Sarah's Oil

Sarah's Oil is a 2025 American biographical drama film inspired by the true story of Sarah Rector, an African American girl in early 1900s Oklahoma who believed oil lay beneath land she was allotted.

Sarah's Oil is a 2025 American biographical drama film inspired by the true story of Sarah Rector, an African American girl in early 1900s Oklahoma. The film follows her efforts to protect her inheritance after oil is discovered on her land. It was released on November 7, 2025.

Premise

Sarah's Oil dramatizes Sarah Rector's efforts to develop oil rights on land she believes contains petroleum. As the discovery attracts outside interest, the story focuses on her struggle to retain control of her inheritance.

Production

The film was directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh from a screenplay by Betsy Giffen Nowrasteh and Cyrus Nowrasteh. It is inspired by Tonya Bolden's 2014 book Searching for Sarah Rector: The Richest Black Girl in America.

Release

Sarah's Oil opened in theatres on November 7, 2025. It was distributed in North American theatrical release, including screenings in Canada.

Historical basis

The film is based on the story of Sarah Rector, who became known as one of the first female African American millionaires as a child after oil was found on her land.