Lou Bensimon’s life is a story of two cultures. Born in Phnom Penh and raised in France, she eventually found herself drawn back to her roots in Cambodia. Today, she navigates the space between these two worlds as an educator, artist, and the founder of REANKHMER—a growing platform dedicated to making the Khmer language and culture accessible to the world. We sat down with Lou to discuss her journey, the nuances of cross-cultural identity, and her mission to bridge the gap between France and Cambodia.
1. Can you tell us about your background and what first brought you back to Cambodia?
I was born in Phnom Penh, in a Khmer family. My life took an unexpected turn when I was cast in the French film Holy Lola as a child. After my mother passed away, I moved to France at 13 and was adopted by the French family I met through the film.
I returned in 2023 for a short dance project, but when my biological father faced serious health problems, I knew I needed to stay. What was supposed to be a temporary trip became something much deeper. Today, I live in Cambodia, but I still remain very connected to France, constantly living between the two cultures.
2. What were the biggest cultural differences you had to adapt to upon returning?
The biggest difference is communication. In Cambodia, things are often expressed indirectly to preserve harmony and respect, whereas in France, communication is much more direct. I also had to adapt to a new rhythm of life. In Cambodia, relationships and human connections often come before strict planning, which contrasts with the structured way of doing things in France.
3. What aspects of Cambodian culture resonate with you the most?
It’s the depth behind the gestures, traditions, and emotions. Khmer culture is something you feel in the body—how people respect each other, move, and remember. Khmer classical dance, which I started in France, helped me understand that culture can be carried by the body, not just words. I am also deeply touched by the softness and rhythm of the Khmer language.
4. How did your relationship with the Khmer language evolve over time?
Khmer was my first language, but after moving to France, French took over my daily life. I didn’t want to lose my original language, so I consciously worked to rebuild it, eventually earning a master’s degree in Khmer studies at INALCO in Paris. For me, learning and teaching Khmer is emotional—it means reconnecting with my own story.
5. What inspired you to launch your learning platform, REANKHMER?
People kept asking me how to learn Khmer, and during COVID, I started creating simple educational content online. When a video of mine filmed in front of Angkor Wat went viral, I realized there was a huge demand from people connected to Cambodia through family, adoption, or travel.
Many traditional methods focus on isolated grammar, but I try to make language learning practical and connected to real life. We cover themes like family, food, and emotions so learners feel confident actually connecting with Khmer people.
6. How has living between these two worlds shaped your identity?
For a long time, I tried to figure out which part of me belonged where. Today, I don’t feel the need to choose; I am fully shaped by both. Cambodia gave me my roots, my first language, and my emotional world, while France gave me education, structure, and artistic opportunities. My work exists exactly in that space between the two.
7. What advice do you have for others wanting to live abroad and immerse themselves in a new culture?
Do not romanticize everything, but stay open. You have to accept that you will sometimes feel lost. The most important thing is to observe, listen, and stay humble. Learning the local language, even a little, changes everything because it shows respect and allows you to connect with people in a more sincere way.
8. What is next for you and your platform?
I want to build a real cultural ecosystem around the language, offering structured online courses, podcasts, and practical physical tools through REANKHMER Shop. Alongside that, I will continue my artistic projects in cinema, theater, and dance. For me, all these paths are connected: teaching, performing, creating, and transmitting culture in a sincere way.
