The Stringer – Vietnam War Documentary on Netflix Nov 28
The Stringer arrives on Netflix on November 28, delivering a bold and deeply researched investigation into one of the most famous photographs in war history—the 1972 “Napalm Girl” image from the Vietnam War. For over 50 years, the iconic photo has been credited to Associated Press photographer Nick Ut. However, this documentary brings new voices, new evidence, and new questions that challenge the long-accepted narrative.
Revisiting an Image That Shaped the World
The “Napalm Girl” photograph, capturing 9-year-old Phan Thị Kim Phúc running in agony after a napalm attack, became a global symbol of the horrors of war. It influenced public opinion, shook political conversations, and became one of the most recognizable images of the 20th century. Yet, for decades, the story of who actually pressed the shutter has remained largely unquestioned.
Because of new discoveries, The Stringer reopens the investigation and examines the origins of this world-changing piece of photojournalism.
A Search Led by Gary Knight
The documentary centers on Gary Knight, an award-winning investigative photojournalist who feels compelled to uncover the truth behind the image. Along with a dedicated team of researchers, Knight travels across Vietnam, meeting former journalists, editors, and witnesses. Eventually, their search leads them to Nguyễn Thành Nghệ, a former Saigon editor who claims he was the real photographer behind the image.
This revelation sparks a tense debate. It challenges the legacy of the Associated Press and raises essential questions about truth, authorship, and the ethics of wartime reporting.
A Story of History, Memory, and Responsibility
Directed by Bao Nguyen, the film blends emotional storytelling with careful investigative work. Moreover, it presents personal testimonies, historical documents, and long-buried accounts that shed light on the photo’s disputed origins. Since the story touches on journalism, war, and global media, it becomes more than a debate about credit—it becomes a reflection on how history is written and who gets to write it.
The documentary features real-life participants, including:
- Gary Knight as himself
- Damien Cole as himself
Their firsthand perspectives bring intensity and authenticity to the investigation.
A Debate That Echoes Across Generations
As the findings come to light, they reopen old wounds and force institutions to respond. The Associated Press faces renewed scrutiny. Meanwhile, historians, journalists, and media scholars weigh in on how such an iconic image could have such a complicated past.
Because the “Napalm Girl” photo shaped global memory, any challenge to its authorship sparks not only debate but also a deep reflection on the responsibility of journalism in times of conflict.
Watch The Stringer on Netflix from November 28 and explore the gripping investigation that reexamines a photograph that changed the world.
