Janella Salvador is having a moment. At the recent Star Magic Spotlight September press conference, the actress-singer revealed a slate of projects that show just how far she’s willing to stretch her artistry—starting with a Cinemalaya film that hits close to her heart.
Her latest movie, “Open Endings,” casts her as Charlie in a story that celebrates queer friendships and sapphic love. For Janella, it’s a milestone she’s long awaited.
“Alam ko paulit-ulit ko na ’tong sinasabi pero dream come true for me itong project na ’to,” she shares. “Matagal ko nang gustong magkaroon ng role na ganito—isang queer project—tapos part pa siya ng Cinemalaya.”
Now at a stage where growth matters more than comfort, she jumped at the chance. “I really want to grow as an actress, so I want to do more films. Kaya nung dumating ’yung project na ’to, sobrang saya ko,” she says.
“Open Endings” breaks away from the usual formulas.
“It’s a queer, sapphic film about four exes turned friends,” Janella explains. “Interesting siya kasi hindi siya ’yung usual story—hindi siya coming-out story, hindi siya rom-com. It really highlights the point of view of women, the friendship between four women—and of course, meron ding kalat ng community.”
Festival audiences can catch the film at Cinemalaya 21 from October 3 to 12 at Red Carpet Cinemas, Shangri-La Plaza, the festival’s new home.
But that’s only part of Janella’s packed schedule.
She’s also set to appear in ABS-CBN’s upcoming thriller “What Lies Beneath,” alongside Charlie Dizon, Kaila Estrada, Sue Ramirez, Jake Cuenca, and JM De Guzman—where she takes on the demanding role of a mother caught in a murder mystery.
“Excited ako dito kasi first time ko makatrabaho sina Charlie, Sue, and Kaila,” she says. “All very great actresses, and it’s really nice to work with people na magagaling. Nagkakahawaan kami ng energy sa set. Ang sarap nila katrabaho.”
Even with her acting plate full, Janella hasn’t forgotten her first love—music. She teases that a new album is quietly taking shape.
“I always say that singing is my first love, and acting I learned to fall in love with,” she admits. “I am working on an album. It’s been a long process—medyo tumatagal lang—but I’m hopeful magawa ko pa rin pareho nang maayos.”
