Michael Rubbo

Biography

Michael Rubbo is an Australian documentary filmmaker, screenwriter, and director known for his innovative and personal approach to nonfiction storytelling. A longtime contributor to the National Film Board of Canada, Rubbo crafted documentaries that blended observation with subjective narration, often inserting himself into the narrative—a style that influenced later generations of documentary filmmakers. His notable works include Sad Song of Yellow Skin (1970), which explored the impact of the Vietnam War on civilians, and Waiting for Fidel (1974), a unique take on political documentary. Beyond documentaries, Rubbo also directed children’s films such as The Peanut Butter Solution (1985) and later pursued a career as an author and painter, continuing his creative exploration across different mediums.

Known For

Sad Song of Yellow Skin

Waiting for Fidel

Much Ado About Something

Margaret Atwood: Once in August

Unfinished Diary

All Movies (5)

• Much Ado About Something2001 · as Himself
• Margaret Atwood: Once in August1984 · as Himself
• Unfinished Diary1982 · as The husband
• Waiting for Fidel1975 · as Self
• Sad Song of Yellow Skin1970 · as Narrator