Green tells the powerful story of Akos, a Ghanaian immigrant who must navigate the complex trials of legality, family, and sacrifice in her pursuit of a better life in America and features an impressive ensemble cast, including Cadienne Obeng (Dear Edward on Apple TV+), Roger Yawson (Imperium and Dear Edward), Akofa Edjeani Asiedu (Aloevera on Prime Video), Asif Khan (Imperium), and Darlyn Adu (Eno on Showmax).
Co-directed by both Mena Guy and Roger Yawson, this compelling drama delves into the themes of resilience, betrayal, and the strength of the human spirit. Based on true events from Roger Yawson’s own family history, Green paints a poignant picture of what it means to fight for a future amid the struggles of immigration.
Mena Guy is a celebrated Filipina-American director known for her exceptional ability to craft bold and compelling narratives. With a background in feature films, documentaries, and music-driven projects, Mena has made a name for herself as a visionary filmmaker. Based in New York, she is the founder of Andromeda Productions, a company devoted to creating visually striking, innovative films. Roger Yawson adds a distinct international flair to the project. Born in Italy to Ghanaian parents and raised in Alexandria, Virginia, Roger’s diverse background deeply informs his storytelling approach. His immersion in different cultures and his love for the arts led him to notable roles alongside Hollywood heavyweights, including a collaboration with Randall Wallace on the pilot Point of Honor and his work with Daniel Radcliffe in Imperium.
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Mena Guy and Roger Yawson to talk about the inspiration behind Green, their creative process, and the themes that drive the film.
INDIE WRAP: Congratulations on your new film, Green! It’s a deeply emotional and timely story. Mena, let’s start with you. What drew you to direct this film, and how did you connect with Roger’s vision?
Mena Guy: Thank you! Green is a story that resonated with me deeply because it’s about more than just immigration – it’s about identity, resilience, and the sacrifices people make to build a better future. The journey of our protagonist reflects the experiences of so many immigrants who face immense challenges yet persist with strength and dignity. When Roger first shared his vision with me, I was immediately drawn to the emotional depth of the story. It’s raw, real, and necessary, especially in today’s climate. We live in a time where conversations around immigration are often reduced to political debates, but Green brings it back to the human experience. Roger had such a powerful and authentic way of telling this story, and I knew I wanted to be part of it. My goal as a director is to honor his vision while bringing my own perspective, crafting a film that audiences will not only watch but truly feel.
INDIE WRAP: Roger how did you come to the decision to have Mena Guy co-direct the feature, and what unique strengths or vision do you think she brings to the project?
Roger Yawson: I’ve actually worked with Mena before on a short film I produced a few years ago and she was 1st AC. I could feel her energy, her talents, vision and she looked like she knew what she was talking about! Over the years she’s directed and produced her own films. What drew me to co-direct with Mena was not only her talent, but also the fact that she’s of Filipino descent, her family are immigrants and so she would “get” it. She’d understand it. The subject matter will touch her because just like her I wouldn’t be here if my family had not immigrated here…and she got it.
INDIE WRAP: Roger, this film is deeply personal to you. Can you talk about the inspiration behind Green and how your mother’s story influenced the narrative?
Roger Yawson: It truly is deeply personal to me. There’s nothing more touching than hearing your parent dramatically tell a story. You’re sitting down listening, everything’s playing in your head like a movie as she speaks. You’re completely in awe, amazed, touched, yet humored at the same time. This was me hearing my mother talk about her early years in America… the fight to legal status.
INDIE WRAP: Why do you believe this story is especially important to tell in today’s world, and what impact do you hope it will have on audiences?
Mena Guy: I hope that Green fosters empathy and understanding. I want audiences to walk away feeling connected to this story, seeing themselves or their loved ones in it, and recognizing the courage it takes to start over in a new country. If it sparks conversations, challenges perspectives, or even just makes someone feel seen, then I think we’ve done something truly meaningful.
INDIE WRAP: Green touches on themes of resilience, sacrifice and family ties. In today’s climate, how do you think this film speaks to the immigrant experience in America?
Roger Yawson: When you hear stories out there about how families immigrated to America, you’d be surprise to know how much resilience it takes without giving up. It can be a scary journey but these families do it out of sacrifice for a better life. None of us would be here had not a relative migrated here. Unless you’re Native American, our families came here once upon a time in order for us to enjoy the privilege we have. May we be grateful for their sacrifices and through cinema, show appreciation and enlighten audiences in today’s climate.
Mena Guy: In today’s climate, where immigration is often politicized and misunderstood, Green brings the focus back to the human experience. It highlights the emotional and physical hardships immigrants endure, not just in making the journey but in the everyday struggles of adapting to a new world, often while carrying the weight of their past and the expectations of their loved ones. What makes this story so powerful is that it’s not just about hardship—it’s about perseverance. Many immigrants leave everything they know behind for a chance at something better, even when the odds are against them. That kind of strength deserves to be seen and understood.
INDIE WRAP: Mena, your work spans a variety of genres, from feature films to documentaries. How did you approach the visual storytelling in Green, and what role did cinematography play in conveying the emotional tone of the film?
Mena Guy: My approach to visual storytelling in Green is centered on capturing the raw emotions of the journey – both the struggles and the triumphs. The cinematography will play a crucial role in immersing the audience in the protagonist’s experience. This is a deeply human story, and visually, we want to reflect that authenticity. I’ve been fortunate to work with our cinematographer, Ketak Dhiman, several times on other projects, and he’s absolutely fantastic. He has an incredible eye for detail and
emotion, and I have no doubt that he’ll execute the beautiful imagery we need to tell this story in the most compelling way. Our vision is to create a visual language that doesn’t just show what’s happening but makes the audience feel it. It’s all about bringing the audience into her world in a way that feels honest and deeply moving.
Roger Yawson: I want the film to feel a bit eerie, a bit of suspense, because I want it to feel “uncertain”. You just never know when something can go wrong because we open the film with stakes being high. Right from the start we’re swooped onto Akos’ journey. Green is also very diverse, both on screen and behind the camera. Our cinematographer is Ketak Dhiman who is a first generation Indian. Incredibly talented. I too have worked with Ketak before. We already shot our Ghana scenes and it looks incredible. We have people of all backgrounds on Green and I truly believe everyone’s experience contributes to their creativity. America is a place with people from all walks of life with unique stories and abilities. When you work with such groups it’s nothing but magical. The essence of who and their background adds beauty to the arts.
INDIE WRAP: Mena, as a Filipina-American director you’ve been praised for amplifying underrepresented voices, how do you see Green contributing to the ongoing conversation around diversity in the film industry?
Mena Guy: As a Filipina-American director, I’ve always been passionate about telling stories that amplify underrepresented voices, and Green is a continuation of that mission. The film industry has made strides toward diversity, but there are still so many stories that remain untold – especially those that explore the nuances of the immigrant experience beyond stereotypes or surface-level portrayals. What makes Green so impactful is that it’s not just about immigration as a concept – it’s about the deeply personal journey of one woman, inspired by a real-life story. By bringing this narrative to the screen, we’re shedding light on the complexities of leaving home, adapting to a new culture, and the sacrifices made along the way. These are experiences shared by so many, yet they’re often overlooked in mainstream storytelling. I see Green as part of the larger push for authentic representation – not just in who is on screen, but in who is behind the camera, shaping these narratives. Films like this challenge the industry to embrace more diverse perspectives and ensure that stories about immigrants, especially women of color, are told with depth, authenticity, and heart. If Green can contribute to shifting the conversation and making space for more voices, then we’ve done something truly meaningful.
INDIE WRAP: Lastly, what do you both hope audiences take away from Green?
Mena Guy: I hope Green reminds audiences that the immigrant experience isn’t just a news headline. And in many ways, it’s a story we all share. Whether we’re immigrants ourselves, have family who made the journey, or simply know someone who has, Green is a film that speaks to the universal human desire for belonging, opportunity, and hope.
Roger Yawson: I want audiences to recognize that this story is based on a true-life event. My mother specifically, so we’re coming from a place of truth and light and most importantly, be more empathic when we hear stories of immigrants.
INDIE WRAP: Thank you both for your time and for sharing details with us about Green. We can’t wait for audiences to experience this powerful film and wish you the best of luck!
