When it comes to discussions about eroticism in cinema, one name that often emerges is the incomparable Lina Romay. An actress and sex symbol whose presence on screen was as bold as it was mesmerizing.
By unapologetically embracing her sexuality and pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable on screen, she paved the way for future generations of actresses to explore themes of desire and sex in their work.
Lina Romay, was an actress, director and filmmaker of the 70s and 80s.
Born Rosa María Almirall Martínez in Barcelona in 1954, Lina Romay embraced her role as a provocateur in the world of film. Often associated with controversial Spanish filmmaker Jesús Franco (he shot over 400 films and was a pioneer in filming porn movies in Spain), she became an icon of the erotic and the avant-garde. Her collaborations with Franco, both personally and professionally, pushed the boundaries of conventional cinema, delving fearlessly into themes of gore, desire, taboo, and the human psyche.
Lina was a sexy brunette with amazing curves, yummy lips, and beautiful eyes. Despite not following the canons of beauty of the cinema produced in Spain then, she starred in hundreds of European productions, many classified as cinema S.
She started doing secondary roles in horror movies where she used to undress and play the victim, but her beauty and strength in front of the camera made her stand out. She quickly began to learn and work as an editor, screenwriter, and director.
Lina dared to explore the depths of human desire and sexuality, challenging societal norms and redefining the boundaries of cinematic expression.
Lina’s approach to her work was fearless. Whether portraying a seductive vampire, a sensual spy, or a liberated woman exploring her desires, she brought a raw intensity to her performances that captivated audiences and critics alike.
But it wasn’t just about shock value with her. Beneath the surface of her more explicit roles, she was pushing the ideals of feminism and sexual liberation. In an era when discussions about female autonomy were still taboo, Lina fearlessly embraced roles that celebrated female desire and challenged traditional gender roles (she would masturbate and give blowjobs).
Lina Romay’s legacy in the world of cinema extends far beyond the realm of eroticism. While she is perhaps best known for her work in cult classics like “Female Vampire“, “Barbed Wire Doll,” “Story of O” and “The Erotic Rites of Frankenstein“, her filmography is diverse and eclectic. From horror to comedy to drama, Romay’s versatility as an actress and her natural portrayal of nudity and eroticism shone through in every role she undertook.
Both Lina and Jess continued to make films until her death in 2012 due to cancer.
In the end, Lina Romay’s legacy is one of courage, passion, and unapologetic self-expression. She was more than just an actress; she was a rebel who dared to explore the depths of eroticism on screen and in doing so, helped to redefine the boundaries of cinematic expression.
