---
title: "Ballast"
year: 2008
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/ballast-2008"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 25112
imdb_id: "tt1153690"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 96
community_rating: 7.0
vote_count: 34
content_rating: "NR"
---

# Ballast (2008) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/ballast-2008

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Released in 2008, Ballast is an American drama film written, produced, edited, and directed by Lance Hammer, with a runtime of one hour and thirty-six minutes. The film stars Michael J. Smith Sr., Jim Myron Ross, Tarra Riggs, and Johnny McPhail. Set in the Mississippi Delta, the story is set in a small Mississippi Delta township where a single mother and her embattled son struggle to subsist. An act of violence thrusts them into the world of an emotionally devastated highway store owner, awakening the fury of a bitter and longstanding conflict. The narrative is further described as a drama where one man's suicide affects three people's lives. Distributed as an unrated film in the United States on October first, two thousand and eight, the production is categorized under the drama genre.

## The Hook & The Verdict

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Kanopy | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | None | Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Tubi TV | Apple TV Store |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Lance Hammer
- **Networks / Studios**: Alluvial Film Company

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Micheal J. Smith Sr.** as *Lawrence*
- **JimMyron Ross** as *James*
- **Tarra Riggs** as *Marlee*
- **Johnny McPhail** as *John*
- **Ventress Bonner** as *Teen*
- **Jimez Alexander** as *Teen*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream or watch Ballast online?
Ballast is currently available to watch or stream on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store. Check our live regional availability tracker above for latest direct streaming, subscription, rent, or purchase options.

### Q: Is Ballast worth watching?
Ballast holds a community rating of 7.0/10 based on 34 verified viewer ratings. It offers engaging Drama for fans of the genre.

### Q: How long is the movie Ballast and when was it released?
Ballast is a feature film with a runtime of 96 minutes. It was released in 2008. Release status: Released.

### Q: Who directed Ballast?
Ballast was directed by Lance Hammer.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Ballast — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/25112)
- [Ballast (film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballast_(film))
- [Ballast (2008) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1153690/)
- [Ballast - Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/)
- [Ballast (2008) - Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/25112-ballast/cast)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*