Um Yes, Hello
Geo Rutherford is a TikTok creator and educator, whose viral videos about the world's strangest and most breathtaking bodies of water have been seen by millions. Diving deeper into her complex relationship with science and education, this documentary follows the artist as she sifts through The Great Lakes’ detritus, gathering found objects to create her largest installation to date.
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Thomas SawyerDirector
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Geo RutherfordKey Cast
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Thomas SawyerEditor
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Thomas SawyerProducer
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Project Type:Documentary
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Runtime:18 minutes 32 seconds
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Completion Date:June 3, 2021
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Production Budget:0 USD
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:1.85
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:No
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Chain NYC Film FestivalNew York, New York
United States
August 23, 2021
North American Premiere
Official Selection -
Montana International Film FestivalBillings, Montana
United States
September 16, 2021
Montana Premiere
Official Selection -
Frozen River Film FestivalWinona, Minnesota
United States
February 6, 2022
Minnesota Premiere
Official Selection -
Santa Fe Film FestivalSanta Fe, New Mexico
United States
December 1, 2021
New Mexico Premiere
Official Selection -
Fresh Coast Film FestivalMarquette, Michigan
United States
October 19, 2023
Michigan Premiere
Staff Pick
Thomas Sawyer is an American filmmaker, writing and directing stories highlighting the beauty of humanity. Most recently, Sawyer won the Dolby Institute x Ghetto Film School “Finish the Script” challenge. They were given the opportunity to write and direct their narrative short film, SIRENS, under the mentorship of Kennedy Davey (Maximum Effort) and Academy Award-nominated director, Carlos López Estrada (Raya and the Last Dragon).
Previously, Sawyer directed two documentaries: UM YES, HELLO, which follows an artist who uses found objects they collect from each of the five Great Lakes to create educational art on how we can protect America’s largest natural resource, and EVERY FIBER, which features a sustainable fashion designer creating a couture runway collection inspired by the events of 2020’s global pandemic and increased awareness of racial injustices. Both films individually tell the stories of women using their art to raise awareness on global issues and to help make change. The films have shown at the Santa Fe Film Festival, Montana International Film Festival, Los Angeles Fashion Festival, Frozen River Film Festival, & Chain NYC Film Festival.