Critical Writings and Interviews on World Fringe Cinema
and Other Diversions
The Latest!
Music Collaboration
[cover art by Lady IX]
Music collaboration with vocals, music, and all instrumentation by Ethereal Goth Metal icon Lady IX, lead singer of the Belgian band Hyldr, for the eight-track album Giardino Della Morte featuring funereal and ethereally dark songs with lyrics from or inspired by Michael Orlando Yaccarino's poetry.
With video album created by Lady IX.
Worldwide Release: May 7, 2026
watch on YouTube
listen to teaser
watch album teaser
[video by Lady IX]
Available Now!
Book Review
The Hyldr Chronicles 1:
Bride of Lightning
Book review for the first volume of the otherworldly saga by Lachesis Helwood, AKA Lady IX of the Gothic Metal band Hyldr.
Publication: Spring 2026
Videocast
Horror 101 with Dr. AC Videocast
Invited horror expert to share insights, fan stories, and plenty of spooky fun on landmark British supernatural masterwork The Innocents (1961).
Release: March 13, 2026
"Keep Searching, Keep Exploring, and, most of all, Keep Sharing the Scare!"
Personal Note
Raised in a house in which supernatural occurrences took place, sometimes children are hesitant to share their own otherworldly experiences...
Videocast
Horror 101 with Dr. AC Videocast
Invited horror expert to share insights, fan stories, and plenty of spooky fun on American horror cult classic
Let's Scare Jessica to Death (1971).
Release: February 27, 2026
"Keep Searching, Keep Exploring, and, most of all, Keep Sharing the Scare!"
Delirium (Issue #40)
Cover story for exclusive interviews with actors Pamela Stanford and Monica Swinn, accompanied by a brief article on Jess Franco and his connection to the French fantastique film.
Publication: February 26, 2025
In Print
Note
Space limitations prevented the publication of the extensive notes and select bibliography for this article and interviews in the print version. The complete version with alternate photos is available now at this site accompanied by a lavish image gallery to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the mid-August 1975 shooting start date for Doriana Gray (1975), one of Jess Franco's films covered. See related posting at Robert Monell's long-running essential blog
I'm in a Jess Franco State of Mind.
Publication: Mid-August 2025
Note: Ongoing revisions will be made to as new research findings are uncovered.
Cultural Collaboration
Image: Villa San Michele, Capri, ca. 1920 (Ryersson & Yaccarino/The Casati Archives)
Since 1999, Michael Orlando Yaccarino and Scot D. Ryersson (1960-2024) have been the Directors of The Casati Archives dedicated to preserving the artistic and cultural legacy of the Marchesa Luisa Casati (1881-1957), subject of their worldwide bestselling biographies [learn more in The Library] about her. The Villa San Michele (Capri) in collaboration with The Casati Archives opens the Marchesa Casati Installation pavilion within in its gardens. For it, artworks and photographs of Casati have been reproduced upon the structure’s glass windowpanes. This ongoing and evolving project will also feature contemporary works of different media inspired by the Marchesa.
Opened: August 21, 2025
Podcast
Music Collaboration
Photo of Lady IX by Laeti Goo © 2025
University of Minnesota Press Podcast
Invited guest host for podcast celebrating the life and legend of the Marchesa Casati (1881-1957) with fashion, culture, and art authorities Valerie Steele, Francesca Granata, and Joan T. Rosasco.
Release: February 19, 2025
Music collaboration with vocals, music, and all instrumentation by Ethereal Goth Metal icon Lady IX, lead singer of the Belgian band Hyldr, for the single-track "Bones of Yesterday" (retitled "Ossa Aeterna" or "Eternal Bones" for inclusion on the album Giardino Della Morte) featuring a poem by Michael Orlando Yaccarino.
Release: Valentine's Day,
February 14, 2025
listen to song
[video by Lady IX]
Bones of Yesterday
Vocals & Music by Lady IX
Lyrics by Michael Orlando Yaccarino with Lady IX
All I have are the bones of yesterday
For all of my tomorrows
An ivory cage of endless pain
For all of my tomorrows
And all these bones will never turn to dust
And all these bones will never turn to dust
But remain a cage of sorrows