MUBI, the global distributor and curated film streaming service has announced the UK and Ireland release date for Jessica Beshir's striking and dreamlike film Faya Dayi on 24 June 2022, followed by an exclusive streaming release on MUBI from 29 July 2022.
Created and shot by Mexican-Ethiopian writer, director, producer and cinematographer Jessica Beshir, Faya Dayi, which had its World Premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival and its UK Premiere at the 2021 London Film Festival, paints a tapestry of haunting recollections and stories that create a vivid picture of the socio-political landscape in Ethiopia.
From Mexican-Ethiopian director and cinematographer Jessica Beshir, Faya Dayi is a lyrical spiritual journey into the rituals and trade practices of Khat, a stimulant green leaf that - according to Ethiopian legend - was founded by Sufi Imams in search of eternity. A hypnotic blend of documentary and drama, this immersive experience weaves a tapestry of intimate stories of people for whom chewing the lucrative crop has become both a radical escape and a space of socialization and revolt against oppressive forces. For the unemployed, oppressed youth and elders alike, the high achieved from Khat (the state of Merkhana) is the only place where their hopes, dreams and aspirations can live. Nominated for the World Cinema - Documentary award at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. Watch a clip at the link above.
