Protagonist Pictures Marketing Head Mounia Wissinger – The Hollywood Reporter

From drugstore recommendations to tips on how to keep warm (walk fast!), Protagonist Pictures’s head of marketing, distribution and publicity Mounia Wissinger shares her dos and don’ts for the Berlin Film Festival.

What’s your state of mind heading into the European Film Market?  

I’m very much looking forward to it! I’m excited to be back in Berlin but to be fair, I have family there!

What advice would you give incoming Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle: What works that she should keep and what doesn’t that she should throw out? 

Tricia has such a wealth of experience that she wouldn’t need my advice! But the wonderful mix of edgy editorial and audience pleasers is always a winning combo.

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

Being able to be on a red carpet in my ‘smart’ sneakers

What’s something every visitor to Berlin should see?

The DM in Potsdamer Platz, the best drugstore ever.

Strategy for staying warm in chilly Berlin? 

A currywurst on the go, and walk fast!

Strategy for avoiding the dreaded “festival flu”? 

Always have some hand sanitizer with you, and use diligently.

Favorite Berlin restaurant or bar? 

My all-time favorite is Monster Ronson Ichiban Karaoke, but Tante Lisbeth is definitely fun as well — it has a secret bowling alley!

Place to avoid during the festival/market?

None really! I love being in Berlin

The one thing you’d change about the Berlin film fest?

I love Berlin but I’m always sad at the idea that some people might always know Potsdamer Platz. Berlin is such a vibrant city, I’d love to have more venues/opportunities for attendees to discover it.

Best place to get away from the fest frenzy? 

A nice walk on the Museum Island 

Best celebrity encounter in Berlin?

Not a proper one but once, ages ago, my mom and I shared an elevator with Werner Herzog. I was actually star struck – I wasn’t even in the industry then! 

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

It’s cold in Berlin, so my lip balm!