We witness the American dream crumble when Van Nguren, a Vietnamese nail salon worker, discovers her health problems, including two miscarriages, are the result of toxic chemicals in the products

We witness the American dream crumble when Van Nguren, a Vietnamese nail salon worker, discovers her health problems, including two miscarriages, are the result of toxic chemicals in the products used in her salon. Van courageously becomes the first worker to testify in Congress against the cosmetic industry in over 30 years.

Painted Nailsenters the rich culture of Vietnamese-American Van Hoang's bustling nail salon in the Mission District of San Francisco. The salon caters to a diverse clientele, women of African American, European, Latino, and Asian ethnicities, who come not only for the acrylic nails with original design each a miniature painting that might include gold stars, glittering palm fronds, or frolicking blue dolphins, but also for the caring environment. The salon clients beam as they hold up their vividly colored talons for the camera, in a proud display of their identity as women. Produced and directed by Dianne Griffen. Associate producer and translator is Nhung Pham.

Website here. Published on Feb 9, 2016

How promoting walkability can increase citizen well-being and create both business and more liveable urban environment? How do we get people to walk and ride bikes instead of choosing

How promoting walkability can increase citizen well-being and create both business and more liveable urban environment? How do we get people to walk and ride bikes instead of choosing cars?

Jeff Speck is a city planner and urban designer who advocates walkability and sustainable design. He is also author of the bestselling book: "Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time". 

This video was recorded on 8th of April 2015 in Lahti, Finland. The event was organised by Aalto University Professional Development, The Regional Council of Päijät-Häme and the City of Lahti. It was partially funded by the European Regional Development Fund. Published on Apr 9, 2015