PIFFcorp

07/28/2025

🎬 Poplar Institute for Film is now PIFFcorp.

After five years of amplifying indie voices, we’ve rebranded with renewed clarity and purpose.

Now based in Columbus, Ohio, PIFFcorp is a nonprofit dedicated exclusively to producing and distributing independent films — especially from underrepresented storytellers.

What’s changing:

🔄 New name: PIFFcorp

📍 New base: Columbus, Ohio

🚫 No more media marketing services

🎯 100% focused on production + distribution

What’s new:

✨ In 2025, we’re launching startup + distribution grants for short films — including seed funding, festival strategy, and mentorship. More information later this year.

What’s staying the same:

🖤 Our commitment to grassroots, community-driven storytelling

🏆 Our drive to help bold stories reach global audiences

We’re not just supporting films — we’re building filmmakers.

Let’s dream it. Let’s shoot it.

Let’s own the narrative.

🔗 www.piffcorp.org

07/26/2025

10/16/2024

📢 Exciting Sponsorship Announcement! 📢

Poplar Institute for Film is thrilled to announce our incredible new sponsors! Over the past few years, we’ve been working passionately to showcase a diverse array of projects and programs, including our Filmmaker in Residence initiative, distribution through PIFF Festival Support, and PIFF Originals—offering artists a safe space to create, grow, and thrive.

Thanks to the generous support of The Optimist Club of St. Louis, Regions Bank, and Cinema St. Louis, we’re excited to announce that production is underway for our latest short film, Know My Name. This powerful film, created ten years after the tragic death of Michael Brown, explores the lasting impact of his legacy on a community still wrestling with grief and injustice. Through personal interpretations between parent and child, poetic reflections, and vivid flashbacks, Know My Name tells a deeply moving story of loss, love, and hope.

10/15/2024

Come join us for a spooktacular time at the 24:1 Cinema! Put on your best costume and get ready for a night of trick or treating! We'll have candy, popcorn, and maybe even a few surprises up our sleeves. This event is in person, so make sure to bring your friends and family along for the fun. Don't miss out on this Halloween extravaganza at 24:1 Cinema!

Click below to RSVP. The event is FREE!

Poplar Institute for Film would like to thank Regions Bank for being a sponsor for this event.

Ven a disfrutar de una noche de películas de terror y dulces en Trick or Treat at 24:1 Cinema! ¡No te lo pierdas!

10/04/2024

🎃 Poplar Institute for Film & 24:1 Cinema Present: Halloween Movie Night & Trick-or-Treat Event! 🍬

Get ready for a fun-filled evening of Movies, Candy, and Halloween Fun at 24:1 Cinema! Bring your family and friends, and don't miss out on this FREE event perfect for all ages!

🗓️ Date: October 25th
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: 24:1 Cinema, 6755 Page Ave, St. Louis, MO 63133

What's in store?
👻 Movies
🍬 Free Candy
🎉 Fun activities for all ages!

Admission is FREE, and there's plenty of candy to go around! 🎃🍭👀

Interested in Sponsoring the Event?
For sponsorship inquiries, please contact:
📧 [email protected]

Help make this Halloween a memorable experience for the community! 🎃🕸️

Stay tuned for more details, and we can't wait to see you there! 🎬👻

08/02/2024

Congratulations 🎉🎊

** SELECTION UPDATE **

We’re proud to announce that HONORABLE is an official selection of the 2024 International Black Film Festival in Nashville, TN.

Not only is this our first festival outside our hometown of St. Louis, MO., but IBFF is also the only African-American established and inspired film festival in the state of Tennessee. We’re beyond excited to share and experience the beautiful artistry and hard work of all the independent filmmakers competing this October!

Follow for more details to come about our screening & tickets!

🎬 HONORABLE is a fictional story about the ruin & reconciliation of Malcolm X Shabazz and Muhammad Ali.

(abbreviated credits)
Writer: Mia Bible
Producers: Mia Bible / Zachary Scott Clark
Directors: Zachary Scott Clark / Mariah L Richardson
Cinematography: Nkosi Roma
Editors: / Kaleb Keller
Music: Lenny Mink / Matthew Jamison Music LLC
Cast: / Jason J. Little / / Jaz Tucker / Marvin Dane

07/29/2024

Dive into the journey of the Poplar Institute for Film and learn more about our mission to amplify diverse voices through independent film and media. 🎬📽️

Check out the full article here: https://voyagestl.com/interview/meet-merlin-bell-of-poplar-institute-for-film-corp/

Thank you all for your continued support! 🙏💖

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Merlin Bell. Merlin Bell Hi Merlin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. Merlin Lorenzo Bell, born on May 28, 1992, in St. Louis, MO, is the middle child of nine siblings. His mother is a dedicated saleswoman for ha...