Jackie Lou Blanco returns to the big screen with two Cinemalaya 2025 films

Jackie Lou Blanco has achieved a dream, officially checking off her bucket list with a rare double-entry debut in the ongoing 2025 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

- By RONA AMPARO

She plays a major role in Cheska Marfori’s drama film “Paglilitis” and a supporting character in Nigel Santos’ highly anticipated sapphic film “Open Endings.”

“I do more TV (now). So, it’s memorable because I’m happy that I’m back doing movies again, and then more memorable dahil Cinemalaya pa siya,” she told The STAR on the sidelines of the film festival during the gala night of “Paglilitis” on Oct. 7.

Landing the role of Mildred in “Paglilitis” marks her return to the big screen, an opportunity she is grateful for, as she loved playing the conflicted wife.

“I read the script. And ang inisip ko, if it happened to me and I had a husband who did that, but at the same time, alam kong mabuti siyang ama at mabuti siyang asawa, parang hating-hati ‘yung sentiments ko. So ‘yun ang ginamit ko dito,” she shared.

“Parang even if I knew that he wasn’t doing something right, but still I loved him. Di ba? It's like sometimes people in your life, right, na gumagawa ng mali o nagkamali, but at the same time, mahal mo pa rin sila.