Ort Café’s The Magic Cinema is back, and looking for local short films. In their own words, The Magic Cinema is:

“A Birmingham based micro-cinema featuring an “open reel” section (bring your film along and we’ll show it, as long as it’s under 15 minutes), and a selection of underground/no-budget/obscure/DIY/outsider etc. films from further afield.”

Ort is one of those magical unique places outside of the city centre – in Balsall Heath to be precise, and well worth a venture. I was there on Friday night watching some what can only be described as mesmerising far out jazz.

For Ort’s full list of events, including language lessons, quizzes, art exhibitions, workshops, screenings and much much more, best see their website.

8 workshops exploring body image and sexuality will culminate with a group exhibition at Ort. in Balsall Heath from the 19th September until the 2nd October. The project is only possible because of a successful crowdfunding campaign to cover the costs of the workshops. Although the target has just been reached there are still two days left to support the project at the Wefund page.

For the £2 entry fee, there promises to be ‘zines for sale, Zine readings & workshops’, including a nifty bit of screen printing if your bring your own canvases – t-shirts and such.

A great event for Birmingham’s vibrant Zine communities and if you enjoy this, then be sure to check out the Birmingham Zine Festival happening in October.

And for those of you who don’t know what a zine is, here is Little Zine Party’s description:

A Zine is a self made, self published ‘magazine’ created with heart & soul. Often photocopied & non-profit. Zines celebrate sharing stories, creating art, words, passion & imagination.

Ridhi Kalaria, Josephine Reichert and Noemi, three artists and philosophers are planning to open ORT on the 11/11/11, an artist and community café and bar space in Balsall Heath

Ort will be opening at the Make It Zone on 11 November (that’s 11/11/11 – a date of significant interest to the Corduroy Club) with Juneau Brothers playing. If you want updates, Ort is/are on Twitter and Facebook.

(Via Extra Special People)