Painted Nails

Filmmakers Erica Jordan and Dianne Griffin's documentary centers on Van Hoang, a shy Vietnamese nail salon owner in San Francisco who becomes an accidental activist. Van and her husband, Triet, an airbrush artist, moved to the U.S. from Saigon in hopes of a better life. At their salon, New York Nail, they work long days and take little time off, but have a loyal, working-class clientele who value the services they provide. Nonetheless, Van envisions a different life for her daughter, one free from the toxic chemicals of her trade, which calls for a face mask when applying acrylic nails. Van testifies on behalf of the Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Ordinance to encourage safer products. She also worries that she may have to raise her prices if she upgrades her inventory, but knows the health risks are too serious to ignore. The Bay Area group Asian Health Services selects Van to travel to Washington D.C. to speak before Congress in favor of 2013's Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act. During her remarks, Van notes frequent headaches, persistent coughing, and two miscarriages. Fortunately, her doctor doesn't detect any problems with her latest pregnancy, which results in a healthy baby boy. The filmmakers, who originally planned to make a documentary about salon customers, also interview several New York Nail regulars. As one puts it, "Women want to get pampered. They want to be treated like a queen for a day." In profiling one particular professional who provides that service, Jordan and Griffin also shed light on a health and safety issue that warrants more attention. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)