Film South Florida.com: Describe Along the Pathways in 20 words or less.

Traversari: I believe this film, ultimately, is about belonging, about returning consciously to that place we once called home and finding there forgotten traces of ourselves. It is about the responsible journey of life, where every path leads to a new discovery, where every character along the way speaks about the truth that binds us all. It is about a 24-hour trek through the streets of Managua today, and about the resilient spirit of one particular nation, but its resounding voice expresses the dreams and concerns of the entire human race.
 
Film South Florida.com: What was the film's source of inspiration?
 
Traversari: It all began as a personal experiment, nothing more, and a powerful desire to understand what is taking place in Nicaragua today. I wanted to hear it from the people that walk the streets daily and not from those who are trained to speak about what is most convenient and self-serving. The entire project was dictated, literally, a step at a time.
 
Film South Florida.com: What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome while making Along the Pathways?
 
Traversari: Surprisingly, there were very few stumbling blocks. Even when confronting potentially risky circumstances and dealing with unpredictable characters, every person I met along the way offered complete frankness and appreciation. I realized as I made this film that what people want most in life is to be heard, and understood.
 
Film South Florida.com: What was the most memorable moment of making Along the Pathways?
 
Traversari: As I sat in the middle of a busy urban intersection in the very early hours of the morning surrounded by a group of crack addicts, I suddenly realized that all stereotypes disappear when you operate from the heart. I noticed that these so-called social misfits, these dangerous street urchins are simply despondent souls crying out for help. The love I felt that night from these strangers reassured me that what I was doing had some worth.
 
Film South Florida.com: How important is it to you and your film that it is screening during the MIFF?
 
Traversari: It is an honor for me to be participating in this year's MIFF. To have been considered and to somehow represent my country and share this intimate message completes my task. It is important to accomplish a project like this but it is twice as gratifying to be able to permit others the chance to glimpse into your experience.
 
Film South Florida.com: How has living in Florida shaped your vision as a filmmaker?
 
Traversari: Florida is so culturally varied and so rich and unique in its climate that one can easily conjure a myriad stories here. Although I am still drawn to Nicaragua as a source of inspiration, I will someday devote my time to making films about issues that pertain to those of us fortunate enough to live in South Florida.

Along the Pathways will screen 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, and Sunday, Feb. 13 at the Regal South Beach Cinema 18, 1100 Lincoln Road, South Beach. Visit http://www.miamifilmfestival.com/2005/detail.asp?filmid=F05-274 for more information.

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