{"id":14546,"date":"2025-11-06T14:15:59","date_gmt":"2025-11-06T21:15:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=14546"},"modified":"2025-11-06T17:34:44","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T00:34:44","slug":"sarahs-oil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2025\/sarahs-oil\/","title":{"rendered":"Sarah\u2019s Oil * An Inspiring Story Of An 11-Old-African America Girl Whose Faith Propels Her Into History"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft  wp-image-14554\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SarahsOil.Poster.jpg?resize=120%2C177&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"120\" height=\"177\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SarahsOil.Poster.jpg?resize=203%2C300&amp;ssl=1 203w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SarahsOil.Poster.jpg?resize=691%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 691w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SarahsOil.Poster.jpg?resize=768%2C1138&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SarahsOil.Poster.jpg?resize=1037%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1037w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SarahsOil.Poster.jpg?w=1080&amp;ssl=1 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 120px) 100vw, 120px\" \/>Sarah&#8217;s Oil<\/em> is inspired by the remarkable true story of Sarah Rector, an African American girl born in Oklahoma Indian Territory in the early 1900s, who believes there is oil beneath the barren land she&#8217;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, eventually becoming among the nation&#8217;s first female African American millionaires-at eleven years old.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic IvyJoy C. comments, \u201cI like <em>Sarah\u2019s Oil <\/em>because its amazing storyline and messages, great acting and outstanding cinematography\u2026 The entire cast is convincing, but Naya Desir-Johnson especially stands out, because her performance feels so real \u2013 her emotions jump right off the screen.\u201d Tia O. adds, \u201c<em>Sarah\u2019s Oil<\/em> is a dramatic time period piece. The acting is well done and the plot is very interesting \u2013 one I was unaware of\u2026 The film\u2019s message focuses on trusting in your faith and having the strength to persevere through tough times.\u201d Julie S. wraps it up with, \u201cI was truly unaware of this incredible narrative before viewing the film, and it is inspiring in multiple ways\u2014from its strong faith-based core to the sheer strength of an 11-year-old girl standing up for her rights during a tumultuous era.\u201d See their full reviews and Ari\u2019s interview with Naya Desir-Johnson below.<\/p>\n<p>Sarah\u2019s Oil<br \/>\nBy IvyJoy C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qmRMbKUTvQY?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_14558\" style=\"width: 231px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14558\" class=\" wp-image-14558\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SO_00878_R.jpg?resize=221%2C147&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"221\" height=\"147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SO_00878_R.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SO_00878_R.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 221px) 100vw, 221px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-14558\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L to R) Naya Desir-Johnson stars as Sarah Rector in SARAH&#8217;S OIL, from Amazon MGM Studios. Photo Credit: Shane Brown \u00a9 2025 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>I like <em>Sarah\u2019s Oil <\/em>because its amazing storyline and messages, great acting and outstanding cinematography.<\/p>\n<p>The storyline follows a young African American girl, Sarah (Naya Desir-Johnson), who is determined to find oil on her land. Not only does she find oil, but unfortunately, she finds enemies too. She must not only deal with greedy crooks in the oil business, but she must also deal with great loss. This movie takes place in Oklahoma, in 1931, a time when racism and persecution were pretty predominant towards people of color.<\/p>\n<p>The entire cast is convincing, but Naya Desir-Johnson especially stands out, because her performance feels so real \u2013 her emotions jump right off the screen.<\/p>\n<p>Mel Rodriguez\u2019s portrayal of Mace perfectly captures the dramatic flair that the script calls for.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-Jok3x_mpc8?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_14555\" style=\"width: 232px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14555\" class=\" wp-image-14555\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SO_05160_C.jpg?resize=222%2C148&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"222\" height=\"148\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SO_05160_C.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SO_05160_C.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 222px) 100vw, 222px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-14555\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L to R) Kenric Green as Joe Rector and Naya Desir-Johnson as Sarah Rector in SARAH&#8217;S OIL, from Amazon MGM Studios. Photo Credit: Shane Brown<br \/>\u00a9 2025 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Kenric Green, as Sarah\u2019s father Joe portrays a loving father figure wonderfully; he emanates paternal instincts.<\/p>\n<p>Kudos to Johnny Derango, the director of photography, and the entire cinematography department. All the shots are so perfectly framed; I felt as if I was right there observing all that was going on.<\/p>\n<p>The character development and the pace of the film are spot on. As I am half Black myself, I resonated with the messages of equal rights in this film. Hats off to Cyrus Nowrasteh for bringing this story to our attention and to the producers and crew for their sensitive delivery.<\/p>\n<p>I love the settings of the various scenes as they really match the mood of the story. Plus, the background music is well selected for the times and the topic.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_14549\" style=\"width: 231px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14549\" class=\" wp-image-14549\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sarahs-oil-SO_00241_rgb.jpg?resize=221%2C147&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"221\" height=\"147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sarahs-oil-SO_00241_rgb.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sarahs-oil-SO_00241_rgb.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 221px) 100vw, 221px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-14549\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L to R) Naya Desir-Johnson as Sarah Rector and Zachary Levi as Bert Smith in SARAH&#8217;S OIL, from Amazon MGM Studios. Photo Credit: Shane Brown \u00a9 2025 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>This movie teaches great lessons about equality and persistence that are important for everyone to learn. My favorite part is when oil rains down on Sarah because it reminds me of when I get to play in the rain and we see how her faith has delivered the oil she predicted was on her land.<\/p>\n<p>The film\u2019s messages are to treat everyone equally and never back down from what&#8217;s right.\u00a0 Take note that there is some profanity, lots of violence, and a murder.<\/p>\n<p>I give<em> Sarah\u2019s Oil<\/em> 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It opens in theaters on November 7, 2025.<\/p>\n<p>Sarah\u2019s Oil<br \/>\nBy Tia O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qWXhcGCMI4M?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_14559\" style=\"width: 229px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14559\" class=\" wp-image-14559\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SO_00651.jpg?resize=219%2C146&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"219\" height=\"146\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SO_00651.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SO_00651.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 219px) 100vw, 219px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-14559\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L to R) Adyan Copes as Junior, Sonequa Martin-Green as Rose Rector, Kenric Green as Joe Rector, and Naya Desir-Johnson as Sarah Rector in SARAH&#8217;S OIL, from Amazon MGM Studios. Photo Credit: Shane Brown<br \/>\u00a9 2025 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><em>Sarah\u2019s Oil<\/em> is a dramatic time period piece. The acting is well done and the plot is very interesting \u2013 one I was unaware of. But I wanted more historical information from it.<\/p>\n<p><em>Sarah\u2019s Oil<\/em> is a dramatic film set in the early 1900s which follows the real life story of Sarah Rector (Naya Desir-Johnson). After inheriting a massive plot of land, due to birthright as a Black grandchild of Creek Indians, she believes that there is a large bank of oil underneath her land. After following her gut instincts and persevering through hardships, eleven-year-old Sarah turns out to be right about her hunch and becomes America\u2019s first African-American millionaire.<\/p>\n<p>I found the story very interesting. I had never heard of Sarah Rector\u2019s story before watching this movie, and the film left me wanting to learn more about her life. The acting from both Naya Desir-Johnson and Zachary Levi really elevates the film.<\/p>\n<p>Both actors take on thick Southern accents and manage to maintain them throughout the entire movie, staying fully in character even during the most intense scenes while still maintaining great chemistry.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_14552\" style=\"width: 229px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14552\" class=\" wp-image-14552\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sarahs-oil-SO_04172_rgb.jpg?resize=219%2C146&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"219\" height=\"146\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sarahs-oil-SO_04172_rgb.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sarahs-oil-SO_04172_rgb.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 219px) 100vw, 219px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-14552\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L to R) Zachary Levi as Bert Smith and Naya Desir-Johnson as Sarah Rector in SARAH&#8217;S OIL, from Amazon MGM Studios. Photo Credit: Shane Brown<br \/>\u00a9 2025 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Their characters, Sarah and Bert, originally meet inside of a cafe and end up crossing paths again shortly after. During this meeting, Sarah asks Bert to help her lead the journey in extracting all that oil. Eventually the two grow very close, with Bert acting as a business mentor for Sarah. While the plot is captivating, there are a few issues that broke the illusion of the 1900s setting. For instance, many people treat Sarah unusually kindly for that time period. While there is an attempt to showcase the racism that she and her family faced, it feels inadequate.<\/p>\n<p>The film\u2019s message focuses on trusting in your faith and having the strength to persevere through tough times. It is an inspiring message, reminding us that nothing good comes easy and that hard work always pays off. Note that there is some minor violence and profanity used.<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>Sarah\u2019s Oil 4<\/em> out of 5 stars and recommend it 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters November 7, 2025.<\/p>\n<p>Sarah\u2019s Oil<br \/>\nBy Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lcEOKJm_aLY?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_14557\" style=\"width: 232px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14557\" class=\" wp-image-14557\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SO_01235_R.jpg?resize=222%2C148&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"222\" height=\"148\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SO_01235_R.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SO_01235_R.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 222px) 100vw, 222px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-14557\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L to R) Mel Rodriguez as Mace, Naya Desir-Johnson as Sarah Rector and Zachary Levi as Bert Smith in SARAH&#8217;S OIL, from Amazon MGM Studios.<br \/>Photo Credit: Spencer Click \u00a9 2025 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><em>Sarah\u2019s Oil<\/em> brings to life the inspiring story of Sarah Rector, a real-life figure whose determination and faith propelled her into history.<\/p>\n<p>I was truly unaware of this incredible narrative before viewing the film, and it is inspiring in multiple ways\u2014from its strong faith-based core to the sheer strength of an 11-year-old girl standing up for her rights during a tumultuous era.<\/p>\n<p>The story follows Sarah Rector, a young African American girl born in Oklahoma Indian Territory in the early 1900s. As a Black grandchild of Creek Indians, she was allotted 160 acres of land under the Dawes Allotment Act of 1887. While the land appeared barren, Sarah firmly believed there was oil beneath the surface. At a time when oil wildcatters were rampant in Oklahoma and Texas, Sarah had to fiercely fight for what was rightfully hers. She eventually succeeded, becoming the first female African American millionaire at the age of eleven.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_14553\" style=\"width: 228px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14553\" class=\" wp-image-14553\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sarahs-oil-SO_06078_rgb.jpg?resize=218%2C145&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"218\" height=\"145\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sarahs-oil-SO_06078_rgb.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sarahs-oil-SO_06078_rgb.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 218px) 100vw, 218px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-14553\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Naya Desir-Johnson stars as Sarah Rector in SARAH&#8217;S OIL, from Amazon MGM Studios. Photo Credit: Shane Brown \u00a9 2025 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Kudos to Cyrus Nowrasteh for co-producing, co-writing, and directing this essential piece of history. The cast is wonderful, especially Naya Desir-Johnson as Sarah and Zachary Levi as Bert.<\/p>\n<p>The film opens powerfully with Sarah accepting the deed and immediately expressing her faith-filled conviction about the land\u2019s potential. She finds an unlikely ally and protector in the local wildcatter, Bert (Zachary Levi). Levi excels as the scoundrel with a good heart\u2014unreliable at times, but ultimately redeeming himself as he supports Sarah against the local oil company, led by Garret Dillahunt.<\/p>\n<p>The performance of Naya Desir-Johnson stands out, flawlessly balancing Sarah&#8217;s deep faith and innocence while demonstrating a fierce refusal to take flak from anyone.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_14550\" style=\"width: 228px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14550\" class=\" wp-image-14550\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sarahs-oil-SO_00633_R_rgb.jpg?resize=218%2C145&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"218\" height=\"145\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sarahs-oil-SO_00633_R_rgb.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sarahs-oil-SO_00633_R_rgb.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 218px) 100vw, 218px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-14550\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L to R) Actor Naya Desir-Johnson, director Cyrus Nowrasteh and actor Kenric Green on the set of SARAH&#8217;S OIL, from Amazon MGM Studios.<br \/>Photo Credit: Shane Brown \u00a9 2025 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The pervasive racism of the era is evident, though it is handled sensitively for a broader audience.<\/p>\n<p><em>Sarah\u2019s Oil<\/em> is an enjoyable and profoundly moving experience. Its message about faith, family, and legacy is an uplifting one that will surely brighten your day at the movies. With a powerful true story and exceptional performances, it earns a high recommendation.<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>Sarah\u2019s Oil<\/em> 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters November 7, 2025.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sarah&#8217;s Oil is inspired by the remarkable true story of Sarah Rector, an African American girl born in Oklahoma Indian Territory in the early 1900s, who believes there is oil beneath the barren land she&#8217;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, eventually becoming among the nation&#8217;s first female African American millionaires-at eleven years old.<br \/>\nKIDS FIRST! Film Critic IvyJoy C. comments, \u201cI like Sarah\u2019s Oil because its amazing storyline and messages, great acting and outstanding cinematography\u2026 The entire cast is convincing, but Naya Desir-Johnson especially stands out, because her performance feels so real \u2013 her emotions jump right off the screen.\u201d Tia O. adds, \u201cSarah\u2019s Oil is a dramatic time period piece. The acting is well done and the plot is very interesting \u2013 one I was unaware of\u2026 The film\u2019s message focuses on trusting in your faith and having the strength to persevere through tough times.\u201d Julie S. wraps it up with, \u201cSarah\u2019s Oil brings to life the inspiring story of Sarah Rector, a real-life figure whose determination and faith propelled her into history. I was truly unaware of this incredible narrative before viewing the film, and it is inspiring in multiple ways\u2014from its strong faith-based core to the sheer strength of an 11-year-old girl standing up for her rights during a tumultuous era.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4949,15],"tags":[9871,9858,9875,9864,969,9861,7331,545,9856,9868,9876,470,9870,9877,9881,8099,9869,816,6613,6999,9874,771,1018,8984,4411,9863,9860,9879,9859,9855,9878,9873,9866,9854,9865,9867,9872,3683,9862,9880,9857,206],"class_list":["post-14546","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-feature-film","category-feature-film-reviews","tag-african-american","tag-amazon-mgm-studios","tag-ambition","tag-betsy-giffen-nowrasteh","tag-biography","tag-bridget-regan","tag-ciara","tag-coming-of-age","tag-cyrus-nowrasteh","tag-daryl-c-lefever","tag-determination","tag-drama","tag-entrepreneurship","tag-environmental-issues","tag-faith-based-film","tag-family-drama","tag-family-legacy","tag-family-movie","tag-female-protagonist","tag-garret-dillahunt","tag-generational-conflict","tag-history","tag-independent-film","tag-inspiring-film","tag-jon-erwin","tag-jonathan-lipnicki","tag-kenric-green","tag-land-rights","tag-mel-rodriguez","tag-naya-desir-johnson","tag-oil-business","tag-oil-wildcat-days","tag-paul-griffin","tag-sarahs-oil","tag-scott-fort","tag-sherry-kang","tag-small-business","tag-sonequa-martin-green","tag-stelio-savante","tag-teen-films","tag-tonya-bolden","tag-zachary-levi"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paS5I2-3MC","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14546","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14546"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14546\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14569,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14546\/revisions\/14569"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14546"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14546"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14546"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}