Recently selected to screen in the Directors’ Fortnight program at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival, Jutra is a rapturous tribute to a Canadian filmmaking legend. The documentary short explores the life of Quebec director Claude Jutra. Most famously known for directing the 1971 film Mon Oncle Antoine, widely considered one of the greatest films ever made by the likes of Sight & Sound and Roger Ebert, Jutra was one of the key pioneers of filmmaking in Quebec.

In her stunning 13 minute short Jutra, director Marie-Josée St-Pierre provides a captivating glimpse into the life and mind of Claude Jutra. Like a beautifully vibrant mosaic the film flows with a dreamlike aura as St-Pierre blends archival footage of Jutra with animation. The technique especially works well when the film slices in scenes from Jutra’s own creative, and at times trippy, canon of work. Jutra really hits its stride when it focuses on his evolution as a filmmaker. Whether discussing his emotional reaction to his first encounter with film as a boy, or talking about his trip to France right as the French New Wave scene was taking off, there is a wealth of information to delight even the casual cinephile.

Though the short focuses heavily on his filmography, it still provides good insight into Claude Jutra the man. St-Pierre sheds light on his early years and how his love for the arts was fostered. The film also touches on Jutra’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease in his later years. Despite its numerous technical achievements, the thing that resonates the most is the film’s accessibility. Jutra not only provides a well-rounded view of Claude Jutra’s life, but will also make you eager to further explore his body of work.

Screens with Guidelines
Monday, April 28, 6:00 PM, TIFF Bell Lightbox
Tuesday, April 29, 4:30 PM, TIFF Bell Lightbox
Saturday, May 3, 4:30 PM, Scotiabank Theatre