1759, Mauritius Island, Indian Ocean. The island is controlled by French settlers and the deported slave population live in fear while toiling in the sugar cane plantations. Unlike her disillusioned father Massamba, 16-year-old Mati refuses to keep her head down and accept her fate.

Sabali, which means 'patient' and 'immortal', tells the story of Moudou's exodus and the resilience of his migration. It follows his clandestine odyssey, his fight for love, and above all, his patience. Departing feeds the hope for what comes after, and the memory of what came before.

On the set of a turbulent shoot of a Medea adaptation in Senegal, Maja seeks solace in a love affair with her co-star Nourou. Months later, they meet again at the film’s premiere in Berlin. Old feelings resurface, but a racist incident unsettles their reunion. Tensions rise as everyone tries to do the right thing. While the ancient tragedy plays out on screen, a contemporary drama unfolds.