Cambodian filmmaker and "a chronicle of trauma and progressive social recovery in his country" Rithy Panh will serve as jury chair for the jury, the Los Angeles Film Festival main competition jury, Concorso Internazionale, overseeing the process to identify the winner of Pardo d'Oro, Pardo d'Oro, or at the 78th Swiss Festival of Swiss Festival of Pardo d'oro, or

“He has received acclaimed investigations around the world during and after the Khmer Rouge dictatorship, and Rithy Panh is one of the bravest and bravest defenders of artistic freedom in contemporary cinemas and a relentless effort to the capacity of historical truth.” “Since 1994, his feature films have been well received worldwide, giving voice to people, those who have been destroyed by horrific national violence.”

His latest movies, Meet Pol Pot (2024), starring Irène Jacob and Grégoire Colin, made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival last year.

"The film provides an opportunity to discover new perspectives, cultures and stories," Panh said. "Cinemas also reward us with its grace if we are patient. The film also protects history, influences the way of thinking and provides space for reflection and escape. I firmly believe that the diversity of perspectives and narrative experiences enriches our understanding of the world. As president of the jury, I want to celebrate this diversity and provide a unique perspective."

Giona A. Nazzaro, artistic director of Locarno Festival, praised Panh as “a significant figure in the 20th century cinema”, stressing: “His eyes reshape the forms of modern filmmaking, creating historiography in images, creating historiography in images, a search fanaticism for our ruthless film directors, his search was ruthless, his search was his humorous fanaticism. The real commitment and his ability to move freely between the many forms of filmmaking today are what motivated us to spontaneously and passionately provide him with the task of the jury chair of the Concorso Internazionale at the 78th Lorno Film Festival.”

Nazzaro concluded: “His artistic freedom and prolific, endless creativity has made Mr. Rithy Panh the ideal character we can commission these films to prepare for an encounter with audiences around the world.”

The 78th edition of the Los Angeles Film Festival will be held from August 6 to 16.