Claude Jutra sex allegations shake Quebec film industry

Qubec Cinma may change the name of its annual Jutra awards gala in the wake of published claims that the prominent filmmaker Claude Jutra had sex with underage boys.

The actor, writer and filmmaker committed suicide in 1986 after learning that he hadAlzheimer's disease. He was 56.

A newbiography by Yves Lever releasedTuesdayincludes four pages oftestimonyfrom unnamed friendsofJutrawho allege he slept with 14- and 15-year-old boys, and possibly one as young as 13.

There are no interviews with alleged victims.

• Jutra had sex with underage boys, new biography alleges

SgolneRoederer, the executive directorof Qubec Cinma, said the agencyhas formed a committee to look into the allegationsin the book.

"There is a lot of hearsaybut no facts," saidRoederer. "No witnesses or actual accusations."

The author said he conducted more than 30 interviews in researching hisbook. He saidfive or six people who were "very close" to Jutracorroborated specific incidents of Jutra's involvement with a series of underage boys.

"The main victim did not want to speak to me," despite several requests, Lever told Radio-Canada's Alain Gravel.

Jutraisconsidered so important a figure inthe history of the province's film industry that Quebec'sannual film awards galaand the trophies themselves were named after him almost 20 years ago.

Winning a Jutrais considered highly prestigious.

Roederersaid her organization faces "a tight deadline" to decidewhether to keepJutra'sname on the award show because this year's ceremony is scheduledfor March 20.

The Toronto-based Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television also offersa singleClaudeJutraAwardat its annual Canadian Screen Awards gala.

'His work will remain'

Despite the controversy over his sexual predilections, Roederer said her organization stands by Jutra'sbody of work.

"The oeuvre exists and will remain an incomparable and exceptional work,"she said. "His work will remain. Regardless of what comes of the (allegations), it won't be the first time that an artist's work is effectively separated from their personal life."

Qubec Cinma says it will follow the case and make recommendations if more information comes to light.

Quebec Culture Minister Hlne David called the allegations troubling but said people should not rush to judgment without all the facts.

Jutra's best-known films include Mon oncle Antoineand Kamouraska the latter starring Genevive Bujold.