The iconic ”Napalm Girl” photograph, capturing a young Vietnamese girl fleeing a napalm attack during the Vietnam War, has long been attributed to Associated Press (AP) photographer Nick Ut, who won a Pulitzer Prize for the image in 1972. However, a recent documentary titled ”The Stringer,” screened at the Sundance Film Festival, challenges this established narrative, raising questions about the true authorship of the photograph and sparking a renewed debate about its history. The film centers around the claims of Nguyen Thanh Nghe, a relatively unknown Vietnamese photographer, who asserts that he, not Nick Ut, captured the harrowing image. This claim adds a layer of complexity to the photograph’s already emotionally charged legacy, forcing a re-examination of its origins and the circumstances surrounding its creation.
The documentary’s challenge to Nick Ut’s authorship stems from an interview with Carl Robinson, the AP’s photo editor in Saigon at the time. Robinson claims that he was instructed by his then-boss, Horst Faas, to credit Nick Ut with the photograph, despite his own understanding of the situation. According to Robinson, Faas explicitly directed him to attribute the photograph to Ut, raising questions about the motivations behind this decision. This account, presented in the documentary, suggests a potential manipulation of the narrative surrounding the photograph’s creation, potentially obscuring the contributions of other individuals involved in capturing the moment. The film explores the implications of this alleged intervention, examining the potential pressures and influences that might have shaped the attribution of the photograph.
Nguyen Thanh Nghe’s claim to have taken the ”Napalm Girl” photograph forms the central argument of ”The Stringer.” Nghe states unequivocally that he was the one who captured the image, while Nick Ut accompanied him on the assignment. He details his presence at the scene and his role in documenting the events of that day, asserting his authorship of the specific photograph that became globally recognized. This direct challenge to Ut’s authorship presents a compelling counter-narrative to the accepted history of the photograph, prompting a critical reassessment of the evidence and the accounts surrounding its creation. The documentary provides a platform for Nghe to share his story and present his case, giving voice to a perspective that has long been overshadowed by the dominant narrative.
The AP has responded to the allegations presented in ”The Stringer” by reaffirming their stance that Nick Ut is the rightful author of the ”Napalm Girl” photograph. Citing an internal investigation, the AP maintains that there is no evidence to support the claim that Ut did not take the photograph. They emphasize their commitment to upholding the integrity of their journalistic record and defend their long-standing attribution of the image to Ut. However, despite their firm position, the AP has also expressed a willingness to review any new evidence or information related to the photograph. This openness, while maintaining their current stance, acknowledges the renewed debate surrounding the photograph’s authorship and suggests a potential for further investigation.
The controversy surrounding the authorship of the ”Napalm Girl” photograph highlights the complexities of documenting history, especially in the chaotic and emotionally charged environment of war. The conflicting accounts and the potential for misattribution underscore the challenges of establishing definitive truth in such circumstances. The documentary ”The Stringer” raises crucial questions about the processes of photojournalism and the influences that can shape the narratives surrounding iconic images. By presenting Nguyen Thanh Nghe’s perspective and challenging the established narrative, the film encourages a critical examination of the evidence and a deeper understanding of the historical context surrounding the photograph’s creation.
The ”Napalm Girl” photograph, regardless of its ultimate authorship, remains a powerful and enduring symbol of the human cost of war. Its emotional impact transcends the debate surrounding its origins, serving as a stark reminder of the suffering and resilience of civilians caught in the crossfire of conflict. The controversy surrounding its creation adds another layer of complexity to its interpretation, prompting reflection on the power of images to shape historical understanding and the importance of accurate attribution in preserving the integrity of the historical record. While the debate about authorship continues, the photograph’s enduring legacy as a testament to the horrors of war remains undeniable.
