They are dedicated to the rescue, collection, preservation and screening of moving images, which are valued both as works of art and culture and as historical documents.

Current members reflect a wide range of non-profit institutions, including government archives, independent foundations and trusts, self-contained cinematheques, and museum or university departments.

Much of the work of FIAF takes the form of active cooperation between members on projects of mutual benefit or interest - for example, the careful restoration of a particular film, or the compilation of a national or international filmography.

It was closely involved in the preparatory work for the UNESCO Recommendation for the Safeguarding and Preservation of Moving Images, approved in Belgrade in 1980.

Training of archive personnel takes place at FIAF Summer Schools and Technical Symposia that have been held several times in various countries.