Ballast, which is written and directed by Lance Hammer, was one of the biggest discoveries at 2008's Sundance Film Festival, where it won prizes for Directing and Cinematography. The movie is a stark look at a black family struggling for sanity and enough money to squeeze by. The plot centers on the relationship between Marlee (Tara Riggs) and her teenage son James (Jim Myron Ross) as they try to rebuild their lives. Ballast was released to art house cinemas throughout America but garnered little audience interest because of the bleak subject matter. It grossed just $76,000. The film is notable for using performers who'd never acted before in all major roles.
Ballast, which is written and directed by Lance Hammer, was one of the biggest discoveries at 2008's Sundance Film Festival, where it won prizes for Directing and Cinematography. The movie is a stark look at a black family struggling for sanity and enough money to squeeze by. The plot centers on the relationship between Marlee (Tara Riggs) and her teenage son James (Jim Myron Ross) as they try to rebuild their lives. Ballast was released to art house cinemas throughout America but garnered little audience interest because of the bleak subject matter. It grossed just $76,000. The film is notable for using performers who'd never acted before in all major roles. 
