Documentary Examined 1994 Disappearance of Michele Julson
The new film Call Me Shelly explores the cold case of a North Dakota mother who went missing in Bismarck.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Documentary
Filmmakers James Wolner and his partner produced a documentary titled Call Me Shelly to revisit the 1994 disappearance of Michele Julson. The project examines the case and features interviews with the family of the missing woman.
Why it matters
The filmmakers aim to keep the cold case active in the public consciousness with the goal of encouraging individuals with new information to come forward. The documentary grew out of investigative research conducted for the podcast Dakota Spotlight.
The production follows a 30-year investigation into the disappearance of Michele Julson, who was last seen when her son was 3 years old. Investigators originally conducted a one-week search following the initial report in Bismarck.
The players
James Wolner
He is a filmmaker and producer who led the creation of the documentary focusing on historical cold cases.
Dakota Spotlight
This is a documentary-style podcast that conducts investigative journalism into unsolved mysteries across North Dakota.
Bismarck Police Department
This is the local law enforcement agency that conducted the initial search efforts following the 1994 disappearance.
The details
The production team utilized research from the Dakota Spotlight podcast to detail the events surrounding the disappearance. The film highlights the ongoing search for answers and includes personal accounts from the family members affected by the tragedy.
Timeline
Michele Julson disappeared in Bismarck during the summer of 1994.
A screening of the documentary is scheduled for October 14, 2026, in Carrington.
The documentary will be screened in Minot on October 22, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This documentary follows a pattern set by the Dakota Spotlight podcast in utilizing long-form investigative storytelling to revisit decades-old cold cases. The project underscores a broader cultural shift where independent media producers take on the role of amateur investigators to revive interest in local mysteries.
Interested viewers can attend upcoming screenings in Carrington and Minot this October to see the film firsthand. The production will transition to a wider digital audience when it becomes available for online streaming following the conclusion of its festival run.
The takeaway
This case illustrates the persistent nature of cold investigations and the role that persistent public interest plays in keeping them alive. Families seeking closure often rely on media projects to maintain pressure on law enforcement and the public for new leads.
What happens next
The documentary is scheduled for public screenings in Carrington on October 14, 2026, and in Minot on October 22, 2026, with an online streaming release planned after the film completes its festival circuit.
Further reading
Explore more local investigative works in the North Dakota Documentary section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kfyrtv.
