At just 22 years old, Marko Regalo is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting young voices in Melbourne’s film scene. A recent graduate of Deakin University’s Bachelor of Film, Television and Animation program, Marko’s short film The Birthday Tape has been selected for six major festivals, including Sydney’s Short and Sweet Film Festival, Lift Off Film Festival, StarBurst Film Festival and Filmmaking Symposium; Adelaide’s Underexposed Fringe Film Festival; and Melbourne’s Setting Sun Film Festival and Young Australian Film Festival. The film won the Jury Prize at StarBurst and was voted Critics’ Choice at Short and Sweet, marking it one of the standout short films of the season.
The Birthday Tape tells the story of a seven-year-old girl celebrating her birthday with her mother. What begins as a simple family celebration becomes a poignant exploration of grief, love, and the ways we protect those closest to us.
Born in New Zealand and raised in both Queensland and Victoria, Marko often found comfort in films during a childhood where friends were few. “I didn’t have a lot of friends growing up, so movies kept me company”, he recalls. His love for storytelling took shape in Year 10, when a media class assignment invited him to create a short film: “I loved every part of the process – writing the script, storyboarding, shot-listing, shooting, and editing. It was these experiences that led me to pursue filmmaking”.
For Marko, filmmaking is more than a career; it’s a mission. Filipino-Australian stories are rarely seen in major productions or indie festivals. He seeks to share stories that reflect his upbringing and cultural influences, while connecting with a broader audience. “Whether you’re Filipino or not, I hope audiences can take something away from watching my film: learning about yourself, gaining a new perspective on life, or experiencing a new culture. Most of all, I want people to enjoy the story”.
As Asian-Australians gradually find a place in mainstream Western cinema, Marko sees his work as part of a larger cultural movement: “I know there is still a lot more progress to be made. I want to motivate other emerging Filipino-Australian filmmakers showing that our stories matter, that they can touch hearts, offer comfort, and resonate with audiences everywhere. More than that, I want to play my part in a cultural movement that brings Filipino and Asian talents to the big screen, ensuring our voices are seen, heard, and celebrated globally”.
Currently, Marko is attending writing workshops in Melbourne and developing drafts for his next short film, which he hopes to shoot next year and submit to future festivals. This is just the beginning of his journey, and audiences can expect even bigger and brighter projects ahead. For the Filipino community in Melbourne, his achievements are a source of pride, heralding an exciting future for Filipino voices on the screen.
