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Kino Lorber has announced its acquisition of all North American rights to Calloused Hands, the coming-of-age drama starring Andre Royo – the debut feature from director Jesse Quinones.

Based on a true story, Calloused Hands is described as a gritty and hard-hitting drama telling the story of Josh, a 12-year-old mixed race boy growing up in Miami who shows promise as a baseball player. He neglected by his mother, and is abused by her boyfriend Byrd. He manages to forge his own path when his estranged grandfather insists he study for his Bar Mitzvah.

The film is largely based on the tumultuous life of Quinones, the 31-year-old writer and director of the project.

“Calloused Hands is deeply personal and a long time in the making,” Jesse said. “I started working on it 12-years-ago. It is truly a labor of love. And I only hope that people will be touched by this story.” He adds, “This film is a tribute to men like Byrd, men who are tortured by the dreams that slip through their fingers, men crushed by the immense weight of the American Dream.“

Andre, who plays Byrd, is also one of the producers on the project. “What attracted me to Calloused Hands first and foremost was the passion and fearlessness Jesse expressed about the story,” Andre said. “It takes great courage to open up about ones own childhood and the abuse they suffered. It seemed like a therapeutic and theatrical experience not only for Jesse, but also for myself as a father. It was exactly what we needed at that moment in time.”

Kino Lorber Vice President Elizabeth Sheldon adds, “Kino Lorber is proud to be releasing first-time director Jesse Quinones’ feature film, Calloused Hands. Fans of Andre Royo will find him as compelling as ever in the lead role of this coming-of-age drama that blends Latino, Jewish and sports themes.“

Calloused Hands also stars Daisy Haggard (Showtime’s Episodes), Hans Howes (There Will Be Blood), and features a breakout performance from 14-year-old teenage actor Luca Oriel.

The film, which had its US premiere at the Miami Film Festival, is planned for a 10-city theatrical release to be followed by a TV, digital and DVD roll-out in 2013.

The deal was negotiated by Elizabeth Sheldon and Paula Crickard, producer for Woolfcub Productions.

Calloused Hands is produced by Ann Marie Goodwin, Danny Mendoza, Jesse Quinones, Paula Crickard and Andre Royo, co-produced by Eric Gaunaurd, and executive produced by Shivaun Woolfson.