Rino Di Silvestro was a renowned Italian writer and director, celebrated for his work in the low-budget exploitation film genre. Born in 1932, he hails from a family of Sicilian landowners, who instilled in him a strong sense of creativity and artistic expression. Di Silvestro's passion for the arts led him to establish his own avant-garde theatre company, where he produced the risqué comedy play "Op Bop Pop Nip" in the 1960s.
In addition to his work in theatre, Di Silvestro was a prolific ghostwriter, penning over 200 screenplays throughout his career. He made his directorial debut with the controversial film "Women in Cell Block 7" in 1973, which showcased his unique ability to craft graphic and provocative storylines.
Di Silvestro's subsequent films, including "Love Angels" (1974) and "Deported Women of the SS Special Section" (1976),further solidified his reputation as a master of the exploitation genre. However, it was his 1976 film "The Legend of the Wolf Woman" that cemented his status as a cult cinema icon, with its outrageous and leering portrayal of soft-core horror.
Throughout the 1980s, Di Silvestro continued to produce films that pushed the boundaries of good taste and social norms, including "Hanna D. - La ragazza del Vondel Park" (1984) and "The Erotic Dreams of Cleopatra" (1985). Despite his controversial body of work, Di Silvestro remained a beloved figure in the world of cult cinema, and his films continue to entertain and shock audiences to this day.
Tragically, Di Silvestro passed away on October 3, 2009, due to complications from cancer. His legacy as a pioneer of the exploitation genre continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers and fans alike.
