CinemaNet Europe launched on the 12th-14th November 2004 with an Opening Festival of screenings throughout the UK. See the Opening Festival page for information on the films. See CNE Launch Feedback for many of the responses to the Opening Festival.

This festival launched CinemaNet Europe, which is the first digital distribution and exhibition network across eight countries specifically intended for specialized European Films.

CinemaNet Europe transformed over 180 independent cinemas into digital cinemas in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain Slovakia and the UK. In addition to locally produced films in each country, CinemaNet Europe distributed a film of the month to all venues simultaneously. Docspace was instrumental in the design of the network and the audience research that underpinned it.