Mike Smith
As of November 28, 2025, The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo is available to stream on Netflix worldwide, where the service operates.
The Stringer Synopsis
The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo is a 2025 documentary that investigates the true authorship of one of the most iconic Vietnam War photographs ever published. The film follows a two-year inquiry into whether the image long credited to a well-known photographer was instead captured by an overlooked local stringer, revealing decades of conflict, dispute, and competing testimonies that reshape the historical record.
The documentary traces how the photograph became a defining symbol of the Vietnam War and examines why its authorship has remained contested for more than fifty years. Through archival footage, firsthand accounts, interviews with witnesses, and insights from photojournalists, the film builds a detailed portrait of the man who says he took the picture, Nguyen Thanh Nghe, and the global institutions that dispute his claim. As the investigation unfolds, the documentary highlights the political stakes, ethical questions, and personal costs behind the fight for attribution. It also documents how the Associated Press, Nick Ut, and Phan Thi Kim Phúc have responded to the allegations, offering a full account of the controversy that continues to challenge how historical truth is recorded, preserved, and defended.
The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo Netflix Release Date
The documentary premieres globally on Netflix on November 28, 2028, following its Sundance Film Festival debut.
Where to Watch The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo in the US
In the United States, you can watch The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo exclusively on Netflix, where the documentary streams in HD with full on-platform playback controls. Viewers can search for the title directly in the Netflix catalog and begin streaming instantly.
Where to Watch The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo in Canada
Canadian audiences can stream The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo on Netflix, which hosts the full documentary for on-demand viewing.
Where to Watch The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo in the UK
In the United Kingdom, the documentary is available to watch on Netflix. The film streams in HD and includes subtitle options depending on your device.
Where to Watch The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo in Australia
Australian viewers can stream The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo through Netflix. Once signed in, subscribers can play the film on any supported household device.
The Stringer Cast
This documentary features its key figures and contributors through interviews, archival appearances, and investigative testimony.
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Bao Nguyen | Director / Interview Subject |
| Nguyen Thanh Nghe | Central Subject / Alleged Photographer |
| Nick Ut | Photographer / Interview Subject |
| Phan Thi Kim Phúc | Survivor / Interview Subject |
| Gary Knight | Writer / Interview Participant |
| Terri Lichstein | Writer / Interview Participant |
| Fiona Turner | Writer / Interview Participant |
| Graham Taylor | Writer / Interview Participant |
| Andrew Yuyi Truong | Cinematographer / Interview Participant |
| Ray Lavers | Cinematographer / Interview Participant |
| Gene Back | Composer / Interview Participant |
On what devices can you watch The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo on Netflix?
You can watch The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo on Netflix across a wide range of supported devices.
| Device Category | Supported Devices |
|---|---|
| Smart TVs | Samsung, LG, Sony, Hisense, Vizio |
| Streaming Devices | Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast, Apple TV |
| Game Consoles | PlayStation, Xbox |
| Mobile Devices | iOS phones, Android phones, tablets |
| Computers | Windows PCs, Mac computers via browsers |
| Set-Top Boxes | Sky Q, Telstra TV, compatible cable boxes |
Can you watch The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo online for free?
No. The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo is not available to watch for free, as Netflix does not provide an ad-supported free tier. Access requires a paid streaming subscription.
Is The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo suitable for all ages?
The documentary is rated R for some language and is most suitable for mature audiences due to its depiction of war-related subject matter, historical violence, and emotionally intense discussions. Younger viewers may find its themes and archival footage distressing.
Where can you download The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo?
The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo can be downloaded legally using the offline viewing feature inside the Netflix app. Subscribers can save the film on supported mobile devices and tablets for offline playback. There are no digital purchase or rental options outside Netflix.
FAQs
Who directed The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo?
The documentary is directed by Bao Nguyen, who also contributes to its cinematography and provides on-camera insight into the investigation.
Who produced the documentary?
The film is produced by Fiona Turner and Terri Lichstein, with additional creative involvement from writers Gary Knight and Graham Taylor.
What is the core controversy explored in the documentary?
The documentary investigates who truly captured the famous Vietnam War photograph commonly known as Napalm Girl, questioning whether the image should be credited to photo stringer Nguyen Thanh Nghe instead of the officially recognized photographer Nick Ut.
Does the film include archival footage from the Vietnam War?
Yes. The documentary uses extensive archival film, photography, and contemporary interviews to reconstruct the circumstances surrounding the image and the decades-long dispute over its authorship.
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