Controversial Documentary Claims 'Napalm Girl' Photo Misattributed for Over 50 Years

A new documentary titled "The Stringer," which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, alleges that the renowned "Napalm Girl" photograph, taken during the Vietnam War in 1972, was misattributed to photographer Nick Út. Instead, the documentary claims that a local Vietnamese stringer, Nguyen Thanh Nghe, was the actual photographer of the harrowing image.

The "Napalm Girl" photo captured a pivotal moment during a chemical attack, showing a young girl, Kim Phúc, running down a road with her skin burning. This iconic image is credited with changing public perception about the Vietnam War when it was first published.

The documentary reveals the findings of a two-year investigation that began with an email from a whistleblower who confirmed that the photograph was credited to Út due to an established practice of favoring staff photographers over local contributors. The investigations included testimonies from several individuals, including an Associated Press photo editor who acknowledged that he was present when the credit decision was made.

With forensic evidence supporting Nghe's claim, the film raises significant questions about the ethics of photojournalism and highlights the ongoing issue of racial bias in crediting work. As the debate gains traction, the film's crew faces potential legal challenges from AP, which has not recognized Nghe's contribution.

The compelling revelations in "The Stringer" ignite discussions about accountability and justice within the journalism sphere, as they urge a reevaluation of historical narratives.