Conceived three years ago, The Deptford Cinema is the area’s very own local Cinema, located in the heart of Deptford Broadway.

This “not-for-profit” organisation, is something that has never been seen before, and despite its young age, has quickly emerged as something that has quickly woven itself into the rich tapestry of the area.

The ethos of such an initiative is that great cinema should be accessible to everyone. Such a thing has become more important, in an area such as Deptford, where previously residents found themselves making the commute to Southwark or Greenwich in search of the nearest cinema, often paying upwards of £12 for cinema tickets. But, The Deptford Cinema provide quality cinema for a more affordable price.

Unlike the vast majority of conventional cinemas, the Deptford Cinema has a little more to offer. Although not every movie is new and sensational, all have a meaning and this is shown by how movies occur in seasons. Like the Ireland on Screen season with movies such as ‘71 and Hidden Agenda which explores the history behind the Troubles that erupted in Northern Ireland in the 70s.

Although, the cinema, can boast of a 40 seat capacity, and a loaded bar in many ways it remains a work in progress. At the time of writing, the cafe, dark room and gallery room are still under construction, and this is where the local community come in. The community is the lifeblood of the organisation, and without them, the cinema would be unable to continue the great work they do.

The organisation is constantly looking for volunteers to help them run things and spread the word. If you wish to join it is as easy as attending their weekly Sunday meetings and getting a feel for the place. For much of the volunteers who have devoted their time, they say that it is great and is loads of fun.

Talking to a volunteer myself, I got to find out the kind of impact that the initiative had on his life. He told me his dream was to be a “phone programmer” and the organisation gave him a platform to do programming with films, without any previous experience. He also highlighted how the cinema “belongs to everyone in Deptford” and how he has “seen it evolve over three years.” When I asked the final question he said that he there was no “hierarchy”  and that everything was “volunteer-led” and he was “excited about what was going to happen next.”

The community can also help by participating in the patron scheme. This allows people to donate as little as £25 or as much as £100 on an annual basis, and when they do they can receive one of a selection of ten uniquely designed patron cards from the cinema to say thank you. In an organisation that does not receive regular funding, it is essential that such donations continue to happen.

Despite, the clear limitations that local cinemas such as this has, it is beautiful to see, a community hub in which people from the local community can come and enjoy themselves. Let's hope that they will continue their wonderful work for years to come.