Janella Salvador is entering a new phase in her career after starring in the Cinemalaya 2025 competition film Open Endings, her first sapphic role. Speaking to The STAR in an interview, Salvador said she had been manifesting the opportunity to do indie cinema and a queer project—both of which came true in one film.
“I wanna do indie films. I wanna do Cinemalaya and at the same time, I was telling her I wanna do a queer film. I wanna do a sapphic film. Hindi ko pa yun nagagawa. Then the offer came — I got both (dreams) in one project so sobrang, wow ang galing that it happened.” she said. Since then, she has received more offers to do similar films but stressed that she remains selective, prioritizing stories that offer respectful representation of the LGBTQ+ community.
Directed by Nigel Santos, Open Endings follows four queer women navigating love, heartbreak, and friendship through the years. The film stars Salvador alongside Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Klea Pineda, and Leanne Mamonong.
For Salvador, the project is deeply personal. She has long supported the LGBTQ+ community, even featuring sapphic themes in her past music video Hey You. She said meaningful representation remains rare, and she hopes to help fill that gap.
Salvador shared that the SOGIE orientation workshop before filming helped the cast approach their roles with sensitivity. She connected with her character, Charlie, whom she described as a hopeless romantic, admitting it reflects how she also loves deeply and quickly in real life.
When asked about exes remaining friends, she said while she hasn’t experienced it herself, she finds it possible, especially in queer communities with smaller circles. She added that the film explores such dynamics, making it a unique experience for audiences.
Salvador also addressed online buzz linking her closely with co-star Klea Pineda. She explained their bond developed naturally during filming and clarified she wants to stay away from speculations about Pineda’s past relationship, choosing instead to focus on celebrating the film.
Open Endings is one of 10 official full-length entries in Cinemalaya’s 21st edition, set for October 3–12 at Shangri-La Plaza’s Red Carpet Cinemas, with additional screenings at Ayala Malls and Gateway Cineplex.
