MANILA -- The success of "Open Endings" in the 2025 Cinemalaya film festival has Janella Salvador yearning for more sapphic stories -- and sapphic roles.
"Open Endings," which tells the story of four queer women who are exes-turned-best friends, was the top box office hit of the film festival, according to the organizers. Salvador stars in the movie along with Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Klea Pineda, and Leanne Mamonong.
"We've always been proud of our film. I've always had a feeling that we were doing something worthwhile. I've always had a good feeling about this film," Salvador told ABS-CBN News last Friday.
"But, we're still super overwhelmed about how it was received, and considering na hindi siya your typical Cinemalaya entry... No. 1 sa box office, gosh," she added.
READ: Janella Salvador gets role of her dreams in 'Open Endings'
Aside from the packed screenings, "Open Endings" also received positive reviews from critics who hailed the chemistry of the four leads as well as the direction of Nigel Santos and the screenplay of Keavy Vicente.
They also garnered praise from the general audience, with social media users commending the relatable characters, the realistic representation of queer women, and their fresh take on a sapphic story.
On Sunday night, the cast earned a special award for the "Best Ensemble Performance" from Cinemalaya, with the festival highlighting the "seamless chemistry, emotional depth, and playful vitality" of their performances.
For Salvador, their success in the box office as well as the glowing reviews only add to the pride she has always felt for "Open Endings."
"Ayun naman 'yung point kung bakit namin -- and sila Direk [Nigel Santos], bakit nila ginawa 'yung film in the first place is to raise awareness. For the community to be able to be seen, and so hearing those kinds of reviews, parang ayun -- nakuha namin 'yung jackpot," the Kapamilya actress said.
"Nakuha namin 'yung gusto naming makuha. And it's not just for us eh," she added. "This film, it's a film started by queer people for the queer people. So we're just very happy."
READ: For newcomer Leanne Mamonong, 'Open Endings' is an 'experience of a lifetime'
Having waited a long time for a sapphic role, Salvador is determined to pursue similar projects -- as long as they follow the standard that "Open Endings" has set.
"I always say this, but I'm just really glad to be a part of something like this, and hopefully, this is not the last. I need more. I wanna be part of more," she said.
"There have been some offers naman na after Open Endings. But, inaaral ko pa rin ng mabuti lahat ng offer, na maging tamang representasyon. And, siyempre importante 'yung script, kung ano 'yung message na pinaparating. So as long as it's in line with that, I'll be a part of it," she added.
Meanwhile, the people behind "Open Endings" are hoping to bring the film to a wider audience, as well as a fitting follow-up project.
"Gusto namin siya masundan, definitely. We're still looking for avenues and the right people to talk to," said Vicente. "But excited kami kung ano man ang pupuntahan ng Open Endings."