Painted Nails

Running time: 57 mins

A shy Vietnamese immigrant removes more than nail polish. Toxic chemicals and life-threatening health hazards are the last things on a woman's mind when she goes to get her nails done. The same could be said for mild-mannered Van Hoang who immigrated to America and resurrected her life through a nail salon. Surprise events in her personal life started Van wondering about the effects of the salon's products. Eventually, Van sheds her shy exterior to champion health rights. Providing a unique glimpse into the world of women, their nails, and the people who paint them, Painted Nails takes us from the simple pleasures of manicures to Van and her family's fulfilling transformation. - Nina Zheng Preceded by the short film: The God Chair; dir. Mike Peebler; United States; 14 min.