Happier Alone — Lili Giacobino’s Gentle Ode to Introversion and Self-Acceptance

In a world that constantly praises hustle, social energy, and perpetual connectedness, filmmaker Lili Giacobino offers a refreshing counter-perspective with her 2022 stop-motion short Happier Alone. This quiet, beautifully crafted film centers on an introverted man who has embraced his true nature and found peace in a life lived on his own terms. Through warm miniature sets, tactile details, and serene storytelling, Giacobino creates a heartfelt meditation on solitude—not as loneliness, but as a grounding, restorative state of being.

A Story Told in Stillness

Happier Alone follows its protagonist through his preferred lifestyle: a cozy cottage nestled deep within lush woodland, a quiet routine of reading, wood-carving, enjoying television, and sharing simple moments with his animal companions. There is no dramatic conflict and no pressure to change. Instead, the film celebrates the serenity found in small rituals and the freedom of honoring one’s authentic needs.

This subtle narrative is underscored by Giacobino’s stated theme: “self-acceptance, whatever society dictates.” The short stands as a gentle reminder that introversion is not something to “fix,” but something to cherish.

Crafting Peace Through Stop Motion

While the film is only a few minutes long, its craftsmanship is unmistakable. Giacobino’s tactile miniatures, detailed sets, and soft environmental textures create a world that feels safe, warm, and deeply personal. The animation moves at an unhurried pace, mirroring the emotional rhythm of its character.

The film’s design choices—a hand-built cottage, earthy colors, and natural lighting—invite viewers into the protagonist’s sense of tranquility. The result is a short that feels like a breath of fresh air, capturing the essence of introverted joy through visual storytelling.

A Celebrated Festival Journey

Since its release, Happier Alone has garnered acclaim from the international festival circuit, winning multiple awards for its originality, sound, and animation style. Its highlights include:

Awards

Best Micro Short – CKF International Film Festival (Feb 2022)
Bronze Award, Animation Short – Latitude Film Awards (Feb 2022)
Best Animation – UK Monthly Film Festival (Mar 2022)
Grand Jury Award & Best Sound – Screen Power Film Festival (Mar 2022)
Best Original Animation Style – Lonely Wolf International Film Festival (Apr 2022)
Best Animated Film – Screen Power Film Festival (May 2022)
Best Animation – Gold Movie Awards (Sept 2022)

Honourable Mentions

Falcon International Film Festival (Mar 2022)
Women X Film Festival (Jul 2022)
London Seasonal Short Film Festival (Jul 2022)
London International Film Festival (Feb 2023)

This strong festival performance reflects not only the quality of the film but the resonance of its message during a time when many viewers were re-evaluating their relationship with solitude and self-care.

About the Filmmaker

Lili Giacobino is a UK-based designer, animator, and director whose work often emphasizes handcrafted techniques and emotionally grounded storytelling. Her film portfolio demonstrates a talent for blending illustration, stop motion, and narrative simplicity into works that feel both personal and universally relatable. Happier Alone is one of her most recognized shorts and continues to be discovered by new audiences online.

An Invitation to Slow Down

Happier Alone stands out as a gentle but powerful counter-narrative to modern expectations. Rather than centering on transformation or external conflict, it celebrates the beauty of accepting oneself exactly as one is. For fans of stop-motion filmmaking—and for introverts everywhere—the film offers a heartfelt mirror of peace, authenticity, and inner strength.