Paris cinema evacuated during curfew

On the evening of Monday, October 19, the UGC Ciné Cité Les Halles in Paris was evacuated at the order of the police prefecture, preventing audiences from finishing their film screenings. The evacuation occurred around 7:30 p.m. and was part of a government-imposed curfew in response to episodes of violence during demonstrations in France on Saturday.

Curfew restrictions in specific areas

Access to certain areas of the Republic and Châtelet neighborhoods was strictly prohibited from 10 p.m. on Monday until 6 a.m. on Tuesday. These restrictions were aimed at reducing public gatherings and preventing further unrest following the weekend’s demonstrations.

Public reaction to the cinema closure

The incident caused significant disruption, with many spectators expressing their indignation on social networks X and Instagram. A video by artist Lummen Nae shows a cinema employee asking the audience to leave immediately. The sudden nature of the closure left many patrons confused and upset.

UGC responds to last-minute curfew

Véronique Charret, a communications consultant for the UGC group, stated that cinema teams were informed of the curfew at the last minute and that ticket refunds would be processed soon. The UGC Ciné Cité Les Halles is one of the most visited cinemas in the world, and the disruption has raised concerns about its impact on the local film industry.

Curfew extension and film premiere cancellation

On X, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu suggested extending the curfew for Tuesday evening. The cancellation of the premiere of the film Club Kid, originally scheduled for 9:30 p.m., appears to align with this statement. The closure is seen as a setback for cinemas, which are already experiencing a decline in attendance this week.