"Venice's Pan-European Festival: A Response to Hollywood's SAG Strike"
The director of the Venice Film Festival, Alberto Barbera, is preparing an alternative program in case American films do not participate due to the ongoing WGA and SAG strikes. The festival organizers are also anticipating a limited presence of U.S. films at the Toronto International Film Festival. The strikes are centered around residuals in the streaming era, and their impact is already being felt on Venice, which heavily relies on Hollywood talent. Barbera is considering showcasing more international titles if American films are absent, with a potential focus on European and Asian cinema. A press conference to announce the Venice lineup is still scheduled for July 25.