Capturing Love in Motion: Maru Films Wins "Film of the Year" at Way Up North 2025
We are thrilled to share some big news! At the 2025 Way Up North Awards in Vienna, Remi Schouten and Pui-Yuk Man of Maru Films were awarded the prestigious Film of the Year.
This category is the pinnacle of European wedding filmmaking, celebrating cinematic excellence in storytelling. For our film of Eva & James in Tuscany, the judges looked beyond the 'highlight reel' to find a story that moves, breathes, and captures the true emotional weight of the day.
What Defines "Film of the Year" Excellence?
According to Way Up North, a winning film isn't just about pretty shots. It's about how the story is told. For Eva & James’s wedding in Tuscany, we didn't follow a traditional wedding formula. Since they are both musicians, the film had to move the way music does.
The Tuscan Tempo: Instead of a slow-burn montage, we captured a "Loud and Unfiltered" symphony. We leaned into the energy; the laughter interrupting speeches, the songs spilling into every moment, and the high-octane rhythm of two people who live for sound.
Unfiltered Storytelling: We believe a film should stay with you long after the credits roll. For this film, that meant letting moments collide and overlap, creating a raw, playful, and alive narrative that feels exactly like being there.
The 6-Minute Art Form: Distilling multi days of Tuscan celebration into an 8-minute film requires more than just editing. It requires intuition. We focused on the "rhythm and release" of the day, balancing technical craft with the pure, chaotic joy of the couple.
Tuscany provided the backdrop, but Eva and James, both incredible musicians, provided the heartbeat. Winning with this specific film is special to us because it isn't a 'safe' wedding video. It represents exactly what Maru Films stands for: raw energy, musicality, and storytelling that refuses to be boring.
If you are planning a destination wedding in Europe for 2026 or 2027, here are three things we recommend looking for in a filmmaker (and why these elements led us to the Film of the Year award):
Look for Cultural Versatility: A great filmmaker adapts to the setting. Whether it’s a high-energy party in Italy or an intimate elopement in the Highlands, look for someone whose portfolio shows they can handle different 'vibes' without losing their signature style.
Prioritize the 'Unposed' Approach: The best films happen when you aren't performing for the camera. We specialize in an unobtrusive, documentary-style approach that allows for those 'loud and unfiltered' moments to happen naturally.
The Emotional Resonance: When you watch a portfolio, ask yourself: 'Do I feel the energy of the party even though I wasn't there?' Award-winning storytelling is about making the viewer feel like an insider, not just a spectator.
We are currently opening our calendar for select dates across Europe and worldwide. If you want your wedding story told through the lens of a three-time Way Up North award-winning team, let’s create something legendary together.
