Paris Cinematheque Closes for One Month Following Bedbug Infestation During Sigourney Weaver Event

The Cinematheque Francaise announced Friday its temporary closure due to a bedbug infestation that will affect all four screening halls for a month.

France's renowned film institution made the decision following multiple reports of bedbug sightings, including a notable incident during a master class featuring Hollywood actress Sigourney Weaver.

According to the Cinematheque's official statement, this month-long closure is necessary to ensure visitors can return to "a perfectly safe and comfortable environment."

In early November, several attendees reported to French media outlets that they had suffered bedbug bites while attending the master class with the Oscar-nominated "Alien" star.

One audience member told Le Parisien newspaper that bedbugs were visibly crawling on "the seats and clothes" during the event.

The Cinematheque, located in eastern Paris, typically operates three screening halls for public viewings, with a fourth dedicated to educational activities.

The institution detailed its comprehensive treatment plan: "All the seats will be dismantled and then individually treated with dry steam at 180C several times, before being systematically checked by dogs." Carpets will undergo equally thorough treatment.

While the screening halls remain closed, other areas of the building will continue operating, including the current exhibition dedicated to American actor and filmmaker Orson Welles.

The bedbug issue in France gained national attention in 2023 when the government launched a coordinated campaign against the pests. The insects had proliferated in public transportation, cinemas, and hospitals as Paris prepared to host the 2024 Olympic Games.

In 2024, French authorities revealed that Russian-linked social media accounts had spread disinformation that amplified public panic about bedbugs in autumn 2023.

Bedbugs earned their name from their tendency to nest in mattresses, though they readily hide in clothing and luggage as well.

Their bites typically cause red areas, blisters, or extensive rashes on the skin, often resulting in intense itching or allergic reactions.

Beyond physical symptoms, bedbug infestations frequently lead to psychological distress, sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression among those affected.