Knowing to Learn

Claude Jutra (March 11, 1930 – November 5, 1986) was a Canadian actor, film director and writer. The Prix Jutra are named in his honor because of his importance in Quebec cinema history. He was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec.

Claude Jutra was born in Montreal, Quebec and studied to be a doctor before turning to his first love, the cinema. In 1954 he went to work at the National Film Board of Canada where he trained in all facets of filmmaking. In 1958 he went to France to work with François Truffaut and Jean Rouch.

With financing and production provided by the National Film Board of Canada, Jutra co-wrote and directed the acclaimed 1971 film Mon oncle Antoine as well as directing several cinema verite shorts such as La lutte and The Devil’s Toy. He also co-directed with Norman McLaren and starred in the pixilation short A Chairy Tale.

In 1984, he was awarded the Prix Albert-Tessier, given to individuals for an outstanding career in Québec cinema.

Jutra was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in the early 1980s. He died, an apparent suicide, in 1986: his body was found in the St. Lawrence river some months after he disappeared, with a note in his pocket reading “I Am Claude Jutra.” —Wikipedia