Angelina Jolie has officially re-entered the spotlight.
The actress, whose split from Brad Pitt last year generated plenty of headlines, has largely avoided the public eye in the aftermath of the divorce. However, that all changed when she stepped out to celebrate the premiere of her new film First They Killed My Father in Cambodia over the weekend, at a free public screening held in Siem Reap.
Angelina brought her six children – Maddox, 15 (who she adopted from Cambodia in 2002), Pax, 13, Zahara, 12, Shiloh, 10 and twins Knox and Vivienne, 8 – along with her for the special occasion.
Angelina and her children wave to the crowds at the premiere. Photo: Getty
The film, which is based on a memoir written by Cambodian activist and former refugee Loung Ung, tells the true story of her experiences during the Cambodian genocide of the 1970s.
Ung, who has been friends with Angelina since her autobiography was published in 2001, tells People that there was a “family feel” on set as both Maddox and Pax were there to lend a hand during production.
“I have watched the young people grow into really kind, empathetic, curious human beings. Pax is a talented photographer and Mad is so kind and generous,” Ung told the publication.
“The cast kids, they all looked up to him as a big brother.”
Maddox Jolie-Pitt greets the Cambodian King as Angelina looks on proudly. Photo: Getty
Angelina and her children pictured at the royal residence in Siem Reap. Photo: Getty
At the film’s premiere on Saturday, emotions were running high as Angelina, Maddox and Shiloh spoke of their love for the country and the importance of the film.
“I cannot find words to express what it means to me that I was entrusted with telling part of the story of this country,” Angelina said.
“This film was not made to focus on the horrors of the past, but to celebrate the resilience, kindness and talent of the Cambodian people.
Angelina pays respect to Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni at the premiere. Photo: Getty
Shiloh, Vivienne, Knox, Zahara, Pax and Maddox stand beside their mum at the premiere of First They Killed My Father. Photo: Getty
“Most of all, this film is my way of saying thank you to Cambodia,” she continued. “Without Cambodia I may never have become a mother. Part of my heart is and will always be in this country. And part of this country is always with me: Maddox.”
Maddox also said a few heartfelt words at the premiere, telling the audience that it was “a great honour to present this film to all of you, and to stand by my mother and my family”.
He also introduced his younger sister Shiloh, who delivered a short but touchingly sweet message in Khmer: “My name is Shiloh and I love Cambodia.”
Angelina gave a heartfelt speech at the free public screening of the film, telling the audience: “Part of my heart is and will always be in this country. And part of this country is always with me: Maddox.”
Angelina greets former Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk at the premiere. Photo: Getty
The premiere was screened in Terrace of the Elephant in the historic Angkor Wat temple complex, not far from where Angelina filmed Tomb Raider in 2001.
Cambodian royals King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk both attended the star-studded event, as well as other senior government officials. Earlier in the day, Angelina and her children were also invited to have an audience with the King at the royal residence.
The actress and director – who donned both an elegant black dress and a vibrant pink gown for the film’s promotional events – has previously spoken about how her eldest son Maddox helped persuade her to make the film.
“I wanted to know him better and I wanted to know this country better. He was the one who just called it and said he was ready and that he wanted to work on it, which he did. He read the script, helped with notes, and was in the production meetings,” she said.
The film is due to be released on Netflix.
