I Love My Nails
UK, 2000
Director: Katherine Freeman
Language: English
Colour: Colour
Runtime: 10 minutes
Short synopsis
As I Love My Nails documents the journey from humble nail to 'nail-art', it tells a story of obsession and fun.
Long synopsis
I Love my Nails features two London nail salons and two of their most loyal customers. The first customer, a pink-haired businesswoman in a leopard-print outfit, shares her reflections on men, work and fashion, declaring nails more interesting than any of these. As her nails are gradually transformed with a pink leopard print design and adorned with jewellery, we are introduced to the second devotee and her five-inch talons. A regular visitor to the nail salon, she is quick to explain that the length of her nails does not affect her everyday activities, because she can do everything she needs to do with her knuckles.
Apart from complaining about how long the nails take to decorate, the salon owners remain tactful and quiet throughout. They seem aware, however, of the obsessive relation both women hold to their nails, and one acknowledges, ' Nails are like drugs. Once you start, to stop is a problem.'
Background information
About the film
I Love My Nails was one of a series of documentaries called 10X10, commissioned by the BBC. It was launched to offer first-time directors the opportunity to have their work screened on television, and provided funding for ten ten-minute documentaries showing 'unusual aspects of Britain' to be shot on film.
About the film-maker
Director Katherine Freeman became interested in nail salons after reading a magazine article about nail art. This inspired Freeman to go and do her own research and she began to think it would make good material for a documentary. Initially turned down for funding by the BBC in 1999, I Love My Nails was commissioned by them in 2000, with a budget of £12,000. Freeman chose two salons as locations for the film, because of the quality of their designs and the skill of the application. Prior to filming she developed a close relationship with the salon owners and was able to complete the shoot in just five days.
Teaching materials and additional materials
The teaching materials have been developed by practising teachers to provide a springboard for your own work with your students. Feel free to use and adapt them appropriate to your students' needs.
The additional materials, provided by the film-makers, can be used to develop your work with the film and deepen students' understanding of the process of film-making.
