Berlin According to…’Paul’ Director Denis C?té

Ahead of returning to the Berlin Film Festival to premiere his latest auteur film, the feature documentary Paul, Denis C?té talked to THR about how to navigate the festival frenzy.

Throughout his career, the Canadian auteur has deliberately shunned big-budget features or mainstream Hollywood to make low-budget films out of French-speaking Quebec. His latest documentary, Paul, portrays a young man who, beset by depression and social anxiety, finds refuge in serving women who invite him to clean their homes.

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Before Paul debuts in Berlin with a world premiere on Feb. 15, C?té revealed to THR what he’s looking forward to, and what he is aiming to avoid, during his latest appearance at the Berlinale.

You’re a Berlinale veteran. How are you feeling ahead of this year’s festival?

I’m amazed that despite changing directors, Berlinale keeps following my work and inviting me. My films are fragile art films, so I’m really humbled to be there again.

What’s your favorite, only-in-Berlin moment from festivals past?

Receiving a Silver Bear from the hands of Wong Kar-wai in 2013.

What’s something every visitor to Berlin should see?

Drunken Berliners eating wurst at 4 a.m.

OK, you’re from wintry Quebec. But share a strategy for staying warm in chilly Berlin for others?

Hey Portuguese people, nobody will know you are wearing leg warmers!

Strategy for avoiding the dreaded “festival flu”?

My phobia. Avoid the ultra-packed Match Factory party and buy those ginger juice boosts at REWE.

Favorite Berlin restaurant or bar? 

I somehow always find time for Franken, a dimly lit punk bar in Kreuzberg.

Place to avoid during the festival/market?

Probably the market itself. Or the lineup at the Canada party.

Best place to get away from the fest frenzy? 

Astra Kulturhaus on Feb. 14 for the Napalm Death concert.

Best celebrity encounter in Berlin?

I’m not easily starstruck, but I took a photo with Tim Robbins and a programmer of the festival in 2013. We really looked like triplets! Same heights and looks.

One thing you won’t travel without, besides your phone?   

As a (kidney) transplanted man, my meds.

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