Faya Dayi

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Faya Dayi

Released Sep 3, 2021

2h 0m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

35 Reviews

43%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Ethiopian legend has it that khat, a stimulant leaf, was found by Sufi Imams in search of eternity. Inspired by this myth, Faya Dayi is a spiritual journey into the highlands of Harar immersed in the rituals of khat, a leaf that Sufi Muslims chewed for religious meditations -- and Ethiopia's most lucrative cash crop today. Through the prism of the khat trade, Faya Dayi weaves a tapestry of intimate stories of people caught between violent government repression, khat-induced fantasies and treacherous journeys beyond their borders, and offers a window into the dreams of the youth who long for a better life.

Critics Consensus

Faya Dayi's dreamlike feel and sensory approach to its subject combine to create a documentary that doubles as a spiritual experience.

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Cheyenne Bunsie

Little White Lies

Gorgeously made with stories and images that will endure long after viewing.

Rated: 4/5

Jun 23, 2022

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Danny Leigh

Financial Times

With equal parts patience and verve, Mexican-Ethiopian director Jessica Beshir traces through the mimetic haze of her film a dark web of political history.

Rated: 4/5

Jun 23, 2022

Full Review

Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

There are some marvellous images and moods in this misty, impressionistic study.

Rated: 3/5

Jun 20, 2022

Full Review

Farah Cheded

A Good Movie To Watch

Full of textures and images that evoke all of the senses, this is virtually a 5D movie, a hypnotic out-of-body experience that floats an astonishing expanse of ideas into your head — no talky explanations needed.

Oct 28, 2023

Full Review

Brian Susbielles

InSession Film

It’s such a visually rich movie that Beshir can take viewers into a trance and separate us from the reality that this is not a work of fiction.

Feb 15, 2023

Full Review

Prahlad Srihari

News9 Live (India)

Through the lens of khat harvesting, Beshir serves a portal into the plains of Harar where the plant is both a boon and a bane. https://www.news9live.com/entertainment/faya-dayi-film-review-188401

Aug 29, 2022

Full Review

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bob w

Yes, some of the cinematography is striking and creative, but it's a glacially paced bore, with story lines that are impossible to follow. If you enjoy spending two hours eating canned spinach you'll enjoy this. We couldn't wait for this to end.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

09/23/21

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Jessica Beshir

Director

Jessica Beshir

Writer

Jessica Beshir

Executive Producer

Daniel Patrick Carbone

Executive Producer

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Synopsis

Ethiopian legend has it that khat, a stimulant leaf, was found by Sufi Imams in search of eternity. Inspired by this myth, Faya Dayi is a spiritual journey into the highlands of Harar immersed in the rituals of khat, a leaf that Sufi Muslims chewed for religious meditations -- and Ethiopia's most lucrative cash crop today. Through the prism of the khat trade, Faya Dayi weaves a tapestry of intimate stories of people caught between violent government repression, khat-induced fantasies and treacherous journeys beyond their borders, and offers a window into the dreams of the youth who long for a better life.

Director: Jessica Beshir
Screenwriter: Jessica Beshir
Distributor: Janus Films
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: Amharic
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 3, 2021, Limited
Runtime: 2h 0m