title: Faya Dayi
text: # Faya Dayi
  
  Faya Dayi is an 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.
  
  It had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 30, 2021. It was released on September 3, 2021, by Janus Films.
  
  ## Synopsis
  
  The film explores the religious rituals of khat chewing in Harar.
  
  ## Release
  
  The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival documentary competition on January 30, 2021.
  
  In April 2021, Janus Films and Mubi acquired U.S. and international distribution rights to the film, respectively. It was released on the USA on September 3, 2021.
  
  ## Reception
  
  Faya 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.
  
  