The company was founded in 1969 by Enrique González Macho [es] and initially focused on the distribution of subtitled foreign films.[1][2]
In addition to distribution, the production branch worked with Ken Loach, Icíar Bollaín, and Tomás Gutiérrez Alea.[1][3] In 1982, it developed the Renoir multiplex near Plaza de España, and eventually managed to operate a network of 200 theatres.[4]
In April 2013, Paramount Home Media Distribution announced an agreement with Alta Films so the U.S. company distributed in DVD and Blu-ray the films in Alta Films' portfolio.[5] Shortly after, González Macho announced the company was about to close down as a distributor for good.[6] He explained the rise on VAT applied on cultural goods and dwindling support from TVE as harmful factors adding up to the ongoing economic crisis.[1] At the time of the announcement, Alta Films had the Argentine film 2+2 pending for a 1 May 2013 release.[7] The company subsequently ceased all distribution activity in May 2013, and limited to the operation of its theatres in Madrid and the Renoir Floridablanca in Barcelona.[8]