Biography
Ryan Kruger is redefining genre filmmaking with his bold, unapologetic style that blends horror, sci-fi, and dark comedy into unforgettable cinematic experiences. Best known for his breakout feature Fried Barry (2020) (AMC Shudder) Kruger introduced audiences to an acid-soaked, alien-abduction fever dream that took the festival circuit by storm competing with major names in the industry, winning over 25 awards and earning Certified Fresh status on Rotten Tomatoes. The film's raw energy, surreal storytelling, and grotesque humor established Kruger as a fearless filmmaker willing to push the boundaries of conventional storytelling.
The reception to "Fried Barry" has been nothing short of explosive, fan art from around the globe, Achieving viral fame; hailed as the first of its kind for SA cinema. The night of the release on the hit show "The Last Drive in with Joe Bob Briggs, went viral being the third most spoken about thing in America on twitter, with 6 nominations including best director and best film, the film walked away with two wins for Best score/music and sound design at The South African film and television awards (SAFTAS).
Building on his success, Kruger resurrected the cult classic Street Trash in 2024, Shot on 35mm film and giving it a gritty South African twist. Set in a dystopian Cape Town, the film transforms the 1987 splatter-fest into a grotesque, high-energy ride that confronts economic disparity with absurdity and gore. Street Trash has already gained cult status, having its world premiere at Quentin Tarantino's New Beverly cinema in LA and premiering in UK cinemas-including the legendary Prince Charles Cinema-and gearing up for a highly anticipated limited-edition Blu-ray release in 2025. And more recently screened at the prestigious International film festival at Rotterdam.
Beyond directing, Kruger remains a dynamic force as he started out in front of the camera , he studied acting at one of the world's leading conservatoires and drama schools "The Guildhall School of Music and Drama", with acting credits in the BBC's "Bluestone 42", and HBO series "Warrior" . "Good Luck, Have fun, Don't Die" starring Sam Rockwell and many more. His ability to balance both sides of the lens gives his films an unmatched authenticity, drawing raw, visceral performances from his actors.
During his early days before moving to South Africa he took on a personal project: a gritty reality-type show called GTV! Kruger delved into the underbelly of the live music scene, filming with over 50 major US and UK biggest Rock and metal bands. The likes of Juliet Lewis and the licks,Misfits, Slipknot and Black Flag, allowed him to venture into the unknown and the outcome was a sobering yet hilarious glimpse of the ridiculous life of rock stars behind the scenes.
Before transitioning into feature films, Kruger gained recognition for his distinctive conceptual shooting style, which seamlessly blended narrative with visuals. His work in music videos caught the attention of South Africa's top artists, and his innovative approach earned him numerous accolades, including awards and nominations from MTV and the South African Music Awards (SAMAs). With over 100 music videos to his name, Kruger has firmly established himself as one of South Africa's leading music video directors.
12 wins and 3 nominations
