PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — A Vietnamese freelance photographer, Nguyen Thanh Nghe, has publicly claimed authorship of one of the most famous photographs of the 20th century, the iconic image of a naked girl fleeing a napalm attack during the Vietnam War. This photograph, known as the "napalm girl" photo, has historically been credited to Nick Ut, a staff photographer for The Associated Press (AP). Nguyen made this assertion in the documentary "The Stringer," which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.
In response to Nguyen's claims, the AP conducted an independent investigation. They concluded that there is no reason to believe anyone other than Nick Ut captured the photograph. The news agency expressed surprise and disappointment regarding the film's portrayal, stating that it suggested the AP had received and dismissed their findings, a claim AP has called false. The AP only viewed the film for the first time during its premiere at Sundance.
In the post-screening Q&A, Nguyen, through a translator, asserted, "I took the photo," receiving an enthusiastic applause from the audience. However, he did not explain why he chose to wait so many years before making this claim. The AP has urged the filmmakers to release contributors from non-disclosure agreements and to provide a visual analysis they commissioned, emphasizing their interest in establishing the factual history of the photograph.
Nguyen detailed that he captured the image of Kim Phuc on June 8, 1972, while serving as a driver for an NBC news crew. He stated he sold the photo to the AP for $20, and later received one print that was unfortunately destroyed by his wife. Representatives of the AP questioned the film’s implication that it had reviewed materials and dismissed them. According to Lauren Easton, an AP spokesperson, the agency had reached out numerous times to see the filmmakers' full materials without receiving a response, and AP's full stance was not included in the film.
Filmmakers Gary Knight and Fiona Turner, along with director Bao Nguyen, spent over two years investigating the photo's origins. Knight highlighted the importance of questioning established narratives and being open about professional practices in journalism. The documentary employed forensics to analyze the scene, concluding that it was highly unlikely Ut had been in a position to take the photograph, contrary to the longstanding belief.
AP's inquiries during its investigation affirmed consistent testimony from various individuals, including journalists and Kim Phuc herself, that Nick Ut was the original photographer. Carl Robinson, a former AP photo editor, stated in the film that he was overruled on the decision to credit Ut with the image. Robinson expressed regret over not intervening sooner and acknowledged the complexities of the circumstances surrounding the photo's publication.
As of now, "The Stringer" does not have distribution plans, and the debate over the authorship of the "napalm girl" photograph continues amidst varying testimonies and claims. In light of these recent developments, Nick Ut's team has signaled intentions to pursue legal action to protect Ut's reputation. The documentary serves as a critical examination of a significant moment in history while highlighting the challenges of media ethics and the pursuit of truth in reporting.
