For brothers Anders and Davin Lindwall, their debut feature film “Green and Gold” is a deeply personal project rooted in their Midwestern upbringing and Christian faith. The film, which stars veteran actor Craig T. Nelson, follows the story of Buck, a gruff but kindhearted dairy farmer struggling to maintain his way of life on the Wisconsin-Michigan border. As Buck faces challenges both on his farm and in his family, his unwavering faith serves as an anchor, guiding his actions in quiet but profound ways.

“We grew up in the Christian faith and tradition, and that was a big part of our background,” said Davin Lindwall. “But we didn’t want to make this feel like a ‘Christian movie’ that would alienate people. We just wanted to authentically reflect the role faith plays in the daily lives of people in this community.”
The Lindwall brothers, who hail from the small town of Iron River, spent years meticulously crafting a story that would capture the rugged beauty and hard-won wisdom of rural Midwest life. After securing funding and landing the iconic Nelson in the lead role, they embarked on a five-year journey to bring their vision to the screen.
“This is the story we’ve always wanted to tell – one that honors the unsung heroes of places like our hometown,” said Anders Lindwall. “We grew up on a dairy farm, so we know firsthand the kind of grit and faith it takes to sustain that way of life. That’s what we wanted to reflect in Buck’s character.”
Indeed, Nelson’s portrayal of the gruff but tenderhearted farmer is a far cry from the stereotypical “wise old man” archetype. With his cantankerous exterior masking a deep well of compassion, Buck’s spiritual life is woven into the fabric of the film.
“We didn’t want to make it feel preachy or heavy-handed,” explained Anders. “The way Buck’s faith manifests is through his actions – the way he cares for his animals, how he looks out for his neighbors, the quiet strength he draws from his relationship with his wife. It’s not something he talks about, but it’s the driving force behind everything he does.”
That nuanced approach to depicting faith resonated with Nelson, who the Lindwalls say embraced the project with open arms. Despite the brothers’ modest independent film budget, the veteran actor went above and beyond to support the production, even offering to cover the cost of an additional camera to help maximize their shooting schedule.
“Craig just bought into this project in the most genuine way,” said Anders. “He had this great understanding of the rural, off-the-grid lifestyle, and he really became a dear friend and collaborator throughout the process. We’re so grateful he took a chance on us.”
As “Green and Gold” prepares for its nationwide release this weekend, the Lindwalls are hopeful that their film will offer viewers a rare glimpse into a world that is often overlooked on the big screen.
“At the end of the day, this is a story about the power of community, of faith, of holding onto the things that truly matter,” said Davin. “That’s something we think everyone can connect with, regardless of their own religious background. We just wanted to tell an authentic, heartfelt story – and we’re so honored to be able to share it with the world.”
“Green and Gold,” directed by Anders Lindwall and Davin Lindwall and starring Craig T. Nelson, releases Friday, January 31 from Fathom Entertainment.