Don Krim (1945–2011), who died on May 20, was a visionary New York–based film distributor who exposed American audiences to the work of significant filmmakers the world over, from Percy Adlon to Wong Kar-wai. He was also a key figure in the theatrical revival of such classic films as Fritz Lang’s Metropolis and F. W. Murnau’s The Last Laugh. Krim was a friend not just to MoMA’s Department of Film, but to audiences nationwide who appreciate the culture and history of cinema. He was a founder of UA Classics, the first art-house division of a major studio, and in 1978 acquired Kino International, which he ran for over 30 years, releasing a treasure trove of international cinema. As a tribute to Krim, we have chosen two films from the Museum’s collection for which he had a special fondness.
Organized by Laurence Kardish, Senior Curator, Department of Film. Special thanks to Susan Krim, Richard Lorber, and Gary Palmucci.