Sahel Calling is a documentary film about the motivational power of music and musicians to confront a radical political agenda such as the type occurring in the north of Mali. Here, various opposing armed groups have exploited regional tensions to assume control, displacing hundreds of thousands of residents, exacerbating an existing humanitarian crisis, and breaking the international decree of human rights by offering a bleak interpretation of Shariah law. Among other oppressive extremities and violations, they have outlawed the playing and enjoyment of music, a particularly egregious act, as this region is the birthplace and spiritual center of some of the world’s greatest, most enduring and influential musical forms and traditions. Sahel Calling will follow certain musicians — many of whom are displaced themselves — and travel through the cities and villages, filming their experiences, recording their songs and stories, interviewing refugees, and exploring the power of solidarity and music against those that would attempt to silence them. This is a story of the motivational force of music and the impact it can have on moving others to awareness and action, and possibly affecting a complex, socio-political, violent crisis. Like the musicians themselves, no one knows what will transpire on the journey, nor what or who will be inspired by them - until it is happening.