unnecessarily expensive and a maze of hurdles.”
What does it mean to you to have your film selected for FilmQuest, one of the world’s top reviewed genre film festivals?
This was our top choice. It means everything to us! Especially when the film is SO silly.
FilmQuest celebrates the majesty and might of genre filmmaking across fantasy, horror, sci-fi, action, thriller, western, kung-fu, and beyond. How does your film fit within—or push the boundaries of—genre storytelling?
Our film incorporates elements of fantasy, sci-fi and horror.
Where do you see this film going next?
We have a few festivals afterwards. I hope we have a successful online run. We are considering making this into a feature.
“At the core of all my work is a desire to give someone something they haven't seen before inside a story they already know."
Cast & Crew
- Jonathan Hammond — three-time Emmy-nominated writer/director with multiple awards and grants, including National Endowment for the Arts and San Diego Film Award for Best Writing.
- Martin Spanjers — actor
- Emily Goss — actress
- Hale Appleman — actor
- Drew Droege — actor
- Amy Yasbeck — actress
Checkout the trailer on Fireflies in the Dusk official Instagram.
