ALGIERS - The Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bendouda, inaugurated on Saturday, in Algiers, the new headquarters of the National Center for Cinema, according to a statement issued by the ministry on Sunday.

The new headquarters of the National Center for Cinema, located in the municipality of Hydra, was inaugurated as part of efforts aimed at modernizing public administration and improving services provided to professionals in the cinematographic industry, in line with the momentum experienced by the sector.

The new headquarters features the creation of a "one-stop shop" that brings together various services and administrative procedures related to cinematographic activities in a single space, in order to streamline administrative procedures, speed up the processing of applications and improve the quality of public services.

The one-stop shop will receive and process applications for cinema operating permits and cultural visas, requests for public support for the cinematographic industry, and applications for licenses related to cinematographic industry activities, according to the source.

On this occasion, the one-stop shop at the National Center for Cinema was named after film director Lamine Merbah, who passed away recently, in recognition of his distinguished artistic career, marked by excellence and dedication and in appreciation of his significant efforts in supporting an authentic Algerian cinema.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by a group of artists, directors and producers.

The minister listened to their opinions, concerns and aspirations, noting that the development of the cinematographic industry remains a collective responsibility that requires the cooperation of all stakeholders in the sector.

Bendouda further confirmed that a consultative meeting with the cinema community would be held as soon as possible to serve as a platform for dialogue, exchange of ideas and proposals, and discussion of various professional concerns, with a view to contributing to promoting and developing the national cinematographic industry and strengthening a participatory approach in shaping the future of Algerian cinema.