August M
Paris’s renowned Cinémathèque Française has temporarily closed its screening rooms after confirmed bedbug sightings, including during a recent event with actor Sigourney Weaver. The month-long shutdown aims to allow a full decontamination process as France continues battling recurring infestations in public venues.
For weeks, rumours had swirled among French filmgoers about unusual bites and sightings inside one of Paris’s most celebrated cinemas.
Now the Cinémathèque Française has taken the drastic step of closing its screening rooms for a full month.
The institution, among the world’s most respected film archives, said the shutdown is necessary to guarantee visitor safety after confirmed reports of bedbugs in its theatres.
Screening rooms closed
The Cinémathèque announced that all four of its screening halls will be shut from Friday, following multiple audience complaints.
According to The Guardian, concerns escalated after several spectators reported being bitten during a masterclass with Sigourney Weaver earlier in November.
One attendee told Le Parisien that insects were visible on “the seats and clothes”, prompting calls for immediate intervention.
While three theatres are normally open to the public, the fourth is used for educational activities.
Extensive decontamination
The institution said every seat will now be dismantled and treated repeatedly with 180C dry steam.
Specially trained dogs will then inspect the rooms to ensure no pests remain. Carpets will undergo the same process.
Other parts of the building, including a major exhibition on Orson Welles, will continue to operate during the closure.
National context
France has struggled with recurring bedbug outbreaks in recent years. The government launched a coordinated response in 2023 after sightings across public transport, cinemas and hospitals ahead of the Paris Olympics.
In 2024, officials said that the panic earlier that year had been amplified by Russia-linked disinformation campaigns, which helped spread alarm across social media, notes The Guardian,
Health and psychological impact
Bedbugs, which often hide in mattresses, clothing and luggage, can cause red welts, blisters or severe rashes. Prolonged infestations are also linked to insomnia, anxiety and depression.
Authorities and venue managers continue urging the public to report sightings promptly to prevent further spread.
Sources: The Guardian
