A public institution established in 1967, the Algerian Cinematographic Center is an administrative body with legal personality and financial autonomy, operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Arts. The director of the Algerian Cinematographic Center is appointed by presidential decree upon the recommendation of the Minister of Culture and Arts. The center has been led by several directors, four of whom were appointed by presidential decree.

It operates several screening rooms throughout the country under the name Cinémathèque. The Algerian Cinematographic Center also houses an archive of numerous Algerian, foreign, and Arab films in 35mm and 16mm, as well as a collection of film posters and books (a specialized documentation center on cinema). It is open to filmmakers, students, researchers, and film professionals.