A debt-ridden farmer places a desperate bet on his favorite football team in this drama set for a Jan. 31 release.
For Green Bay Packers fans who may be mourning their beloved team’s playoff loss on Sunday, here’s something that might cheer you up: Green and Gold, an indie drama starring Ralph T. Nelson (pictured above) as a struggling farmer and diehard Cheesehead who may be able to save his farm with a little help from his favorite football players, opens Jan. 31 in theaters nationwide.
But wait, there’s more: 1923 devotees will also likely want to check out the movie, if only to see Brandon Sklenar, a.k.a. Spencer Dutton, in the role of Billy, a famous recording artist who figures into the life of Jenny (Madison Lawler), the musically ambitious granddaughter of Nelson’s character.

The official synopsis: “Foreclosure looms over Wisconsin dairy farmer Buck (Craig T. Nelson). With mounting debt, and the land his family has cultivated for four generations at risk, Buck refuses to give up his legacy without a fight. Buck’s granddaughter (Madison Lawlor) works alongside him but dreams of a career in music. Her aspirations are fanned by an emerging friendship with a famous musician (Brandon Sklenar), but chasing her dreams might take her far from the farm. With time running out, Buck places a daring Super Bowl bet on his beloved Green Bay Packers, risking it all to save everything he holds dear.”
Yes, it’s true: He literally bets the farm to save his farm. Sounds similar to the dilemma faced by Sklenar, Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren in 1923, doesn’t it?
“Among all of the great projects I’ve had the privilege to be a part of in my life,” Nelson says, “this film might be my favorite. At this stage in my life, a story that has heart like this, and tells the truth… that is what I was seeking. And that truth is what I wanted to impart to my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.”
Just how dedicated was Nelson to this project? Consider: On the second day of location filming in Wisconsin, he pulled director Anders Lindwall aside and inquired about the lack of a second camera. Lindwall explained that Green and Gold was a low-budget, independent film. Without hesitation, Nelson responded, “Get yourself a camera and take it out of my rate.”
According to the studio press kit, “This gesture set the tone for the entire crew, showcasing Nelson’s generous spirit — leadership at its finest. His work on Green and Gold reflects a passion for meaningful storytelling and the relentless pursuit of dreams, inspiring cast and crew alike to contribute beyond their official roles.”

Director Anders Lindwall — who collaborated on the drama with his brother, co-producer Davin Lindwall — describes Green and Gold as “our heartfelt tribute to rural America's strength and perseverance. The film highlights the stories of hardworking farmers confronting growing challenges in today’s economy. Inspired by our roots and our grandfather, a dairy farmer, Davin Lindwall and I sought to tell an authentic story that honors rural America's farming community's grit, goodness, and unbreakable bond…
“This is not just a film; it is a project built from the love and traditions of where we come from. Each frame captures the countless contributions of people who believed in this story, whether lending their time, opening their homes, or offering invaluable advice and resources. The journey from script to screen has been deeply personal, filled with moments that tested our resolve and reinforced why this story needed to be told.”