“Green and Gold”: An Interview with Anders and Davin Lindwall (Director & Producer)
Green and Gold is a heartfelt tribute to rural America’s strength and perseverance, a story of family and faith that spotlights America’s unsung heroes. Starring Craig T. Nelson, the film tells the story of a humble dairy farmer and his family’s struggle to save their farm and stay connected to their roots. Green and Gold will be released through Fathom Events on January 31st (you can read our review of the film here).
We chatted with filmmakers Anders and Davin Lindwall about their desire to represent their Midwestern community authentically, the importance of telling stories about ordinary people, the influence their faith had on the film, and the need to be stewards of the earth.
(Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Watch the full conversation above.)
Daniel Blackaby: How did two brothers from the Midwest end up making a movie like this? What was that process like as brothers?
Anders Lindwall: It’s been a sheer miracle. It’s the coolest thing we’ve ever been able to be a part of. Our grandfather was a dairy farmer, so farming is in our family heritage and history. Being able to [tell this story] with my brother has been so special.
Daniel: Much of this film was shot on location and in collaboration with local communities. How important was it for you guys to capture the spirit and the experiences of these people in an authentic, honest way?
Davin Lindwall: That was non-negotiable for us. This thing has to be authentic or we’re not going to do it. In fact, two weeks before production, a studio reached out to us and wanted to buy the film. They said, “Hey, we really love this story. But we want to pivot and shoot it in a different state that has tax incentives.” That’s a smart business move, but we had to respectfully pass, because we were like, “We have to tell this thing in Wisconsin.”
Anders: I remember when [actor] Craig T. Nelson was rolling around in a cattle stall in 30-degree weather there in Wisconsin, and he was just like, “This is so fun. I’m shooting on studio sets all the time, but to be in this environment with farmers and livestock, it’s just so real.”
Daniel: I read that you began each day of filming with 60 seconds of silence. What was the inspiration and significance of that?
Anders: For us, the representation of farmers is this slow, steady, simple existence. Production is crazy. You’re burning dollars as you’re waiting around for anything. But we thought it would be important from a spiritual [perspective] of grounding everybody.
Daniel: Why do you think stories about ordinary, unsung heroes are important to spotlight today?
Anders: It’s easy to celebrate people who are making a big splash, people who are writing big books, doing big things. I remember as a kid wanting to go meet one of my favorite authors. My mom was like, “You have so many brilliant people who live right around you, and you don’t reach out to them.” And that made a big impact on me. I think a lot of the fabric of our society is held together by these people.
In the case of farmers, they are doing things that are never seen, but I think they are really the backbone of society. I want my kids to emulate them and to see them as heroes.
Davin: And that was the community we grew up in. That’s why it was such a passion for us. We wanted it to be very true and authentic but also to tell a good story about these people.
Daniel: You’re both people of faith, and faith plays a central role in this film. How did your own faith influence the way you approached telling this story?
Anders: Matters of our faith and spiritual life are sometimes difficult to articulate. But some of the people whose faith I’ve respected most often say the least about it. It comes out in the fruit of their life.
We wanted to make a film that was approachable for people from different backgrounds, but that still came from our Christian upbringing. We didn’t want to make a movie that’s preachy or pushy.
Davin: It’s a difficult thing to write. As soon as you start to articulate it, it tends to feel a bit off or unapproachable. So, we were very cautious of that in the original script development and in the editing process. It’s got to be natural and authentic.
Daniel: Your film explores the almost sacred experience of working on the land and being connected to the earth. Why was that such an important theme to explore?
Anders: It’s interesting. When we grew up, particularly in Christian communities, stewardship was always talked about in that you steward your family, your finances, your time. But when it came to the natural world, that was for the hippies. Which was funny, because for me, most of the close connections I had with God came through the natural world, through experiences I had sitting by a lake or amongst animals. For us, that was an important part to talk about, a farmer who is experiencing God in the work he’s doing.
I think an essence of stewardship we have to consider is how we live, the food that we eat, how the land is being worked. How do we maintain that and steward that for generations well beyond ourselves?
Daniel: What do you hope audiences will take away from this film?
Anders: I’ve never been a firm believer that movies have the ability to change people’s lives. But I think they have the ability to inspire and cast a vision, and maybe that can ultimately change lives. So, I hope there’s some kind of waft of inspiration that hits them and reminds them that despite life being difficult, there’s an abundant source of goodness and joy that is also in the pot and that good things happen.
Davin: Also, we’re so fond of this area, and we were intentional about keeping it authentic to northern Wisconsin. I hope it brings an awareness to this part of the world and that people can watch and be like, “Whoa, that’s a pretty unique area and some pretty good people.” Because we’re big fans of it up there.
Daniel: Thanks so much guys. Congratulations and all the best with the rest of this journey.
Anders: Thanks so much, Daniel. Appreciate it.
