POV Season 35 Episode 8 Faya Dayi

Faya Dayi, the ninth episode of POV season 35, is a documentary film that takes the audience on a journey through the Ethiopian highlands. Directed by Jessica Beshir, the documentary explores the traditional coffee ceremony that is still practiced in the region, as well as the spiritual and cultural significance of coffee in Ethiopian society.

The film follows a man named Fuad, a young man who lives in Harar, a walled city in Eastern Ethiopia. Fuad is an aspiring poet and is fascinated by the history and mythology behind coffee. He decides to leave his city and embark on a journey through the Ethiopian highlands in search of the origins of coffee.

As Fuad travels deeper into the heart of the highlands, he meets different people who are involved in the coffee industry. He talks to farmers who have been growing coffee for generations, and learns about the challenges they face in maintaining their crop. He also meets traders who export coffee to different parts of the world and learns about the economic impact of the industry on Ethiopia.

Throughout his journey, Fuad is accompanied by the mesmerizing landscapes of the highlands, which serve as a beautiful backdrop to the story of coffee. The film captures the stunning beauty of the region, from misty mountains to vast fields of coffee shrubs.

Faya Dayi is not just a film about coffee, but it also delves into the spiritual and cultural significance of the beverage in Ethiopian society. The coffee ceremony is a traditional practice that is still performed today, and the film takes the audience through the different stages of the ceremony, from roasting the coffee beans to brewing the beverage.

The film also touches on the spiritual dimension of coffee in Ethiopia, where the beverage is believed to have healing qualities. Fuad meets a traditional healer who explains the role of coffee in their practice, and the film provides a glimpse into the deep-rooted beliefs and traditions that are part of Ethiopian culture.

Faya Dayi is a visually stunning and thought-provoking film that sheds light on the cultural and economic significance of coffee in Ethiopia. It also touches on broader global issues, such as the impact of the coffee industry on small farmers and the need for sustainable practices.

Overall, the documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in coffee and its cultural and economic significance. It provides a rare glimpse into the history and mythology behind the coffee industry and offers a deep dive into the spiritual and cultural facets of one of the world's most beloved beverages.