Justyna Green’s new animation has three main stars: Womb, Sausage and the Period Poo Genie. The latter appears as an unexpected fairy godmother that grants wishes but also prompts the film’s protagonists to discuss the challenging topic of parenthood.

While this line up of characters gives the film an edge of bizarre comedy, Green deftly uses them to address a serious topic. “At its core, the film explores indecision around motherhood, and the impact that uncertainty can have on mental health, identity, connection, and purpose,” she explains.

“Though the Genie’s appearance is outrageous, even gross, the encounter offers Womb a profound moment of clarity, and a glimpse at the many ways of living a full life, with or without motherhood.”

The project evolved out of Green’s own experiences but also other projects that she’d taken on as a freelance illustrator, which explored the “underrepresented aspects of women’s lives”. “I designed a First Period Kit for Modibodi, which included a comic with a full-page vulva illustration, and created a digital comic about my endometriosis diagnosis for WePresent that went on to win World Illustration Awards,” she explains.

“Make a Wish is a natural extension of this work: using humour and accessibility to bring subjects like gynecological health, mental health, periods, identity, and fertility into the cultural conversation.”

The film is Green’s first foray into animation and combines miniature handmade sets with different styles: Womb is a 2D animation, while Sausage – who is vegetarian, it should be noted – is created using stop motion, and the Genie is sculpted from clay.

Green already has another story featuring Womb and Sausage in the works, due to be released on Valentine’s Day next year, and is developing more animations: “One exploring family trauma, and another examining the ‘good girl’ complex.”

She sees comedy as a valuable way to tackle challenging topics. “There are many stories about motherhood, and some small but vital spaces for childfree and childless communities. But the ‘in-between’ space, where someone can’t decide, yet feels the pressure of time, health, or society, is rarely represented. It can be a very lonely place, and that’s the space I wanted to give voice to.”

justynagreen.com