Kurt Kren

Kurt Kren (1929-1998) was an Austrian avant-garde filmmaker, primarily known for his radical, experimental, and often provocative short films made between 1957 and 1997. He is considered a key figure in the Viennese Actionism movement, although he primarily participated by filming and distributing the performances and actions of artists such as Günter Brus, Otto Mühl, and Hermann Nitsch.

Kren's filmmaking style is characterized by rapid, jarring editing, manipulation of found footage, and a deliberate disregard for conventional narrative structures. His works often explore themes of violence, sexuality, and societal taboos. He frequently employed techniques like flicker effects, superimposition, and repetition to create visceral and disorienting experiences for the viewer.

Kren's work is divided into numbered films, many titled simply "Film" followed by a number, making cataloging his oeuvre relatively straightforward. Some of his most well-known films include Film 1/57: Versuch mit synthetischem Ton (Attempt with Synthetic Sound), Film 1/60: 48 Köpfe aus dem Szene (48 Heads from the Scene), Film 3/60: Bäume im Herbst (Trees in Autumn), Film 6/64: Mama und Papa (Mama and Papa), Film 9/64: Selbstverstümmelung (Self-Mutilation), and Film 37/78: Tree Again.

Despite the challenging nature of his films, Kren's work has been highly influential in experimental film circles. His unflinching approach to difficult subjects and his innovative editing techniques have inspired generations of filmmakers. He lectured and screened his films internationally and his work is included in major film archives and collections worldwide.