Actress-singer Janella Salvador is stepping into a role like no other in “Open Endings,” a 2025 Cinemalaya entry that tackles self-discovery, friendship and queer love.
“Kung ngayon pa lang hindi kayo excited, ewan ko na lang!” Janella quipped, half-joking, during the Star Magic Spotlight press conference at Coffee Project in Quezon City last Monday. “Most importantly, I think bihira, lalo na for the Sapphic community… sobrang bihira na magkaroon ng opportunity to be represented like this. Every once in a while lang may ganito. So ‘yung pinaboses natin na we need more films, we need more Sapphic representation, ito na ‘yun.”
In “Open Endings,” Janella plays a complex character navigating love, and identity. The film is notable not just for its theme but for how it portrays female and queer experiences with honesty.
For Janella, the rarity of such a film in the Philippine cinematic landscape is already a compelling reason to watch.
“Exciting na ‘yung concept pa lang. It’s a story that hasn’t been told,” she shared, “The film, it’s really an experience. When you watch it, you’re in for a wild ride.”
Janella is not just lending her talent to the LGBTQ++ cause, she’s also using her voice to fight against corruption. At the press con, she paused the conversation to express something deeply personal.
“I am currently very happy, in all honesty today, I’m actually tired. Kita n’yo sa mata ko. Is it okay if I share something, like a statement?
“Hindi ko masikmura na nasa press con and hindi ako mag speak up about current happenings sa country natin. Gusto ko lang maglabas ng statement na kasama ninyo ako sa laban. Hindi man ako nakapag-attend ng (September 21) rally kasi parang babagsak na ako sa pagod… gusto ko lang ipaalam na kasama niyo ako. Tama na ‘yung panggagago talaga sa ating mga Pilipino. Hindi natin deserve ‘yung mga band-aid solution. It’s really time to be heard … Kasama nyo ako sa laban and like I said ngayon masaya ako, pero sobrang sumasakit ang puso ko sa nangyayari sa country natin.”
“Open Endings” also stars Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Klea Pineda, Leanne Mamonong and is directed by Nigel Santos. It opens at Cinemalaya 2025 and runs from October 3 to 12 at Shangri-La Plaza Mall.
