Presentation by Tomyo Costa Ito

Title
What Did the Khmer Rouge Want Us to See? Unpacking the Official Narrative in Their Propaganda Films

Abstract

Drawing on the vital archives of the Bophana Center, this presentation analyzes the propaganda films of the Khmer Rouge. It investigates their visual language and narrative structures to understand how the regime built an idealized image of its revolution, in stark contrast to its reality. By combining close film analysis with extrafilmic sources—such as documents, photographs, and revolutionary publications—this talk illuminates the production of these films and their role in constructing the regime’s official narrative. The presentation concludes by reflecting on the challenges of engaging with such sensitive material today.