The volunteer body transformed the two-floor derelict space, a former shop front that had been closed for about 15 years, into a cinema using funds donated through Kickstarter.

[7][8] The volunteer body has no hierarchy, meaning anyone can get involved with any aspect of running the cinema; from programming and marketing, to construction, front of house duties etc.

[9] Whilst struggling to pay off a large business rates bill in 2016, despite at the time being registered as a Community Interest Company, Deptford Cinema saw support from notable people such as Glenda Jackson and Sue Perkins.

[3][4][8] As of early 2018 the cinema had run, or was planning to run, seasons of films by directors such as Claire Denis, Xavier Dolan, Terry Gilliam, Doris Wishman, Spike Lee, Powell and Pressburger, Akira Kurosawa, Pedro Almodóvar, Andrzej Zulawski, Agnès Varda, Andrei Tarkovsky and more.

The cinema also teamed up with streaming company Mubi several times for screenings to showcase films currently available through their service.