He earned a Fulbright scholarship to study film at Stanford University, California; in 1965, he graduated with a Master's degree in Communication Arts.

His best-known NFB films are Sad Song of Yellow Skin (1972)), Waiting for Fidel (1973), Wet Earth and Warm people, and Margaret Atwood: Once in August (1984).

His work has influenced numerous filmmakers, notably Michael Moore, Nick Broomfield,[3] Louis Theroux,[4] Tina DiFeliciantonio[5] and Karen Goodman.

[8] Rubbo and his wife Katerina, a Russian interpreter, teacher and artist,[9] live in Avoca Beach, New South Wales.

Mrs. Ryan's Drama Class 1969 (director)[40] Sad Song of Yellow Skin (1970)[41] Wet Earth and Warm People (1971)[43] The Man Who Can’t Stop (1973)[44] Waiting for Fidel (1974)[45] Bate’s Car: Sweet as a Nut (1974)[46] The Walls Come Tumbling Down (1976)[47] Where Have All the Maoists Gone?