Within the AFF (French film archives), it carries out digital and photochemical restoration work, paying careful attention to the specific features of old films.
These include stencil-coloured films, non-standard formats and seriously damaged supports or images.
Highly specialised technical interventions of this kind were carried out on a massive scale between 1991 and 2006, as part of the "old film safeguard" plan.
The section can also treat damage affecting more recent films.
Safeguard and restoration work are governed by detailed dossiers specifying the methodology chosen. The restoration of films must first be approved by the Film Heritage Commission.
This transmits its opinion to the CNC general management, which in turn decides on priorities according to artistic, technical and financial criteria.