A new trailer and UK poster have landed for Jessica Beshir’s critically acclaimed film Faya Dayi, which actually lands in UK cinemas from this coming Friday 24th June.
MUBI will release the film, but Mexican-Ethiopian writer, director, producer and cinematographer Jessica Beshir, which originally premiered at last year’s Sundance Film Festival. The feature paints a tapestry of haunting recollections and stories that create a vivid picture of the socio-political landscape in Ethiopia.
Here’s the full synopsis.
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.
Following a cinemas release on Friday, the film will be available on curated streaming platform MUBI from 10th August.
Here’s the new trailer.
