Shivangi Sinha
Netflix’s ‘The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo’ revisits long-standing rumors surrounding the iconic napalm girl image and questions whether Nick Ut was truly the photographer behind the historic shot. The documentary follows journalist Carl Robinson as he digs deeper into conflicting accounts, eyewitness memories, and archival material. Through this investigation, the film suggests that the picture may actually have been taken by Nguyễn Thành Nghệ, a Vietnamese stringer who worked alongside Ut that day. Nghệ is interviewed in the documentary and he provides his own recollections, adding a new layer to the decades-old controversy.
Nguyễn Thành Nghệ Claimed He Took the Napalm Girl Picture as a Freelancer
Nguyễn Thành Nghệ was born in Vietnam, but according to his family, he was the child of his father’s mistress. As a young boy, he was sent to Saigon to live with a working-class household, where he was raised. Hoping to build a stable future, he enrolled in a photography school and later joined the army. Instead of a combat role, he was assigned to the film and documentation unit and that is what placed him on Highway 1 on June 8, 1972, the day the “napalm girl” photograph was taken. Nghệ has claimed that he, not Nick Ut, captured the iconic image.
Working as a freelancer at the time, he said it was routine for him to submit his negatives to the Associated Press, and he recalled handing the film to Carl Robinson, for which he was paid. When he returned home and showed the photo to his wife, she was disturbed by the nudity and devastation depicted and tore it up, believing it was inappropriate to keep. According to Nghệ, only days later, a friend showed him the published photograph in the newspaper. He was stunned to see it credited to Nick Ut. He insisted the attribution was incorrect, offering a detailed account of his position on the road and the events he witnessed to support his claim.
Some individuals interviewed later alleged his account matched their own memories of that day. He said he had no idea that he would ever be recognised, but when he saw a Facebook post that was a part of the independent investigation, he was excited and called Robinson’s team. However, the photograph remains officially credited to Nick Ut, and the AP has rejected the allegation. Nguyễn Thành Nghệ has maintained that he seeks only recognition for his work, especially as his health declines. These remain unproven claims, but his story continues to fuel debate around one of history’s most famous war photographs.
Nguyễn Thành Nghệ Has Made California His Home Along With His Family
Shortly before the Vietnam War ended in 1975, Nguyễn Thành Nghệ relocated to the United States, where he rebuilt his life and career. After arriving, he earned his diploma through the PSYOPs bureau and later joined the film department, contributing to news and documentary work. Over the years, he and his wife created a stable life in Southern California, which they now consider home. The couple raised three children, and the family has remained central to his sense of purpose. In recent years, however, Nguyễn’s health has declined; he has experienced multiple strokes and continues to face ongoing medical challenges. He said that the only way he would ever get to claim his legacy is if Nick Ut proclaimed it himself and he doubts that it will ever happen.
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