A Contracorriente Films Acquires Spanish Rights to Thriller ‘Hour and Twenty’
Barcelona-based A Contracorriente Films, a leading independent distributor in Spain, has secured Spanish distribution rights to M. A. Romero’s psychological thriller, “Hour and Twenty” (Hora y veinte). The film is set to premiere at the Málaga Festival on March 12th as part of the official selection.
International Sales and Potential Rollout
In addition to domestic distribution, A Contracorriente Films is handling international sales for “Hour and Twenty,” and is currently in discussions with Latido Films, a frequent partner, regarding a potential international rollout deal. Screen Daily first reported the news.
Plot Synopsis
Written and directed by Romero, and drawing inspiration from true events, “Hour and Twenty” unfolds on Christmas Eve. The story centers on Manuela, a mother emotionally detached from her six-year-old son, who mysteriously vanishes from a shopping mall. As two Guardia Civil investigators delve into the case, Manuela begins to question her own sanity and entertain the unsettling possibility that she is losing her grip on reality.
The narrative intensifies as the investigation reveals no evidence of a kidnapping and uncovers Manuela’s concealed past. Adding to her plight, no one seems to recall ever seeing her with a child. With time rapidly dwindling, Manuela must fight to prove her innocence before facing irreversible consequences.
Cast and Crew
The film features a stellar cast led by Macarena Gómez (Shrew’s Nest), a Goya Award nominee. Joining her are two-time Goya winner Roberto Álamo (May God Save Us, The Skin I Live In) and three-time Goya laureate Emma Suárez (The Dog In The Manger, Julieta).
Rounding out the cast are Boré Buika (Palm Trees In The Snow) and Alex Sorian Brown (Evan Wood), with a special appearance by acclaimed Spanish vocalist Álex Ubago.
Production Details
“Hour and Twenty” is a collaborative production from Luces y Acción AIE, El Orgullo Producciones, Producciones La Cochera, Womack Studios, Sorenfilms, and Shift Dif. Filming took place in Torrevieja (Alicante), Martos (Jaén), and Madrid. The project received support from Andalusian public broadcaster Channel On and the Torrevieja Town Hall.
Director’s Vision and Collaborative Spirit
Director M. A. Romero describes “Hour and Twenty” as a “relentless, high-concept thriller” designed to maintain suspense while remaining emotionally resonant. He emphasized the significance of A Contracorriente’s involvement, viewing it as the beginning of a long-term creative partnership. “As I continue developing new stories, it’s important to collaborate with partners who share the same ambition and vision for taking them beyond borders,” Romero stated.
Salva Reina, CEO of Producciones La Cochera, hailed A Contracorriente’s participation as “a true validation of the film’s quality.” He expressed hope that “Hour and Twenty” will reach a broad audience through theatrical release, streaming platforms, and distribution across numerous territories.
Romero’s Previous and Future Projects
Romero previously directed the crime film “75 Días,” which premiered in 2021. He is currently in pre-production on “Todo Sobre Mi Padre,” a project described as a tribute to the works of Pedro Almodóvar, Vicente Aranda, and Carlos Saura, with filming scheduled to begin in late 2026.