Cinematheque Françoise Shuts Down Amid Bedbug Concerns Following Sigourney Weaver's Masterclass

Paris, November 29, 2025 – The renowned Cinematheque Française, a staple of Parisian cinema, will suspend operations for a month due to a bedbug infestation that reportedly affected guests attending a masterclass by the acclaimed Oscar nominee Sigourney Weaver.

Beginning this Friday, all four of the cinema’s screening rooms will be closed, including the spaces used for public films and educational events. This decision is taken to provide a secure and pleasant environment for all patrons.

The problem emerged in early November, with several attendees expressing concerns about being bitten by bedbugs during Weaver’s session. One person recounted to Le Parisien that bedbugs were observed moving on seats and clothing, raising alarm among those present.

In response, the Cinematheque will implement an extensive treatment protocol, dismantling each seat for individual treatment with dry steam at 180°C repeatedly. The carpets will undergo similar rigorous cleaning, and specially trained dogs will be utilized to confirm the areas are bedbug-free.

While the screening rooms will be off-limits, other parts of the Cinematheque, including an exhibition devoted to celebrated US actor and director Orson Welles, will continue to welcome visitors.

Bedbugs often lurk in mattresses, clothing, and luggage, leading to red welts, irritation, and significant discomfort. Beyond physical symptoms, infestations can also result in mental stress, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and depression.

France has ramped up efforts to tackle bedbug issues, particularly as the authorities noted a rise in these pests in public transport, theaters, and healthcare facilities in 2023, just before the 2024 Paris Olympics. Officials have pointed out that disinformation from foreign social media sources has contributed to public anxiety regarding these infestations.

The decision by the Cinematheque Française to close is a testament to its commitment to ensuring visitor health while effectively addressing the rising concern of bedbug infestations in urban centers.