Post by : Rameen Ariff

Paris, November 29, 2025 – The prestigious Cinematheque Française, one of Paris’s most iconic film institutions, announced it will temporarily close its screening halls for a month following a bedbug infestation that affected visitors, including attendees of a masterclass by Oscar-nominated Hollywood star Sigourney Weaver.

The closure, which begins this Friday, will affect all four screening halls of the cinema, including the halls used for public screenings and educational activities. The Cinematheque stated that the decision is aimed at ensuring a completely safe and comfortable environment for all visitors.

The infestation reportedly began in early November, when several audience members complained of being bitten by bedbugs after attending Weaver’s masterclass. One attendee told Le Parisien that bedbugs were seen crawling on the seats and on visitors’ clothes, causing concern and discomfort among the audience.

As part of the thorough treatment plan, the Cinematheque will dismantle all seats and treat them individually with dry steam at 180°C multiple times. Carpets will receive the same intensive treatment, and specially trained dogs will inspect the areas to ensure that no bedbugs remain.

Despite the closure of the screening halls, other sections of the Cinematheque, including the ongoing exhibition dedicated to US actor and filmmaker Orson Welles, will remain open to the public.

Bedbugs, which often hide in mattresses, clothes, and luggage, are known for causing red rashes, blisters, and severe itching. Beyond the physical discomfort, infestations can also lead to psychological stress, sleeping difficulties, anxiety, and depression.

France has been taking significant measures to combat bedbug infestations, particularly since the government noted an increase in bedbugs across public transport, cinemas, and hospitals in 2023, ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Authorities also highlighted that disinformation spread by foreign-linked social media accounts had heightened public fears about the infestations.

The Cinematheque Française’s proactive closure reflects the institution’s commitment to visitor safety while addressing the growing challenge of public bedbug infestations in major cities.

#Entertainment News #Global