Bio

 based in San Francisco, 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 over 35 film festivals premiering to standing ovations and broadcast nationwide on PBS stations and continues to play to large audiences as far away as Australia, Vietnam, Malaysia and China.

The American dream begins to crumble when Van Hoang, a shy nail salon owner, suffers headaches, memory loss, and two miscarriages. Her health problems are the result of the unregulated toxic chemicals in the products used for her clients’ manicures and pedicures. She courageously takes on the fight for safe cosmetics, testifying on the national stage in Washington, D.C. Painted Nails is a documentary which glimpses the bustling world of beauty-making in Vietnamese-run nail salons and exposes the troubling costs of this “affordable”  luxury.

Dianne has created stunning stories across the globe including directing and producing the documentary White Hotel shot in Eritrea, Africa that 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 including storytelling, crowd-funding, distribution and social media marketing. She has jury chaired the United Nations Association Film Festival for over 19 years, watching thousands of films. She is currently in development, post production and distribution on several documentary projects including The Creative High a feature length documentary.