Film-maker JohnDahl will receive the 13th Franklin J Schaffner Alumni Medal on Jun 12honouring the 'extraordinary creative talents' of a graduate of theAmerican Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory.

Dahl, whosecredits include The Last Seduction, Rounders and Red Rock West, graduated from the Conservatory in1982.

He will collect the award at a ceremony atHollywood's Kodak Theatre during the AFI Life Achievement Award tributeto Robert De Niro.

Dahl begancareer as an assistant director and storyboard artist. He started directingmusic videos after graduating from the Conservatory, moving on to makingacclaimed features.

He is currentlyin post production on the Second World War drama The Great Raid for Miramax.

The Franklin JSchaffner Alumni Medal was set up in 1991 by Schaffner's widow Jean.Schaffner won the directing Oscar for Patton in 1970 and his other credits include PlanetOf The Apes, Nicholas And Alexandra, The Boys From Brazil, Papillon and The Best Man.

Previous recipients of the Franklin J Schaffner Alumni Medalinclude David Lynch, Terrence Malick and Darren Aronofsky.