Lance Hammer

Low-key photorealism, well-chosen non-actors and an achingly heart-felt drama played out in the Mississippi Delta. That's Ballast, the feature film directing debut of Lance Hammer. It's an art film with a black cast.

Lance discusses the inspiration of the Delta landscape and William Eggleston's photography, using the visual tone to communicate the story of grief and renewal, the importance of casting local non-professional actors, his decision to distribute the film himself, the challenges of shooting in confined spaces with available light on 35mm film, and his decision not to use music in the film.