Experiencing Interruptions?

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.

  • Thomas Sawyer
    Director
  • Geo Rutherford
    Key Cast
  • Thomas Sawyer
    Editor
  • Thomas Sawyer
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    18 minutes 32 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 3, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.85
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Chain NYC Film Festival
    New York, New York
    United States
    August 23, 2021
    North American Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Montana International Film Festival
    Billings, Montana
    United States
    September 16, 2021
    Montana Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Frozen River Film Festival
    Winona, Minnesota
    United States
    February 6, 2022
    Minnesota Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Santa Fe Film Festival
    Santa Fe, New Mexico
    United States
    December 1, 2021
    New Mexico Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Fresh Coast Film Festival
    Marquette, Michigan
    United States
    October 19, 2023
    Michigan Premiere
    Staff Pick
Director Biography - Thomas Sawyer

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.

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