Lance Hammer is an American independent filmmaker. Most known for his debut feature film Ballast (2008).
Career Hammer originally trained as an architect, and still practises. He has served as art director on multiple Hollywood films before moving into direction. His first film, Ballast, premiered in competition at the Sundance Film Festival where he won the US Dramatic Directing Award. Ballast was nominated for six Independent Spirit Awards and four Gotham Independent Film Awards. Hammer won the Gotham Independent Film Award for Breakthrough Director.
After an 18-year long hiatus, Hammer returned with Queen at Sea (2026), which deals with dementia, and stars Juliette Binoche and Tom Courtenay. The film had its world premiere at the main competition of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival in February 2026; it was nominated for the Golden Bear, winning the Silver Bear Jury Prize and the Silver Bear for Best Supporting Performance for both Courtenay and Anna Calder-Marshall.
Filmography Year Title Director Writer Producer Editor 2002 Issaquena 2008 Ballast 2026 Queen at Sea
Other credits Year Title Role 1995 Batman Forever Computer graphics city designer 1997 Batman & Robin Digital design associate 1998 Practical Magic Visual effects art director 2001 The Man Who Wasn't There Assistant art director
Accolades + Ceremony Award Film Result 76th Berlin International Film Festival Silver Bear Jury Prize Queen at Sea
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