The Controversy Surrounding the "Napalm Girl" Photograph

On June 8, 1972, a nine-year-old girl named Kim Phúc was severely burned by napalm in Trang Bàng, South Vietnam. The subsequent photograph of her, known as “Napalm Girl,” taken by Associated Press photographer Nick Ut, became one of the most iconic images of the Vietnam War, earning Ut both the Pulitzer Prize and the World Press Photo of the Year award. However, a new documentary titled *The Stringer* is challenging the established narrative surrounding the photograph's authorship.

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The film, directed by Bao Nguyen and featuring veteran war photojournalist Gary Knight, investigates claims made by Carl Robinson, a former AP photo editor. Robinson alleges that he was instructed by his superiors to credit Ut with the photograph, despite it being taken by a freelance contributor. This revelation has prompted Knight and his team to delve deeper into the story, leading them to Nguyen Thanh Nghe, who has remained largely unrecognized in the shadow of Ut's fame.

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The investigation began when Robinson reached out to Knight in December 2022, expressing a long-held desire to share his perspective on the photograph's crediting. Robinson had confided in Mort Rosenblum, a former AP reporter who was present in the Saigon bureau on the day of the incident. Rosenblum suggested that Robinson speak with Knight, who had previously researched the topic and was aware of the complexities surrounding the photograph's authorship.

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*The Stringer* not only seeks to clarify the authorship of the photograph but also aims to highlight the broader implications of war photography and its impact on historical narratives. The film presents a multifaceted exploration of the subject, combining elements of investigative journalism with a poignant reflection on the lives affected by the Vietnam War.

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While the documentary aims to shed light on the overlooked contributions of individuals like Nghe, it also faces criticism regarding the potential undermining of Ut's legacy. Some argue that questioning the authorship of such a significant image could detract from its historical importance and the broader context of the Vietnam War.

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Gary Knight has emphasized the importance of addressing the complexities of war photography, stating, “This story needed to be told, not just for Nghe but for the integrity of journalism.” The documentary has sparked discussions about the ethics of crediting in photojournalism and the responsibilities of media outlets in acknowledging all contributors.

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• “Carl had wanted to tell this story for many, many years, but he wanted somebody else really to take the lead.” — Mort Rosenblum, Former AP Reporter

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*The Stringer* is set to premiere on Netflix on November 28, 2023, and is expected to provoke further discussions about the ethics of photojournalism and the narratives constructed around iconic images. The film's release may lead to renewed scrutiny of historical accounts and the recognition of previously marginalized voices in the storytelling of war.

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