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.
Metrics
Movie Details
| United Kingdom Releases: | June 23rd, 2022 (Limited) |
| Video Release: | August 30th, 2022 by Criterion |
| Running Time: | 120 minutes |
| Keywords: | Sundance Film Festival 2021 |
| Source: | Based on Real Life Events |
| Genre: | Documentary |
| Production Method: | Live Action |
| Creative Type: | Factual |
| Production/Financing Companies: | Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program, Doha Film Institute, Jerome Foundation, XTR , Cinetic |
| Production Countries: | Ethiopia, Qatar, United States |
| Languages: | Amharic, Harari, Oromo |