Mel Rodriguez, the Cuban-American actor, found a profoundly personal connection in his latest film, Sarah’s Oil. The movie, which tells the true story of Sarah Rector, resonated deeply with Rodriguez as a father, influencing his decision to join the cast. He calls it one of his most human interpretations to date.
Rodriguez, 52 and a father to two daughters aged six and ten, shared in an exclusive interview why the script moved him. He expressed a desire for his own children to witness stories like Rector’s, highlighting themes of faith, justice, and resilience. "This is the kind of film I want my daughters to see," he stated. "It highlights the power of the human spirit."
Sarah’s Oil chronicles the incredible journey of Sarah Rector, who, at just 11 years old, became the first African American female millionaire in the United States. Her story involves a young girl, seemingly "worthless" land, and an unexpected turn of events that forever altered her destiny. The film portrays her struggle against greed, racism, and systemic challenges.
When offered the role, Rodriguez admitted he had to research Rector’s life. "She was the first African American female millionaire in this country," he explained. "When they offered me the role, I had to look for information because there’s almost nothing about her online." To prepare, he read Tonya Bolden’s book Searching for Sarah Rector, which inspired the film, and delved into the historical context of the era.
Naya Desir-Johnson stars as Sarah Rector, leading a cast that also includes Zachary Levi, Sonequa Martin-Green, Garret Dillahunt, and Bridget Regan. Cyrus Nowrasteh directed the film and co-wrote the screenplay with Betsy Giffen Nowrasteh. The narrative is based on Bolden’s comprehensive book.
Rodriguez, reflecting on his identity as a Hispanic actor, sees his participation in an African American story as an opportunity to champion shared representation. He believes that diverse communities are integral to the nation’s fabric. "As Latinos, we are part of the fabric of this country," Rodriguez asserted. "And if someone doesn’t like it… too late. This is already part of the culture."
The actor acknowledges that significant work remains to achieve authentic and human representation for Latino and Afro-descendant communities on screen. He felt honored to portray a character of integrity and generosity in Sarah’s Oil. "I was proud to be part of this," he affirmed, "to help move us in the right direction, where we can see the humanity of our characters on screen."
Ultimately, the humanity of a role is the essential ingredient when Rodriguez selects his projects. He finds it a privilege to step into another person’s experiences. "I feel honored to be able to put myself in another human being’s shoes and try to understand what was happening," he concluded.
Sarah’s Oil is a production from Amazon MGM Studios, in collaboration with Kingdom Story Company and Wonder Project. It is set to premiere in theaters this Friday, November 7.