# Kočani nightclub fire documentary premiere

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/koani-nightclub-fire-documentary-premiere
> Updated: 2026-08-24T00:00:09.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3.

Milcho Mančevski’s documentary film regarding the Pulse nightclub fire in Kočani, North Macedonia, premiered at the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival. The tragedy, which occurred on March 16, 2025, resulted in 63 deaths and over 200 injuries.

Mančevski began production shortly after the incident to capture the immediate testimonies of survivors and those who attempted to save lives. The film, titled ‘Dobri lugje’ or ‘Dobri ljudi’ (Good People), utilizes a minimal visual style to focus on the voices of those affected, serving as a tribute “for children, for grandchildren”. The director emphasized a minimalist approach to avoid “political exploitation or unnecessary spectacle,” aiming to provide a platform for those affected rather than a sensationalist reconstruction.

Following its world premiere, the 86-minute film held its Macedonian premiere at the Makedox festival in Kuršumlija. Due to high interest, additional screenings are scheduled at the ‘Beli Mugri’ Cultural Center in Kočani, with further showings planned for Cineplex in Skopje starting August 26.

Investigations into the disaster determined that the fire was caused by pyrotechnics used during a concert. The venue was found to be operating without a valid permit and in violation of safety standards. Following these findings, legal proceedings commenced in November 2025, with the Skopje prosecutor's office charging 35 individuals and three legal entities with crimes against public safety.

## Claims

- Director Milcho Manchevski stated the film deals with human suffering in a specific way. (single source)
- Manchevski expressed the need to record and tell the people's stories without intermediaries. (single source)
- The fire at the Puls disco was caused by the use of pyrotechnics during a DNK group concert. (single source)
- The disco was operating without a valid permit and violated multiple safety standards. (single source)
- The fire in Kočani resulted in 63 deaths and over 200 injuries. (single source)
- The prosecutor's office has charged 35 individuals and three legal entities for crimes against public safety. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: Milcho Manchevski’s documentary ‘Dobri Lue’ premieres in Macedonia

Director Milcho Manchevski’s documentary ‘Dobri Lue’ premiered at the Makedox festival, documenting the human impact of the tragic Kočani nightclub fire that killed 63 people.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/milcho-manchevskis-documentary-dobri-lue-premieres-in-macedonia

### 2026-08-16: Milcho Manchevski's documentary on Kočani disco fire premieres in Sarajevo

Milcho Manchevski's documentary ‘Dobri ljudi’ premiered at the Sarajevo Film Festival, chronicling the tragic 2025 Puls disco fire in Kočani that killed 63 people.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/milcho-manchevskis-documentary-on-koani-disco-fire-premieres-in-sarajevo

### 2026-07-23: Milcho Mančevski's 'Dobri lugje' documentary premieres at Sarajevo Film Festival

Milcho Mančevski's documentary on the 2025 Kocani nightclub fire, featuring survivor testimonies, will premiere at the Sarajevo Film Festival on 16 August.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/milcho-manevskis-dobri-lugje-documentary-premieres-at-sarajevo-film-festival

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Cite as: Kočani nightclub fire documentary premiere. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/koani-nightclub-fire-documentary-premiere