Private Project

Street Trash (2025)

In the year 2050, global economic turmoil has destroyed the middle class in Cape Town, South Africa, which is now divided between the ultra-rich and the unhoused. Ronald and group of fellow houseless friends uncover a plot by the local government to “liquify“ the houseless population with a sinister chemical agent called “V”.

  • Ryan Kruger
    Director
    Fried Barry
  • Ryan Kruger
    Writer
    Fried Barry
  • Matt Manjourides
    Producer
    The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs, The Puppetman
  • Justin A. Martell
    Producer
    The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs, Tiny Tim: King for a Day
  • David Franciscus
    Producer
    Rust Road (co-producer)
  • Sean Cameron Michael
    Key Cast
    "Ronald"
    BLACK SAILS, THE MUMMY, The Last Days of American Crime, The Salvation
  • Donna Cormack-Thomson
    Key Cast
    "Alex"
    Catch Me a Killer
  • Joe Vaz
    Key Cast
    "Chef"
    The Watch, Good Omens,The Dark Tower
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Genres:
    Horror, Sci-fi, Action
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 25 minutes 17 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 1, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    650,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    South Africa
  • Country of Filming:
    South Africa
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    35mm
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • International Film Festival Rotterdam
    Rotterdam
    Netherlands
    January 30, 2025
    World / International Premiere
    Official Selection
Distribution Information
  • Screambox
    Distributor
    Country: United States
    Rights: Video on Demand, Theatrical
  • Vinegar Syndrome
    Distributor
    Country: United States
    Rights: Video / Disc
  • The Coven
    Sales Agent
    Country: Worldwide
Director Biography - Ryan Kruger

Ryan Kruger is a South African based writer-director and actor, Kruger is known for his unique conceptual shooting style marrying narrative and visuals in his music videos. He has been regarded as one of SA's top music video directors with over 100 music videos to his name, picking up many awards and nominations from the likes of MTV and SAMA'S (South African Music Award), but he soon made his jump to feature films.

Directing his first debut film "Fried Barry" , which he wrote/directed and co-produced. Hitting festivals around the world competing next to major names, the film has picked up 23 awards and many nominations in some of the biggest genre festivals around the world such as Sitges and Fantasia. It’s already gained a cult status from fan art around the globe and is hailed as a first of its kind for South African cinema.

The film was picked up by AMC "Shudder" with a wide international release in May 2021 with now over 75 territories around the world. On the night of its release in the states it went viral being the 3rd most spoke about thing in America on twitter for being on the hit TV show "The Last Drive in With Joe Bob Briggs” Also recently hitting the 16th South African film & Television Awards (SAFTAS) Which is based of international academies, such as the Oscars and British BAFTAs. Fried Barry picked up 6 nominations including best film and director.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Film is not dead. Street Trash marks my second feature film after Fried Barry (2020). While it takes place in the same universe as the original 80s cult classic, my version is more of a standalone sequel, crafted for both a new generation of viewers and long-time fans. What excites me most is the opportunity to shoot on 35mm film—a dream I’ve had since childhood. There's an authenticity to the texture of celluloid that’s impossible to replicate, and it perfectly complements the old-school makeup and prosthetics we used.

Growing up on 80s films, I was always captivated by their raw and tangible quality, so bringing that same feel to Street Trash was incredibly rewarding. But this film goes beyond just the gore. It has a heart. The story dives into themes of class disparity, the global homelessness crisis, and the increasing overreach of governments. These issues resonate deeply in the world we've built, adding layers to the madness and mayhem on screen. I’m thrilled to introduce Street Trash to new audiences while giving a nod to those who have loved the original. It’s packed with gross-out set-pieces, pastel ooze, humour, and adventure—but at its core, it’s a film about humanity, told in the most bizarre way possible.