Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the Atlanta pre-screening of Sarah’s Oil, and the energy in the theater was incredible! The place was packed with excited moviegoers just as eager to see the film as I was. The red carpet was filled with familiar faces from the Christian community gospel singers, actors, and more all coming together to celebrate this powerful story. More inside…
Honestly, I hadn’t heard much about the movie until I noticed all the buzz online, but I’m so glad I went! Once I settled into my seat, I was immediately drawn into the remarkable story of 11-year-old Sarah Rector. Set in the early 1900s, the film follows young Sarah, who discovers oil beneath the land she’s allotted in Indian Territory. As opportunists try to take advantage, she leans on her faith, family, and trusted allies to protect her fortune ultimately becoming one of the first African American female millionaires.
I was truly blown away by how beautifully the film told her story. Sarah was portrayed as intelligent, fearless, and full of faith a young girl who understood her rights and the power of knowledge during a time when African Americans, especially women, had so few opportunities. The film also did an excellent job showing the strength and unity of family without unnecessary drama, which was refreshing to see.
One of the most touching parts was Sarah’s trust in a kindhearted white man who helped her manage her property. She followed her instincts and faith and it paid off. The story reminded me that there’s still good in the world, and faith can lead you through anything.
Sarah’s Oil is an inspiring, feel-good movie about courage, family, and believing in God’s guidance. It’s a must-see for families and anyone who loves uplifting, historical stories. I highly recommend checking it out when it hits theaters this Friday!
Inspired by Tonya Bolden’s book, Sarah’s Oil tells the true story of Sarah Rector (Naya Desir-Johnson), an African American born in Oklahoma Indian Territory in the early 1900s, who believes there is oil beneath the barren land she’s allotted and whose faith is proven right. As greedy oil sharks close in, Sarah turns to her family, friends and some Texas wildcatters to maintain control of her oil-rich land, soon becoming one of the nation’s first female African American millionaires at only 11 years old. Sarah’s Oil is directed by Iranian-American writer / producer / filmmaker Cyrus Nowrasteh, director of the films Veiled Threat, The Island,
The Stoning of Soraya M, The Young Messiah, and Infidel previously. The screenplay is written by Betsy Giffen Nowrasteh & Cyrus Nowrasteh. Adapted from the book titled “Searching for Sarah Rector: The Richest Black Girl in America” written by Tonya Bolden. It’s produced by Kevin Downes, Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin, Daryl Lefever, Zachary Levi, John Shepherd, Derrick Williams, Cyrus Nowrasteh. Amazon MGM opens Nowrasteh’s Sarah’s Oil film in theaters starting on November 7th, 2025
Photo Credit: Shane Brown
