Viewers pack theaters for documentary detailing alleged corruption between city of Pocatello and developers
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POCATELLO — “The Great Pocatello Land Grab,” a documentary produced by the non-profit organization Western Justice, has been well-received by viewers through its first few showings.
The docuseries outlines an ongoing land and water rights dispute between the Rupp and Hart families and the city of Pocatello, Mayor Brian Blad, and developers Portneuf Development LLC and Millennial Development Partners LLC.
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The first episode of the series made a two-screen premiere at Pocatello’s Reel Theater Friday night. According to David Duquette, founder of Western Justice and producer of the series, both showrooms were filled to their planned capacity — 150 people per room.
Viewers leaving the theater after the 90-minute film offered rave reviews, including retired Pocatello Police Officer and current Pocatello Mayoral candidate Greg Cates.
“The guys at Western Justice did an amazing job,” Cates said. “It’s important that associations and productions like this are done, so people who are being victimized, like the Rupp and Hart families, have someone who can help tell their story — be a voice for them.”
Also in attendance for the premiere was Lydia Noble, from Pocatello for Accountable Government Entities, who offered a similarly glowing review of the film.
“The Great Pocatello Land Grab” documents the story of the Hart and Rupp families, who separately entered partnership agreements with the City of Pocatello, Portneuf Development and Millennial Development. Each family sold parcels of land for what was to be a city development near the Highland community.
After the construction of Northgate Parkway, though, things came to a screaming hold. And, according to the documentary, what began was a series of bad-faith dealings, blackmail, corruption and the attempted theft of both land and water rights.
Cates said the development, as it is today, is a “shell of what it should be.” What was supposed to be a “bustling city” is currently just a series of lawsuits and legal battles.
“Northgate was supposed to be our salvation,” he said. “Our town has been struggling for years. When they came up with this idea, to develop a part of the city and call it Northgate, everyone was excited. It’s just sad that our city government chose to take this path, and got in bed with corrupt developers.”
The documentary makes some massive accusations, but, as Duquette has said several times, Western Justice “has receipts.”
City of Pocatello officials have said on numerous occasions that they are not able to comment on the accusations, due to ongoing legal litigation.
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Because it is part one of series, the film ends on a cliffhanger, as former Pocatello City Council Member Claudia Ortega joins the Western Justice crew for an interview.
Ortega, along with fellow council members Chris Stevens and Roger Bray, had several heated exchanges with Blad, resulting in all three of them resigning from their positions.
Duquette told EastIdahoNews.com the ensuing episodes of the docuseries are unlikely to be shown in theaters, as his team continues to shop the series as a whole to different streaming services.
For now though, part one will be shown all week at the Reel Theater, according to co-owner Saundra Lewis.
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Lewis said that the Reel was excited to host the documentary, given the interest is received from Pocatello residents. She recently told EastIdahoNews.com, “We don’t agree or disagree with it. I’m just hosting it. I’m just an outlet to show his film like I would any other film.”
Showtimes will occur daily through Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to see the film are $5.
Thanks to Fat Cats in Rexburg for providing screenings for movie reviews on EastIdahoNews.com.