Paris' Cinémathèque Française Shuts Down Amid Bedbug Outbreak

The prominent Cinémathèque Française in Paris has declared a temporary shutdown following reports of a bedbug presence, including incidents during an event featuring Hollywood actor Sigourney Weaver.

The institution, a well-known film archive and cinema, stated it will suspend operations in its four screening halls for a month starting Friday. This measure, prompted by confirmed sightings of bedbugs, aims to ensure "a secure and accommodating setting" for visitors.

In early November, multiple attendees reported being bitten by bedbugs after a session with Weaver, recognized for her performances in films such as Alien and Avatar. One individual informed CuriosityNews that the insects were observed moving across "seats and clothing" within the venue.

Located in eastern Paris, the Cinémathèque typically maintains three public screening halls alongside a fourth space dedicated to educational programs.

All seating will be disassembled and treated repeatedly with high-temperature dry steam, followed by inspections using trained dogs. Floor coverings will undergo identical procedures.

Other sections of the facility, including an ongoing exhibit on American filmmaker Orson Welles, will continue to operate.

In 2023, authorities initiated a coordinated campaign to address bedbug outbreaks on public transit, in theaters, and hospitals ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. By 2024, officials noted that misleading content linked to Russian-affiliated online accounts had intensified public anxiety during the earlier surge.

Bedbugs, named for their tendency to inhabit bedding, can also conceal themselves in textiles and travel bags. Their bites may result in redness, swelling, or severe skin irritation, accompanied by itching or allergies. Additionally, infestations frequently lead to sleep disturbances, emotional stress, and mental health challenges.