Making a film is no small feat. Making a film in rural America, on an independent budget, with no studio safety net? That’s nearly unheard of.
But Anders and Davin Lindwall did exactly that with “Green and Gold,” a deeply personal feature shot in Wisconsin and born from their Upper Peninsula upbringing.
The brothers, originally from Iron River, turned their quiet Midwestern childhood into an emotionally rich story that’s now streaming nationwide after a successful theater run.
“This wasn’t about Hollywood dreams,” said Anders Lindwall, who directed the film. “It was about honoring where we’re from and the people who raised us.” The film follows Jenny, a young woman navigating the pull between family obligations and personal ambition. Set on a rural farmstead, the story explores generational trauma, sacrifice and hope with honesty and restraint.
Madison Lawlor stars as Jenny, with Craig T. Nelson anchoring the cast as Buck, her emotionally repressed grandfather. The film also features Brandon Sklenar and the late M. Emmet Walsh in his final performance.
“It’s a film about legacy,” said Davin Lindwall, who produced “Green and Gold,” “about what we hold onto and what we have to let go.”
The Lindwalls didn’t wait for permission. They turned down a studio offer to preserve creative control and raised funds themselves. COVID-19 delayed production, but by 2023 they were shooting on location in Door County, Wisconsin.
One of the first people to sign on was veteran actor Nelson.
“I loved the story and what they were trying to do,” he said. “I had the means, and when there was a need, it just felt like the right thing to do.”
That need became clear early on.
“On Day 2, Craig asked, ‘Where’s your other camera?’” Anders said. “When I said we didn’t have one, he said, ‘Take what you need. Get a second camera. Have your producers talk to my people.’” Nelson paid for the rental out of pocket.
Cinematographer Russ Fraser, known for his work on music videos for Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo, joined the team for his first feature. He shot on ARRI Alexa Minis and rare Panavision lenses, including a 40-milimeter C-Series lens also used in “Star Wars.”
“We shot half the film on that one lens,” Fraser said. “I wanted something I’d be proud of in 20 years.”
Fraser’s signature look — warm, textured and grounded — was enhanced in post-production by colorist Matt Osborne of Company 3. Osborne added 35-milimeter grain and golden hues, echoing the film’s title and visual identity.
“Russ is great at skin tones,” Osborne said. “I just try to complement the image without overdoing it.”
Visual effects supervisor Matthew Gardocki oversaw 128 visual effects shots.
“Most of our work is invisible,” he said. “Snow that wasn’t there. CRT screen replacements. Even a Culver’s burger box bouncing on a dashboard — all done in post.”
The film also features music by Jackson Browne and a moving original score by Corey Martin. Nelson said he didn’t realize there was a score until halfway through the movie.
“That’s how subtle and good it is,” he said. “It crept in quietly and made everything resonate.”
Support came from unexpected places. The Green Bay Packers offered marketing assistance after seeing how closely the film reflected the values of their fanbase.
“It felt close to our DNA,” said Justin Wolf, the team’s director of partnership sales.
Culver’s also joined in, integrating branding and marketing through its Thank You Farmers Project.
“The film reflects our support for agriculture and community,” PR manager Alison Demmer said.
Despite opening in just one week via Fathom Events, the film extended its run in the Upper Peninsula through grassroots support.
Jeff O’Neill, general manager of the Thomas Theatre in Marquette, said it became the venue’s No. 1 film.
“We sold out an 85-seat house,” he said. “People kept coming back.”
Among those affected was Ryan Piwarski, an Iron River native who interned with the Lindwalls as a teenager.
“I was only 16, and they treated me like an equal,” he said. “It changed everything.”
From its cast to its crew to its interns, “Green and Gold” is a product of belief — in story, in place and in each other.
The film is now available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime and other platforms.
Editor’s note:
Next week’s Beacon will feature an exclusive interview with Craig T. Nelson.
