When the Khmer Rouge entered Phnom Penh on April 17, 1975, Cambodia entered the darkest chapter of its modern history.

The French embassy became the centre of just one of the many tragedies that unfolded during that terrible time, when 500 French nationals and around 100 other foreigners – from 20 other nations – took shelter there, along with an estimated 600 Cambodian citizens.

For more than a fortnight, the embassy compound was 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. The first departed on April 30, with the final trucks leaving the embassy grounds on May 6.

Khmer Rouge and Viet Cong soldiers killed fighting republican troops near the French embassy in Phnom Penh, 1970. DC-Cam/The Lon Nol Dossier

“To pay tribute to the victims and preserve the memory of these events, the French embassy is organising a cycle of commemorations from May 6 to August 22, 2025. Through an exhibition, a memorial event and a film programme, 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,” announced the embassy.

Beginning on the anniversary of the departure of the final convoy – May 6 – 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).

The event will run until August 22 and is free to the public. Organised by the 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.

People on the grounds of the French embassy observe Khmer Rouge soldiers (in red kramas) as they enter the compound on April 17, 1975. DC-Cam/The Lon Nol Dossier

A public discussion will be held at the French Institute on May 7 with anthropologist and author of The Gate François Bizot and photojournalist Roland Neveu, both eyewitnesses to the fall of Phnom Penh. The free event will be in French with Khmer translation.

“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 honour those who found refuge within its walls, as well as all victims of the events,” announced the embassy.

A 1970 press conference with Lon Nol’s official spokesperson Am Rong. The western media of the time considered his name highly appropriate. DC-Cam/The Lon Nol Dossier

Two days later, on May 10, the French Institute of Cambodia, in partnership with the Bophana Center, will begin a series of screenings 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 programme explores themes of personal and collective memory, regime violence and the challenges of remembrance and resilience. The full schedule is available here: Institut français du Cambodge (IFC),” noted the embassy.

The Chroy Changvar Bridge, opposite the French embassy, after its destruction by Khmer Rouge sappers in 1970. DC-Cam/The Lon Nol Dossier

When the Khmer Rouge captured Phnom Penh in 1975, around 600 foreigners sheltered in the grounds of the French embassy. Roland Neveu

An additional 600 Cambodians – many married to foreigners – also sought shelter in the embassy. Roland Neveu

The Cambodians were forced to leave the protection of the embassy grounds. Roland Neveu