Sarawakian Filmmaker Clayvert Unji Wins Top Prize at Starbucks Kopi Creator Kolektif 2026 with ‘Merinsak’
Starbucks Malaysia’s Kopi Creator Kolektif (KCK) Showcase highlighted the achievements of emerging Malaysian creatives, with a particularly significant success story coming from Sarawakian filmmaker Clayvert Unji and his team, Tanahliat Studios.
The programme brought together ten promising musicians and filmmakers who underwent weeks of mentorship, industry exposure, and creative development before presenting their original works to a live audience at Starbucks Reserve® IOI Mall Damansara.
Among the standout achievements was Tanahliat Studios’ victory in the Film Cohort category.
Led by Clayvert Unji, an Iban Sarawakian filmmaker living in Kuala Lumpur, the team won the grand prize valued at RM10,000 and secured support to transform their teaser, Merinsak (Hardship), into a completed short film.
Alongside Clayvert is “Kiwi” Ang as producer, Dania Irdina as co-producer, Rue Feng Wen as editor, Jenn Tan as director of photography and Vyl Chang as production designer.
Merinsak short film follows Pam, a student in Kuala Lumpur whose desperate attempt to return home to Sarawak for Hari Gawai pushes her and her friends into a plan that tests their morals, friendship and sense of responsibility, told in a way that is playful and bold yet honest.
What makes this achievement particularly notable is Clayvert’s commitment to presenting East Malaysian stories from a fresh perspective.
Rather than focusing solely on culture, heritage, or tourism, Merinsak reflects the contemporary experiences of Sarawakians living away from home.
Through the KCK mentorship programme, Clayvert and his team refined their storytelling approach, gained confidence in their creative vision, and developed a concept that resonated with both judges and audiences.
In his remarks following the win, Clayvert described the programme as a turning point after film school, providing hope and a genuine platform for young creatives to advance their careers.
He credited the experience for encouraging him to trust his perspective and push his storytelling further, while also acknowledging the contributions of his crew in shaping the project.
The victory of Tanahliat Studios demonstrates the growing recognition of Sarawakian talent on the national stage and highlights the potential of East Malaysian filmmakers to tell meaningful, relatable stories that connect with audiences across Malaysia.
Aside from awarding aspiring filmmakers, KCK also awarded Suehaila (Tengku Suhaila binti Tengku Asmadi) as the winning musician in which she will receive also receive a grand prize valued at RM10,000, along with a recording deal which
includes the production of a four-track EP.
Article source: Press release