Cal Humanities

"The understanding of a culture comes from hearing the language, tasting the food, seeing personal interactions, experiencing the traditions, and so much more when it is in context."

— Elizabeth Laval & Candice Pendergrass, Sikh Youth Public History Project

"The understanding of a culture comes from hearing the language, tasting the food, seeing personal interactions, experiencing the traditions, and so much more in context."

— Elizabeth Laval & Candice Pendergrass, Sikh Youth Public History Project

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BROADCAST—NAILED IT on America ReFramed

May 26, 2020 @ 2:00 pm3:00 pm

Free

BROADCAST—Catch California Humanities-supported film Nailed It on America ReFramed at 9pm PT on May 26. After the broadcast, the documentary will stream free at this link through June 25. In every city, state, and strip mall across the U.S., people get their nails done in salons likely owned by Vietnamese entrepreneurs who’ve come to dominate an $8 billion dollar nail economy. It began with 20 refugee women and a chance encounter with famed Alfred Hitchcock actress and humanitarian Tippi Hedren. Part of the first wave of war refugees in 1975, the “first 20” Vietnamese manicurists sought a way to support their children and families, unknowingly sparking a cultural phenomenon. From Los Angeles to the Bronx, Nailed It, introduces the people behind this booming and sometimes controversial industry. Nail salons offered the Vietnamese community a pathway to pursue the American dream and financial independence. In turn, the salons offer a space for “me time,” community and affordable luxury for people of diverse social and economic backgrounds. Along the way, the filmmaker, who is half Vietnamese, learns about her history and develops an even closer connection to that culture. Nailed It. 2017. USA. English and Vietnamese with English  subtitles. 59 min. Director: Adele Free Pham. Producers: Adele Free Pham, Ina Adele Ray, Kelvin Saint Pham Cinematography: Adele Free Pham Editors: Jessica Lee Salas, Lewis Erskine Cast: Tippi Hedren, Kelvin Saint Pham, Charlie Vo, Olivett Robinson Nailed It is supported by California Humanities through a California Documentary Project grant.