The Stringer
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“Let the Weight of the Words Carry the Scene”: DP Bao Nguyen on The Stringer
Nick Ut’s Pulitzer Prize–winning photo The Terror of War, sometimes referred to as “Napalm Girl,” is one of the most recognizable photographs ever taken. The Stringer, directed by Bao Nguyen (The Greatest Night in Pop) and playing the 2025 Sundance Film Festival’s Premires sections, investigates the history of the photograph and contests its authorship. Nguyen also served as one of three cinematographers on the film, alongside Andrew Yuyi Truong. Below, the three of them answer discuss establishing a consistent visual language and connecting the themes of secrecy and discovery with shadow and light. See all responses to our annual Sundance cinematographer […]
by Filmmaker Staff on Jan 25, 2025 -
“Present the Various Perspectives in Their Fullest Possible Sense”: Editor Graham Taylor on The Stringer
The Stringer is an investigation into the authorship of The Terror of War, sometimes known as “Napalm Girl,” one of the most recognizable photographs of the 20th century. The film is directed by Bao Nguyen (The Greatest Night in Pop) and screens as part of the Premieres section at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Graham Taylor, who worked with Nguyen on Be Water, again serves as editor for The Stringer. Below he discusses balancing the multiple disciplines that informed the film and prioritizing evidential footage over salacious material. See all responses to our annual Sundance editor interviews here. Filmmaker: How and why did you wind […]
by Filmmaker Staff on Jan 25, 2025 -
“What I Perceived as the Truth Fundamentally Changed” | Bao Nguyen, The Stringer
Films are made over many days, but some days are more memorable, and important, than others. Imagine yourself in ten years looking back on this production. What day from your film’s development, production or post do you think you’ll view as the most significant and why? Reflecting on the journey of directing The Stringer, there is one day that particularly symbolizes a significant shift in my perception. It was the moment when my understanding of what I perceived as the truth fundamentally changed. Learning the undisclosed reality behind a well-known story was not only enlightening but also a stark reminder […]
by Filmmaker Staff on Jan 25, 2025
