Celebrating its 10th year, Film London has announced a selection of titles screening at the London UK Film Focus (LUFF) 2013 taking place June 24-27, 2013.

Backed by the Mayor of London, LUFF offers a platform for emerging British filmmakers seeking sales representation, plus providing a chance for international buyers to monitor upcoming UK talent. At least five of the 2012 Breakthrough films have since been picked up by sales agents.

This year’s Breakthrough titles include the coming-of-age drama Calloused Hands which is the debut feature from director Jesse Quinones and stars Andre Royo.

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 Jesse 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.”

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.”

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.

“It’s with immense pride that we present the 10th edition of LUFF to international buyers,” says Helena Mackenzie, Head of Inward Investment & Business Development at Film London. “Over the years, we have built the event from a quirky British screening event to a must attend showcase of British film talent not just in front of the camera but behind it and importantly, highlighting the amazing sales companies we have in London.“

For more information on LUFF, please visit:http://filmlondon.org.uk/luff