Ryan Kruger is a visionary filmmaker, known for his bold and unapologetic style that seamlessly blends genres, including horror, science fiction, and dark comedy, to create unforgettable cinematic experiences.
Best known for his breakout feature film, Fried Barry (2020),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, and winning over 25 awards, 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, and its reception has been nothing short of explosive, with fan art from around the globe achieving viral fame.
Kruger's success with Fried Barry led to his resurrection of the cult classic Street Trash in 2024, shot on 35mm film and given a gritty South African twist, set in a dystopian Cape Town, which has already gained cult status, having its world premiere at Quentin Tarantino's New Beverly cinema in LA and premiering in UK cinemas, and gearing up for a highly anticipated limited-edition Blu-ray release in 2025.
In addition to directing, Kruger has also had a successful acting career, studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, with acting credits in the BBC's "Bluestone 42", HBO series "Warrior", and "Good Luck, Have fun, Don't Die" starring Sam Rockwell, among others.
Kruger's ability to balance both sides of the lens gives his films an unmatched authenticity, drawing raw, visceral performances from his actors, and his early days saw him take on a personal project, a gritty reality-type show called GTV!, delving into the underbelly of the live music scene, filming with over 50 major US and UK rock and metal bands.
Before transitioning into feature films, Kruger gained recognition for his distinctive conceptual shooting style, which seamlessly blended narrative with visuals, earning him numerous accolades, including awards and nominations from MTV and the South African Music Awards (SAMAs),and with over 100 music videos to his name, Kruger has firmly established himself as one of South Africa's leading music video directors.
