Dianne Griffin
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Dianne Griffin is based in San Francisco and has traveled the globe for over 25 years directing and producing award winning documentaries. She draws inspiration for her work from the people around her, creating intimate connections and telling stories of dignity, suffering and compassion, which move us to act. Her current documentary Painted Nails, features Van Nguyen’s personal story encompassing both the immigrant’s journey and one woman’s rise to activism in the face of adversity. Award winning Painted Nails was invited to screen in 35 film festivals premiering to standing ovations, broadcast nationwide on PBS stations and continues to screen and stream to audiences as far away as Australia, Vietnam, Malaysia and China. Dianne has created stunning stories across the globe including directing and producing the documentary White Hotel shot in Eritrea, Africa. White Hotel premiered at the New Directors New Film Series at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the Film Society of Lincoln Center receiving international acclaim at both film festivals, broadcasts, museums and universities. Actively involved in the documentary film community Dianne Griffin teaches documentary filmmaking. She has watched thousands of films over the years jury chairing the United Nations Film Festival for 19 years. She is currently traveling the film festival circuit with The Creative High documentary.

www.diannegriffin.com



  • Painted Nails a documentary

    It won’t take long to fall in love with the subject of PAINTED NAILS, Van Hoang – a Vietnamese immigrant and nail salon owner who sees her American dream begin to crumble as she discovers that her health problems, including two miscarriages, are the result of the toxic chemicals in products used in her salon.

    PAINTED NAILS follows Van as she unintentionally becomes involved in the national fight for safe cosmetics, an industry that has seen no legislation for safety since 1938! An immigrant who speaks little English, Van seems an unlikely candidate to be an American change maker. But in a well told and beautifully crafted story, viewers will watch as Van becomes a key catalyst in the fight to bring reform to an industry that touches nearly every woman in America, as well as their families.