One of Paris's most celebrated cultural institutions, the Cinémathèque Française, has been forced to temporarily close its doors to the public following the discovery of a significant bedbug infestation.
Infestation Halts Screenings
The internationally renowned film archive and cinema announced the immediate, month-long closure of its four screening halls starting from Friday. This drastic action was taken to ensure it can provide visitors with a perfectly safe and comfortable environment following multiple reports of the blood-sucking insects.
The problem came to light in early November when several audience members came forward with complaints of being bitten. The incidents reportedly occurred during a master class featuring the Hollywood star Sigourney Weaver, famous for her roles in the Alien and Avatar franchises.
One eyewitness told the French newspaper Le Parisien that the pests were visibly crawling around the seats and on people's clothing, confirming the severity of the situation.
Extensive Eradication Measures Underway
The institution, located in eastern Paris, is now undertaking a thorough and labour-intensive decontamination process. A statement confirmed that all seats will be dismantled and subjected to multiple treatments with dry steam heated to 180 degrees Celsius.
Following the steam cleaning, a systematic check using specially trained sniffer dogs will be conducted to ensure no bugs remain. The Cinémathèque has pledged that the carpets throughout the screening halls will receive the same rigorous level of treatment.
While the screening rooms are out of action, other parts of the building, including a current exhibition about the US actor and filmmaker Orson Welles, will remain open to the public.
A Recurring Problem for France
This incident is not an isolated one for France. In 2023, the government launched a concerted national effort to combat bedbugs after widespread appearances on public transport, in cinemas, and within hospitals. This was a particular concern as the country prepared to host the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The government later stated that in the autumn of 2023, public panic over the issue was amplified by disinformation spread by Russia-linked social media accounts.
Bedbugs, which nest in mattresses but can also hide in clothing and luggage, are a significant public health nuisance. Their bites can cause red welts, blisters, and intense itching, often leading to allergic reactions. Beyond the physical symptoms, infestations frequently result in psychological distress, sleep issues, anxiety, and depression for those affected.
