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Ryan Kruger is revolutionizing genre filmmaking with his daring, unapologetic approach that fuses horror, sci-fi, and dark comedy into unforgettable cinematic journeys. He gained widespread acclaim for his breakout feature Fried Barry (2020) (AMC Shudder), an acid-soaked, alien-abduction fever dream that captivated the festival circuit, competing alongside industry heavyweights. The film won over 25 awards and earned Certified Fresh status on Rotten Tomatoes. Its raw energy, surreal narrative, and grotesque humor cemented Kruger’s reputation as a fearless filmmaker who challenges traditional storytelling boundaries.
The response to Fried Barry was explosive, inspiring fan art worldwide and achieving viral fame as a pioneering work in South African cinema. On the night of its release on the popular show The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs, it became the third most discussed topic in America on Twitter. The film received six nominations, including Best Director and Best Film, and won two awards for Best Score/Music and Sound Design at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs).
Building on this momentum, Kruger revived the cult classic Street Trash in 2024, shooting on 35mm film and infusing it with a gritty South African perspective. Set in a dystopian Cape Town, the film reimagines the 1987 splatter-fest as a grotesque, high-energy exploration of economic disparity through absurdity and gore. Street Trash has already achieved cult status, premiering at Quentin Tarantino’s New Beverly Cinema in LA, screening in UK theaters including the iconic Prince Charles Cinema, and preparing for a highly anticipated limited-edition Blu-ray release in 2025. It also recently screened at the prestigious International Film Festival Rotterdam.
Beyond directing, Kruger is a versatile talent who began his career in front of the camera. He trained in acting at the renowned Guildhall School of Music and Drama and boasts credits in the BBC’s Bluestone 42, HBO’s Warrior, and Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die starring Sam Rockwell, among others. His dual expertise behind and in front of the camera lends his films a unique authenticity, eliciting raw, visceral performances from his actors.
Before relocating to South Africa, Kruger undertook a personal project: GTV!, a gritty reality-style show exploring the live music scene’s underbelly. Filming over 50 major US and UK rock and metal bands—including Juliette Lewis and the Licks, Misfits, Slipknot, and Black Flag—he captured a sobering yet humorous look at the chaotic lives of rock stars behind the scenes.
Prior to his work in feature films, Kruger earned recognition for his innovative conceptual shooting style that seamlessly blended narrative and visuals. His music video work attracted South Africa’s top artists and garnered numerous accolades, including awards and nominations from MTV and the South African Music Awards (SAMAs). With over 100 music videos to his credit, Kruger has firmly established himself as one of South Africa’s premier music video directors.
