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In a dilapidated Soviet-era retirement home in Armenia, a theatre director sets out to stage Shakespeare’s Sins, an original play in which Shakespeare’s characters confront their creator over their tragic fates. As the elderly residents rehearse for the premiere, the theatre becomes a space for friendship, love and renewed purpose. Gradually, however, the boundaries between the play and their own lives begin to blur, as the residents confront memories of love, loss, exile and abandonment. What starts as a warm and gently humorous portrait of ageing develops into a poignant exploration of the longing for connection and the human need to feel needed. Tender yet unsparing, Outliving Shakespeare finds unexpected vitality and humour in a place that is seemingly forgotten by time, while art brings dignity, connection and a renewed sense of purpose. Winner of the Best Documentary Award and the FIPRESCI Prize at goEast 2026, as well as Armenia’s Anahit Award for Best Documentary Film.
- Year2025
- Runtime94 minutes
- CountryArmenia, Netherlands
- Subtitle Languageenglish
- DirectorInna Sahakyan, Ruben Ghazaryan
- ScreenwriterInna Sahakyan Lilit Movsisyan
- ProducerVardan Hovhannisyan, Inna Sahakyan, Mariam Davtyan

In a dilapidated Soviet-era retirement home in Armenia, a theatre director sets out to stage Shakespeare’s Sins, an original play in which Shakespeare’s characters confront their creator over their tragic fates. As the elderly residents rehearse for the premiere, the theatre becomes a space for friendship, love and renewed purpose. Gradually, however, the boundaries between the play and their own lives begin to blur, as the residents confront memories of love, loss, exile and abandonment. What starts as a warm and gently humorous portrait of ageing develops into a poignant exploration of the longing for connection and the human need to feel needed. Tender yet unsparing, Outliving Shakespeare finds unexpected vitality and humour in a place that is seemingly forgotten by time, while art brings dignity, connection and a renewed sense of purpose. Winner of the Best Documentary Award and the FIPRESCI Prize at goEast 2026, as well as Armenia’s Anahit Award for Best Documentary Film.
- Year2025
- Runtime94 minutes
- CountryArmenia, Netherlands
- Subtitle Languageenglish
- DirectorInna Sahakyan, Ruben Ghazaryan
- ScreenwriterInna Sahakyan Lilit Movsisyan
- ProducerVardan Hovhannisyan, Inna Sahakyan, Mariam Davtyan