Proceeds from documentary benefit Magic Valley schools and libraries – Conquest of the Snake

JEROME, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) – Movie magic brought some benefits to some south central Idaho schools and libraries.

More than $12,000 were donated to six schools and two public libraries.

The money was split based on a grant application process.

The funds came from sales of a documentary called “The Conquest of the Snake.” The film is about the foundations of the Magic Valley and how it became what it is today.

Andrew Vawser, the writer, producer and director for the film, said it was a great feeling to see the effects of the movie carry on almost three years after it was released.

“The vision to pass that on to the next generations to say ‘Hey, this is a great area to live.’ It’s really great here and to tell the story and to appreciate the past, there’s a lot of great commitment in the future as well,” he said.

Jim Paxton, the founder and president of Snake River Pool and Spa, said he was behind the idea of the documentary after learning that Vawser wanted to help out the community.

“I said I’m in 100 percent if you’re giving back to the community,” he said. “100 percent of the net proceeds off the sales of these DVDs are going back into the community. Last year we donated almost $5,000 to the Twin Falls Education Foundation.”