By Leah MarieAnn Klett, Assistant Editor Tuesday, May 05, 2026

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — After years of addiction and repeated brushes with death, Miami-based writer and producer Kevin Sepe found sobriety, embraced faith and began rebuilding his life.

That second chance is what ultimately led him to create “Elijah Peel,” a film inspired by his own mental and spiritual struggles and his decision to reject drugs for Jesus.

“When you’ve been delivered spiritually and physically, your whole existence becomes about how you give that back,” Sepe, a father of five, told The Christian Post during a sit-down interview at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention earlier this year. 

“You start asking different questions. What am I here for? What am I supposed to give back? I didn’t want my legacy to be my old work. I prayed relentlessly to make this film before I died.”

The project is now set for a broad release: eKKL Entertainment, a newly launched independent distribution company, recently announced has acquired North American theatrical rights to the Rock 'n’ Roll drama and plans to release it exclusively in theaters on Aug. 14.

“‘Elijah Peel' is an amazing and uplifting story,” eKKL Entertainment founder Michael Scott told CP. “I remember watching this movie, and I got to the end of it, and I was in tears, crying. It’s really touching.”

The movie follows Elijah, a stadium-filling rock star whose life of fame and addiction comes to a halt after a heart attack forces him into recovery and reflection. During rehab, he forms an unexpected friendship with a terminally ill young girl whose faith begins to reshape his understanding of hope, healing and purpose.

Elijah is portrayed by Robert Malcolm Cumming, who said he was drawn to the film’s redemptive themes.

“It’s hard to find stories where change feels earned and not saccharine,” Cumming said. “This one lives in that messy space between rock bottom and redemption. That’s what pulled me in. … The shoot taught me patience and humility. Going through all that cracks you open a little.”

Cumming said Elijah’s relationship with the young girl, Jessica, played by 9-year-old Evelyn Grace Kite, became the emotional center of the film.

“She’s not afraid to help,” Kite told CP. “She has hope. She believes in God.”

Between emotionally heavy scenes, Kite’s youthful energy brought levity to the set, Cumming added, like wheelchair races during breaks. 

“She’s the professional,” he quipped, adding the young actress had a remarkable ability to instantly return to character. "I had a harder time focusing than she did."

Unlike many addiction-focused films that linger on destruction, “Elijah Peel” centers on restoration and the hope that comes through faith. According to Sepe, throughout the movie, viewers will notice small moments of divine intervention and unexpected characters who influence Elijah’s journey.

“People hit rock bottom when they’re dying,” Sepe said. “We want to change that. No matter how far down the line you are, there’s an opportunity to get better. … You never know who God puts in your life. You just have to be open.”

Shot on location in and around Memphis, Tennessee, the film also features an original soundtrack blending rock, soul and faith-driven themes, mirroring Elijah’s internal journey.

“Elijah Peel” also stars “Hercules” actor Kevin Sorbo as Elijah’s manager, Rock. Sorbo told CP his character is “trying to keep Elijah in line” amid his struggles with substance abuse.

“He’s got a problem with all the booze and everything, and I’m like, ‘dude, what’re you doing to yourself?’” he said. “But he sees transformation through a litle girl, which is amazing.”

After years of addiction and multiple near-death experiences, Sepe says sobriety forced a reckoning with his purpose and what, exactly, God wanted him to do with his talents.

“When much is given, much is required,” he said. “I’ve been delivered from death, spiritually and physically. So now everything I do has to be in that vein.”

“This movie is God-breathed,” he added. “It’s His film. We just got to be part of it. I want people to walk out knowing they’re not too far gone. I don’t care how broken you feel. I don’t care how addicted you are. There’s still hope.”

“A lot of people are suffering. Kids are suffering. Families are suffering. If this movie helps even a few people believe they can start again, then it’s worth everything.”

“Elijah Peel” hits theaters Aug. 14. Watch the trailer below.

News Source : https://www.christianpost.com/news/director-finds-redemption-in-inspirational-film-elijah-peel.html