Diaspora & Interview: Lou, Return to Roots and Quest for Identity at the Heart of Cambodia

During the Village of the Francophonie 2025, a festive and cultural event that brings together Francophones and Francophiles in Siem Reap, the Franco-Cambodian Lou Cutoli played the role of host with dynamism and confidence during the shows.

Lou Cutoli

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

Hello, my name is Lou Cutoli, I am 23 years old. I am Franco-Cambodian, more French by Cambodgian origin. I grew up in New Caledonia and a bit in France, but I have now been living in Cambodia for 7 years, where I returned to find my roots and better understand where I come from. I like to say that I am a mixture of several cultures: a bit from the South, a bit from the mainland, and a lot from Cambodia, this country that saw me born.

How did your family end up in New Caledonia?

My father worked in nickel, which is a very big industry there, attracting many families from France or elsewhere. So, for professional reasons, we settled in New Caledonia. This island was for us a place of opportunities, but also a true home, where I spent a large part of my childhood surrounded by nature and human warmth.

What memories do you keep from New Caledonia?

These are wonderful memories. For me, it really is paradise on earth: preserved nature, an incredibly blue sea, and a very welcoming population. It has the largest lagoon in the world, a natural jewel that the Caledonians protect with great respect. Above all, I keep a memory of freedom: long walks on the beach, endless sunsets, and the carefree nature of childhood. It is a place that brought me a lot on a human level.

What made you want to return to Cambodia?

After sixteen years away from my origins, I felt the need to return to Cambodia to better understand my roots. It was time for me to leave my comfort zone and confront my double identity. I finished high school here at the French Lycée, and ultimately, I never left again. I tried to resume my studies in France, but the pandemic disrupted my plans. This setback turned into an opportunity: I stayed here and started building a new life in Cambodia.

Did your whole family come back with you?

Yes, my parents also came back. They are French because I was adopted, but they have always had a strong connection to Cambodia through me. We decided together to settle here and rediscover the country in a new light. It's a beautiful family adventure, sometimes full of challenges, but also of moments of great complicity.

How was your discovery of Cambodia?

Honestly, it was not easy at first. It was a real cultural shock. In France, I was not perceived as completely French, and here in Cambodia, I was often seen as too Western.

It is sometimes an uncomfortable in-between. It took me time to accept this mix and make it a strength. Today, I feel in my place: I have learned to build my identity between these two worlds.

What are your professional projects today?

I have always had two great passions: catering and education. I love the conviviality and energy of the catering world—the human contact, the pace, teamwork. At the same time, I have taught French as a foreign language to students, notably in the hospitality field. It is very rewarding to share one's language and culture. My goal would be to find a balance between these two worlds: why not a training project in hospitality and catering that combines pedagogy and practice?

How did you start working at the Village of the Francophonie?

It all started a bit by chance. A friend asked me to co-present the Village of the Francophonie with him, and I spontaneously accepted. It was an unforgettable experience. It was the first time I saw so much unity between Khmer and Francophone communities. The exchanges, the atmosphere, the curious and smiling faces... it all deeply impressed me. There, I found a beautiful illustration of what I would like to live daily: a dialogue of cultures.

What do you expect now?

I am in full transition. I am looking for a job that allows me to grow, learn, and flourish. Ideally in catering or teaching, because these two fields are my passions and allow me to be close to people. But beyond work, I especially hope to continue building my place in Cambodia, to weave connections, to contribute, in my own way, to the country of my origins.