TAP Announces the Micro-Grant 2026 Winner
Documentary “Outliving Shakespeare” receives support to expand its international reach following acclaimed festival debut
Yerevan, Armenia – May 11, 2026 – The Armenia Project (TAP) is proud to announce the winner of its second Micro-Grant Program, launched in May 2025 to support high-impact storytelling from Armenia with global reach. Selected from over 20 submissions, this year's project was chosen for its compelling narrative and exceptional international potential.
The TAP Micro-Grant Program empowers strong, narrative-driven storytelling that informs, educates, entertains, and moves people emotionally, increasing awareness and understanding of Armenia and its people among wider global audiences.
The selected project is a film entitled "Outliving Shakespeare" and is directed by Inna Sahakyan and Ruben Ghazaryan.
Set in the Nork retirement house in Yerevan, it follows theater director Garnik as he sets out to stage his original play "Shakespeare's Sins" with a cast of elderly residents. The film is an intimate portrait of creativity in late life and a frank examination of the social realities many elderly Armenians face: abandonment, loneliness, and inadequate support.
The film premiered globally on November 18, 2025, at IDFA, the world's largest and most prestigious documentary film festival, and was screened at the Trieste Film Festival (Italy) in January 2026.
"Initially a story about the healing power of theater for the elderly, Outliving Shakespeare has grown into a tool for social awareness. We are now committed to making a tangible impact in a society where such conversations are urgently needed," said Vardan Hovhannisyan, founder of Bars Media Documentary Film Studio.
With TAP's support, the filmmakers will work to secure international distribution, expand audience outreach, and build partnerships that extend the film's cultural and industry impact beyond the festival circuit.
About The Armenia Project
The Armenia Project (TAP), an initiative of the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation, is an educational non-profit that promotes the democratic and economic development of Armenia by advancing the country’s communications ecosystem, ensuring it is robust, accurate, and impactful to more effectively share its real story with the international community. Through strategic programs and diverse partnerships, TAP raises global awareness about Armenia and the region.
