1975 – 2025: The French Embassy commemorates the 50th anniversary of the fall of Phnom Penh

Fifty years ago, on April 17, 1975, the Khmer Rouge entered Phnom Penh after several years of devastating civil war. That day, Cambodia entered one of the darkest chapters in its history.

Fifty years ago, on April 17, 1975, the Khmer Rouge entered Phnom Penh after several years of devastating civil war. That day, Cambodia entered one of the darkest chapters in its history. Amid the chaos that followed the fall of Phnom Penh, hundreds sought refuge at the French Embassy, hoping to find protection. More than 500 French nationals and about a hundred nationals from twenty other countries (including Belgium, Canada, Federal Republic of Germany, German Democratic Republic, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Laos, Lebanon, New Zealand, Pakistan, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam) were sheltered there. An estimated 600 Cambodians also took refuge inside the Embassy. For over two weeks, the diplomatic compound became the setting for a tragic standoff that ultimately saw the forced departure of the Cambodian nationals, followed by the evacuation of foreign nationals to Thailand in two convoys, on April 30 and May 6, 1975.

To pay tribute to the victims and preserve the memory of these events, the French Embassy is organizing a cycle of commemorations from May 6 to August 22, 2025. Through an exhibition, a memorial event, and a film program, this initiative aims to pass on the memory to new generations and to reaffirm France’s commitment to a relationship with Cambodia based on remembrance, dialogue, and trust.

Starting on May 6 at 6:30 PM, the exhibition “Facing the Khmer Rouge – The French Embassy during the Fall of Phnom Penh (April 17 – May 8, 1975)” will be on display at the French Institute (Institut Français). Free and open to the public, the exhibition will run until August 22. Organized by the French Embassy and the French Institute of Cambodia, and curated by two French researchers, it presents a detailed account of the tragic events of the time, with testimonies, previously unseen documents from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, photographs, and videos.

On Wednesday, May 7 at 6:30 PM, a public discussion will be held at the French Institute with anthropologist and writer François Bizot and photojournalist Roland Neveu, both eyewitnesses to the fall of Phnom Penh. The event will be in French with Khmer translation and admission is free.

On May 8, in the presence of survivors, witnesses, civil society representatives, Cambodian authorities, and members of the diplomatic community, the French Embassy will hold a memorial ceremony to honor those who found refuge within its walls, as well as all victims of the events.

Finally, beginning May 10, the French Institute of Cambodia, in partnership with the Bophana Center, will present a screening series of around a dozen films and documentaries dedicated to Cambodia’s history under the Khmer Rouge. Featuring works by both Cambodian and international directors — including Rithy Panh, Davy Chou, Denis Do, Angelina Jolie, Arthur Dong, and Bora Chhay — the program explores themes of personal and collective memory, regime violence, and the challenges of remembrance and resilience. The full schedule is available here: institutfrancais-cambodge.com.