Critical Writings and Interviews on World Fringe Cinema
and Other Diversions
The Latest!
In Print
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
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
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Note: Ongoing revisions will be made to as new research findings are uncovered.
Podcast
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
Collaborations
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.
Opening: August 21, 2025
Photo of Lady IX by Laeti Goo © 2025
Music collaboration with Ethereal Goth Metal icon Lady IX, lead singer of the Belgian band Hyldr: "Bones of Yesterday" featuring a poem by Michael Orlando Yaccarino.
Release: Valentine's Day, February 14, 2025
listen to the song
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