A long-forgotten piece of television history is finally making its public debut. Dreams in the Attic, a never-aired live-action television film produced in 2000, will have its world premiere on July 7, 2025, at the historic River Oaks Theatre in Houston. The screening, organized by The Houston Cinema Arts Society, will coincide with a celebration of actress Shelley Duvall’s birthday and career.

Filmed on 16mm in Galveston and Houston, Dreams in the Attic was written by Carolyn Johnston and directed by Bob Willems. Despite its imaginative storyline and notable cast, the film was shelved after being rejected by the Disney Channel and has remained unreleased—until now.

The film features Shelley Duvall in one of her final screen appearances as Aunt Nellie, the eccentric owner of a costume shop where an enchanted trunk in the attic allows wearers to bring their dreams to life. The cast also includes Haylie Duff, Mary McDonough, and Vanessa Lee Chester.

For decades, the film has lingered in obscurity, with only a trailer and an IMDb listing suggesting its existence. No complete version has ever been made available to the public in any form.

The July 7 screening will include a post-film discussion with director Bob Willems and other cast and crew members, who will share behind-the-scenes insights and reflect on the film’s unusual path to release. Sarah Lukowski, founder of the Shelley Duvall Archive, will also participate, offering commentary on Duvall’s legacy and their personal connection.

To further celebrate Duvall’s impact on cinema, the River Oaks Theatre will present a retrospective of her work throughout July:

• Time Bandits – Saturday, July 12 at 11 AM
• Brewster McCloud (co-hosted by Preservation Houston) – Sunday, July         20 at 6 PM
• Thieves Like Us – Monday, July 21 at 7:30 PM
• Popeye – Friday, July 25 at 7 PM
• Nashville – Monday, July 28 at 7:15 PM

The event marks a significant rediscovery and a tribute to one of Houston’s most iconic film talents.