TEHRAN Iranian director Rakhshan Bani-E'temad, is to be awarded the Netherlands' prestigious Prince Claus Award 1998. This has been announced in the Royal Palace in Amsterdam by the husband of the Netherlands Head of State Queen Beatrix. The Prince Claus Awards are presented annually to persons and organizations active in the field of culture and development. Artists, intellectuals and cultural organizations receive these awards not only for the high quality of their work but also for the significant part they have played in bringing about positive social changes.

In 1998, a number of 10 laureates have been awarded to artists and intellectuals of great creativity and innovative spirit. One of the 10 prices which has been this year, was assigned to Rakhshan Bani-E'temad, a prominent Iranian filmmaker. While never alienating the mainstream audience, her films have a distinctly female perspective, a strong sympathy with women and a preoccupation with female sensibility and the role of women in the society.

The award will be presented to Bani-E'temad on Wednesday, December 16 in Tehran by the Netherlands Ambassador in Iran Max Damme.