faya dayi flyer

Faya Dayi: The Black Cinematheque Series

Date

Time

6pm

Location

3209 LaCienega Ave

Black Image Center and Cushy Collective are partnering to bring you the Black Cinematheque Series, a monthly screening event thoughtfully curated to shine a spotlight on the global canon of Black cinema.

Our mission with this series is to elevate culturally significant yet lesser-known films from our rich cinematic heritage, offering a diverse array of iconic gems from the diaspora and introducing contemporary voices.


This months screening is "Faya Dayi", a mesmerizing documentary that immerses audiences in Ethiopia's khat culture. Set against stunning landscapes, the film explores the traditions and struggles of khat farming, tackling themes of tradition, addiction, and the search for identity. Through breathtaking visuals and intimate storytelling, it offers a captivating glimpse into a world balancing ancient customs and modern challenges, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.


In the hypnotic documentary 'Faya Dayi,' director Jessica Beshir offers an immersive journey into the captivating world of Ethiopia's Oromo and Harari communities, where the allure and impact of the narcotic plant khat intertwine with the lives of its people, exploring themes of tradition, identity, and escape amidst a backdrop of political strife.