A gripping tale of historical intrigue, “The Stringer” uncovers a deep-seated investigation into one of the Vietnam War’s most iconic images. As the new trailer reveals, the documentary challenges the accepted story behind the famous “Napalm Girl” photograph, sparking a hunt for truth that could alter the course of history. This compelling narrative is set to captivate audiences when it arrives on Netflix on November 28.
Unraveling a Historical Mystery
In late 2022, a mysterious email to veteran conflict photographer Gary Knight set the stage for this riveting documentary. “The Stringer” delves into a two-year investigation questioning the origins of the “Napalm Girl” photo, a potent symbol of the Vietnam War. Captured in 1972, the harrowing image shows nine-year-old Kim Phúc fleeing after a napalm attack, and has long been credited to Associated Press photographer Nick Út, earning him a Pulitzer Prize. However, AP editor Carl Robinson now contends that Út was not the photographer, prompting Knight’s eye-opening inquiry.
An Intense Search for Truth
The film’s trailer showcases Knight and his team’s efforts to uncover the true narrative. Co-producers Fiona Turner and Terri Lichstein join the journey, retracing steps in Vietnam and employing a 3D recreation of the fateful scene on the road to Trảng Bàng. Interviews with Robinson, other photographers, and a Vietnamese freelancer — the eponymous stringer who claims the credit — add layers to this gripping exploration.
Controversy and Impact
“The Stringer” stirred significant debate even before its Sundance debut. The documentary’s assertions face strong opposition from Út and his supporters, who challenge the team’s findings. Notably, World Press Photo has removed Út’s credit after its own review, while the AP has not. Gary Knight’s Rolling Stone feature highlights the overlooked contributions of Vietnamese photographers, stressing the importance of acknowledging their efforts against a backdrop of racial and power dynamics.
A Broader Reflection on Journalism
The documentary ignites discussions about the role of journalism in preserving history. Knight acknowledges the criticism, stating, “Journalism is essential to democracy, and it is in the interests of both the press and the public that trust in the Fourth Estate is repaired.” The documentary argues for transparency and accountability, emphasizing that the search for truth, though challenging, remains a vital pursuit.
