A controversial new documentary titled The Stringer premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, igniting a debate over one of the most famous photographs of the Vietnam War, according to The Guardian. The film claims that proper credit for the Pulitzer Prize-winning image, widely known as the "napalm girl," should not belong to Nick Ut, the photographer who has been officially recognized for over 50 years. Instead, the film asserts that Nguyen Thanh Nghe, a Vietnamese freelancer, is the true author of the iconic photo depicting a young girl fleeing a napalm attack.

Taken on June 8, 1972, the image portrays Kim Phuc, then just nine years old, as she ran from the devastating attack in her village of Trảng Bàng. Nghe claims he sold the photograph to the Associated Press (AP) for $20, a detail that adds complexity to the disputed narrative surrounding its authorship, as referenced in a report by AP News.

The film's key source, former AP photo editor Carl Robinson, alleged that he was instructed by his superior, Horst Faas, to attribute the photo to Ut rather than Nghe, claiming it was a decision he later regretted. "I didn’t want to die before this story came out," Robinson said during a post-screening Q&A, illustrating the emotional weight behind his admission. Meanwhile, representatives from the AP, who conducted their own investigation, reiterated their position that Nick Ut is the legitimate photographer, stating they were “surprised and disappointed” that filmmakers had alleged otherwise without robust evidence, as they stated in an earlier report available here.

Kim Phuc, the subject of the famous photo, vehemently defended Ut, asserting her belief in his authorship, despite acknowledging her trauma-induced memory gaps from the event. "I would never participate in the Gary Knight film because I know it is false,” she stated in a response highlighted by The Daily Beast.

The documentary has also prompted calls for a legal confrontation, with Ut's attorney, James Hornstein, indicating plans for a defamation lawsuit against the filmmakers. In a statement, he remarked, "In due course, we will proceed to right this wrong in a courtroom where Nick Ut’s reputation will be vindicated," emphasizing the gravity of the allegations made within the film.

In conclusion, The Stringer aims to unravel a historical narrative that has remained largely unquestioned for decades, seeking acknowledgment for stories from the war-torn past that have yet to be fully told, as indicated by filmmaker Bao Nguyen and supported by investigative findings. Yet, this film also raises critical discussions about the ethics of photography, historical documentation, and the diverse voices impacted by the chaos of war, underscoring the profound responsibility journalists hold in telling these stories.

As the film seeks distribution, it remains to be seen how this ongoing controversy will affect the perceptions of one of photography’s most recognized images. For more on the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, visit AP News.