Head of Marketing for Protagonist Images, Mona Wessinger – The Hollywood Reporter

From drugstore recommendations to tips on how to stay warm (walk fast!), Monia Fessinger, Head of Marketing, Distribution and Publicity at Protagonist Pictures, shares the do’s and don’ts of the Berlin Film Festival.

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

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

What advice would you give to new Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle: which works should she keep and which works should she not get rid of?

Tricia is so experienced that she won’t need my advice! But a great combination of exciting editorial and audience satisfaction is always a winning combination.

What is your single favorite moment in Berlin from past festivals/markets?

Being able to be on the red carpet wearing my “smart” sneakers.

What is something every visitor to Berlin should see?

DM Shop in Potsdamer Platz, the best pharmacy ever.

A strategy for staying warm in cold Berlin?

Curry hot dogs on the go, walk fast!

A strategy to avoid the dreaded “festival flu”?

Always keep hand sanitizer with you, and use it carefully.

Favorite Berlin restaurant or bar?

My all-time favorite is Monster Ronson Ichiban Karaoke, but Tante Lisbeth is definitely fun too – they have a secret bowling alley!

Place to avoid during festival/market?

Nothing really! I love being in Berlin

The one thing you would change about the Berlin Film Festival?

I love Berlin but I’m always saddened by the idea that some people may always know Potsdamer Platz. Berlin is a vibrant city, and I would love to have more places/opportunities for attendees to discover.

Best place to get away from the festival madness?

Nice walk on Museum Island

Best celebrity encounter in Berlin?

It’s not convenient, but once, a long time ago, my mother and I shared an elevator with Werner Herzog. I was actually impressed – I wasn’t even in the industry at the time!

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

It’s cold in Berlin, so I use lip balm!