The Norwegian Film Institute’s main objectives is to preserve and restore films, to distribute and screen films, to market and provide information about films both in Norway and abroad. The Norwegian Film Institute is under the authority of the Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs. The Film Institute has approximately 65 employees, and is divided into five segments.

The National Film Archive is responsible for the collection, preservation and restoration of old and new Norwegian films. The International Department is responsible for the distribution and marketing of Norwegian films abroad. The Department of Acquisitions and Distribution is primarily responsible for the distribution of films in video and DVD format, buying both Norwegian and foreign films. The Department of Exhibition and Education is responsible for film-cultural initiatives not all across the country and also runs the National Film Museum. In addition, Cinemateket programmes some of film history's central oeuvres, whilst also focusing on contemporary film culture through their yearly programme and festivals.