Delta film scores at Sundance

From Variety:

IFC Films is the victor in the battle for “Ballast,” winner of the director and cinematography prizes at Sundance.

North American rights were scooped up by IFC in what was described as “a six-figure deal plus gross participation and a real P&A commitment,” according to one of the dealmakers.

Pic, the feature-helming debut of visual f/x artist Lance Hammer, had three other bidders.

IFC will put “Ballast” through its “day-and-date” pipeline, which incorporates theatrical, VOD and cable distribution.

The Mississippi Delta-set film features first-time thesps Micheal J. Smith Sr., JimMyron Ross and Tarra Riggs, as well as Johnny McPhail.