Faya Dayi is a 2021 American-Ethiopian documentary film, directed, written, starring and produced by Jessica Beshir. It explores the rituals of khat, a psychoactive plant that plays an important role in Ethiopia's economy and culture.
| Faya Dayi | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Jessica Beshir |
| Written by | Jessica Beshir |
| Produced by | Jessica Beshir |
| Cinematography | Jessica Beshir |
| Edited by |
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Production companies |
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| Distributed by | |
Release dates |
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Running time | 118 minutes |
| Countries |
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| Languages | Oromifa, Harari, Amharic |
The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 30, 2021. It was released on September 3, 2021, by Janus Films.
Synopsis
editThe film explores the religious rituals of khat chewing in Harar.[1]
Release
editThe film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival documentary competition on January 30, 2021.[2]
In April 2021, Janus Films and Mubi acquired U.S. and international distribution rights to the film, respectively.[3][4] It was released in the USA on September 3, 2021.[5]
Reception
editFaya Dayi received positive reviews from film critics. It holds a 91% approval rating on review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, based on 11 reviews, with a weighted average of 8.10/10.[6]
References
edit- ^ "Faya Dayi". DOC NYC.
- ^ Debruge, Peter (December 15, 2020). "Sundance Film Festival Lineup Features 38 First-Time Directors, Including Rebecca Hall and Robin Wright". Variety. Retrieved April 28, 2021.
- ^ Carey, Matthew (April 6, 2021). "Janus Films Takes North American Rights To 'Faya Dayi', "Gorgeously Cinematic" Doc From Director Jessica Beshir". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 28, 2021.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (April 9, 2021). "MUBI Takes UK, Lat Am, Italy, France, Germany, More, On Sundance Title 'Faya Dayi'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 28, 2021.
- ^ "Faya Dayi". Atom Tickets. Retrieved June 2, 2021.
- ^ "Faya Dayi (2021)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved April 28, 2021.