In the ’90s and early 2000s, Christian contemporary music was sometimes seen as a “wholesome” alternative to mainstream pop music. It dominated CD players and radio stations across the United States (with a hub in Nashville) because of its lightly evangelical and family-friendly messages. But this year, a new documentary is debuting called Safe for the Whole Family: How to Make a Christian Superstar, and it’s pulling back the curtain on how the billion-dollar industry often failed to protect the artists singing inside it.

The documentary, directed by filmmaker Jason Ikeler, focuses on three artists: Jennifer Kapp, Michael Passons, and Nikki Leonti. While sharing their stories, these artists disclosed that upholding a religious standard in their careers was a constant and demanding facade, and not just a front they could forget about when they walked offstage.

The expectations did not start and end with the work; any hints of being sexually active before marriage, being a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, using explicit language, or voicing political opinions were condemned by those with industry control, who let the artists feel the ramifications. The film shows how, as a result of the industry’s ethical codes, many artists who operated outside of the regarded “social norms” were ostracized or even pushed out.

Ikeler also incorporates other artists into the documentary who were at the forefront of the era, including Leigh Nash (Sixpence None the Richer), Matt Thiessen (Relient K), Crystal Lewis, Derek Webb (Caedmon’s Call), Nate Cole (Plus One), Chanel Haynes (Trin-i-Tee 5:7), and Semler. Their stories and recollections help explain how the religious culture was woven into the industry.

The teaser for the documentary is out now, and the film is expected to be released to the public later this year.