With her mesmerizing debut feature Faya Dayi, Ethiopian-Mexican filmmaker Jessica Beshir returned to her hometown of Harar to document its rural Oromo community of farmers and the harvesting of the khat plant, the country’s most desired export. Photographed in swooning black and white, Beshir’s Oscar-shortlisted film is both a loving tribute to Ethiopia and a smart exploration of the far-reaching impact khat has had on the country. If you want to learn more about the film before (or after!) you see it at IU Cinema this Friday or Sunday, check out this glowing round-up of what critics have to say about the film. You can also read Jessica Beshir’s own thoughts on Criterion or watch this Q&A she did with the Lincoln Center last year.
“Filmed in luminous black and white, each image more beautiful than the last, Faya Dayi is not your typical documentary.” – Sheila O’Malley, RogerEbert.com
Faya Dayi will be screened at IU Cinema on February 4 at 7 pm and February 6 at 1 pm as part of the International Art House Series.