What’s your favorite, only-in-Berlin moment from festivals/markets past?
In 2005 we had Hotel Rwanda in the festival we and brought in Paul Rusesabagina, whose story inspired the film. At the end of the film, when Paul and his family stepped on stage, the Berlinale Palast hit an emotional pitch that I have yet to see replicated.
Favorite celebrity or industry encounter in Berlin?
I had the honor of spending two days with Werner Herzog when we had QUEEN OF THE DESERT in the festival in 2015. To hear that voice speaking directly to you is about as surreal of a German experience as you can have.
What’s something every visitor to Berlin should see?
Dead Chicken Alley. It’s a fascinating microcosm of the street art explosion that occurred after the fall of the Berlin Wall, when abandoned spaces became canvases for oppressed artists. You won’t find it in the tourism guides but it screams Berlin to me.
Strategy for staying warm in chilly Berlin?
Thermals, perpetual movement and a Neon beanie. They are so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.
Strategy for avoiding the dreaded “festival flu”?
Say “no” to the kiss hello. Self-preservation trumps customs when germs are rampant and there’s work to do. Fist bump = healthy.
Favorite Berlin restaurant or bar?
Monsieur Vuong. No question about it. The Vietnamese restaurant focused on dishes from Saigon is always my first meal when I arrive and my last meal before I depart. The Vietnamese diaspora in Berlin is an important layer in the rich food culture here.