Now accepting applications for Fast Company Middle East’s Most Innovative Companies. Click here to apply.

The movie and television industry is at a standstill as Hollywood’s actors and writers strike the 100-day mark this week.

Amidst the ongoing strike, the Red Sea International Sea Film Festival’s Women in Cinema gala event has been canceled.

Announcing the news on Instagram, Mohammed Al Turki, CEO of the RSIFF, said, “Due to the actors’ strike and in solidarity with the actors, we are unable to proceed with the Women in Cinema event scheduled to be held on the 1st of September in Venice, Italy.”

“We remain committed to empowering female talents in front of and behind the camera in our mission to support the industry,” he said.

Al Turki added, “As we work towards future events, we genuinely hope to have the opportunity to welcome guests and celebrate Women Stories in the near future under better circumstances.”

The event is a celebration of female talent in the film industry. Previously hosted at the Cannes Film Festival, the event was held in Saudi Arabia for the first time last year.

Its guests included Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Jessica Alba, Frieda Pinto, Tara Emad, Lucy Hale, Sharon Stone, Gurinder Chadha, Salma Abu Deif, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, and more.

Amid concerns over the industry’s use of advanced technology, Walt Disney has created a task force to study artificial intelligence and how it can be applied across the entertainment company.

Launched before the Hollywood writers’ strike, the company has released job openings for candidates with expertise in AI or machine learning.

In line with the Red Sea Foundation’s commitment to fostering emerging Saudi talents, it launched the SeriesLab, a seven-month program for aspiring scriptwriters. Earlier in July, the program shortlisted eight writers to participate in the program, including workshops, training, mentorship, and immersive experiences. Beating out applications from Saudi nationals and residents, the program aims to shape the future of TV series production in the Kingdom.

Ryan Ashore, Head of Red Sea Labs, welcomed the selected writers: “Writers are the unsung heroes of the shows. They create compelling stories, craft characters that inspire us, and build magical worlds. We look forward to working with you to help build Saudi Arabia’s film and television industry.”

Tutors and mentors included David Janollari, film producer of the acclaimed series Six Feet Under and Friends, Zac Hub, a TV writer and playwright, and Kelly Edwards, a media executive and producer in TV and film.