Evelyn Kite embarked on her professional acting career in February. With a pensive expression, she shared, "I'm new at this," as if contemplating the challenges of a burgeoning career. At just 8 years old, she lives with her family in LaGrange, Georgia. This month, she shines as one of the lead performers in "Elijah Peel," the fourth feature film from Gravity Productions in three years.

"Discover the Heartfelt Tale of 'Elijah Peel' with Evelyn Kite"

"The Story of 'Elijah Peel'"

"Elijah Peel" narrates the story of a drug-addicted British rock star. His onstage heart attack in Memphis leads to a prolonged hospital stay and an unexpected friendship with an 8-year-old terminally ill cancer patient, Jessica, played by Evelyn. The rock star's antagonistic manager, "Rock," is brought to life by Kevin Sorbo, who is renowned for his roles in "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys."This story is not just about drama; it delves deep into themes of redemption. As Sorbo, 66, explains, "I do a lot of stories that deal with redemption. I like the stories that Hollywood used to do but don't any more." It's a tale that leaves audiences thinking about life and its lessons.

"The Cast and Their Roles"

The cast of "Elijah Peel" is a mix of local and out-of-town talents. Jessica's mother is played by April Billingsley, with credits in shows like "The Walking Dead" and "The Mentalist." The title rocker, Elijah, is portrayed by Robert Malcolm Cumming, a Los Angeles-based actor from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He adopts a cockney accent to match the character's style.Evelyn, with her ability to switch between emotions on cue, brings a unique charm to the role. Her mother, Valerie Kite, 47, notes that her daughter's nascent career doesn't interfere with her education as they are home-schooled.

"The Making of 'Elijah Peel'"

Produced on a "sub-half-million" budget, "Elijah Peel" showcases the power of smart set choices. With Nicki Newburger scouting locations, the film uses the University of Memphis, the Masonic Temple, and Terry Harris's Front Street home.A key set is near the airport, where an office complex is transformed into a hospital. Yanni Manousakis and his brother Saki create a realistic hospital environment with story-specific props. The attention to detail makes the scenes come alive.The 30-member crew is mostly Memphian, adding to the local flavor. Director Nathan Ross Murphy, 38, a Memphis moviemaking veteran, brings his experience to the project.

"The Impact and Significance"

"Elijah Peel" is more than just a movie; it represents a step forward for Memphis as a creative community. As producer Princeton James says, "We want to help Memphis progress to the next level."The presence of Sorbo has also increased the film's appeal. His political pronouncements have sparked some controversy, but his Christian films have achieved wide distribution and earned millions.For Memphis film professionals, being back on set with an active production company gives them hope. As Yanni Manousakis puts it, "It gives me hope for Memphis film."