The Sarah Balabagan Story is a 1997 Philippine biopic directed by Joel Lamangan. The film stars Vina Morales as Sarah Balabagan, an OFW who was sentenced to death in the United Arab Emirates for killing her employer who was attempting to rape her. Plot Sarah Balabagan (Vina) a 14-year old goes to work as a maid in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates or "Saudi", then an umbrella term for countries in the Middle East among Overseas Filipino Workers. Balabagan a minor, her recruiter lied about her age so she can work abroad. Balabagan only knew about this when she was already in Dubai. She receives unsolicited sexual advancements from her employer and his family. In one episode, Balabagan killed her employer who was attempting to rape her. She was put on trial and was charged for manslaughter in a secular court, but the employer's family appealed who called for a death penalty for Balabagan. She was sentenced to death by an Islamic court. Her case became a publicized and the Philippine government attempted to save her from death row. Her sentenced was reduced to a year of imprisonment and 100 lashes following an appeal to the royal family. Cast Vina Morales as Sarah Balabagan Elizabeth Oropesa as Sarah's Mother Robert Arevalo as Sarah's Father Rey Serrano as Mokammad Angel Baldomar as Ali Zandro Gatdula as Padua Jerome Reyes as Brando Irvin Era as Usman Marial Al-Mutawa as Samrah Keempee de Leon as Ahmad Jennifer Sevilla as Mona Rolando Tinio as Sarah's Grandfather Caridad Sanchez as Sarah's Aunt Renato del Prado as Sarah's Uncle Denise Borromeo as Bai Jim Pebanco as Mouraon Rita Avila as Amy Timmy Cruz as Mely Melissa Mendez as Helen Mina Bernales as Dina Eugene Domingo as Lucille Gloria Sevilla as Mommy Ines Cherry Pie Picache as Gina Pinky Amador as Carmi Tonia Dizon as Presentacion Ana Bautista as Rio Marie Barbacui as Maria Production On September 13, 1996, Vic del Rosario Jr., Teresita Cruz and Vic Jose announced that Viva Films acquired the film rights to Sarah Balabagan's story. Balabagan was initially skeptical about turning her life into a film, but later on accepted the offer after consulting her advisers and realizing the positive reception gathered by The Flor Contemplacion Story. On October 21, 1996, Vina Morales was chosen to portray Balabagan in the film, as suggested by the latter. Release The film's released was delayed