Dogwoof was founded in 2003 by Andy Whittaker, and originally concentrated on foreign films, including such titles as Don't Move, Fateless, El Lobo, and Esma's Secret.

[1] In July 2005, the company experimented by distributing James Erskine's EMR simultaneously in cinemas, on the internet through Tiscali (ISP), and on DVD through its Home Entertainment division.

Exhibitors were especially wary, as many feared that they would eventually lose their exclusive release windows for more mainstream films.

Political thriller King's Game was shown from a digital print as opposed to 35mm at the Curzon Soho cinema in London at a commercial matinee performance.

[1] In 2009 Dogwoof distributed the documentary The Age of Stupid,[3] The End of the Line, Burma VJ, We Live in Public and Afghan Star.