By Ashley Sugarman
Watch out Hollywood, there is a new brother duo coming to take the film industry by storm. South Florida’s very own brothers, Julio and Diego Hallivis, professionally known as the Hallivis Brothers, recently completed post-production on their first feature film, The Duel, and are ready to conquer more.
The Duel, a romantic drama about a young man overcoming life challenges, basketball triumphs and finding love, is the first film that the Hallivis Brothers have completed professionally.
However, Julio, the 26-year-old producer, and Diego, the 23-year-old director, are no strangers to the film industry. The Hallivis Brothers competed in the Miami Film Race 2009 where their short film This Girl’s Life won seven awards, including Best Film 2009 and Audience Award overall.
“Given only 24 hours to create a short film from scratch has its challenges, but we were very fortunate that our film, This Girl’s Life, was positively received,” Julio said. “The Miami Film Race gave us the confidence we needed to keep pursuing our dreams of making movies and entertaining audiences everywhere.”
Due to the success of the Miami Film Race 2009, the Hallivis Brothers proceeded with their next project, the low-budget feature film, The Duel. Teaming with writer Alberto Veloso to create the perfect script and finding investors to support their venture during a weak economic time, the Hallivis Brothers worked diligently to make their dreams become a reality.
After getting permits, holding casting calls and overcoming many obstacles, everything fell into place and production began on The Duel, which was shot during a two-month period in New York City during the summer of 2009.
The film features “The Cage,” a world famous enclosed basketball court located on W. Fourth Street in New York City’s Greenwich Village. “The Cage” has become one of the most important tournament sites for the city’s amateur basketball and is noted for its non-regulation size and tough physical play.
“Creating our first feature film was a surreal experience,” Diego said. “I look forward to what the film industry has in store for the Hallivis Brothers.”
Julio and Diego Hallivis are a perfect example of how hard work and dedication can help anyone achieve their dreams. The Hallivis Brothers look forward to an early 2011 release of The Duel and currently are working on future projects.
For more information on The Duel, to visit www.TheDuelMovie.com or send email to the Hallivis Brothers at
