Jule Campbell navigates a sexist workplace while confronting accusations of objectification during her 32-year tenure as founding editor of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. Unyielding in her pursuit of artistic excellence, Campbell fortuitously launches mogul models and a mega-franchise. At 95 Campbell reflects on her legacy and impending mortality with the grace and intuition that guided her career presenting a fair and balanced portrait of a complex and fascinating woman and her controversial career.

Jule Campbell, the founding editor of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, is the subject of this documentary. It explores how she transformed a struggling magazine into a publishing powerhouse.

Campbell's vision was to create beautiful imagery in exotic locations.  She fought to protect the models from objectification while celebrating their beauty.  She battled with male editors to find a balance between these two approaches.

The documentary portrays Campbell as a resilient and creative trailblazer. She changed the way women are seen in media by showcasing their intelligence and personalities alongside their beauty.  She even championed naming the models, who were previously seen as nameless faces.

"Beyond the Gaze" goes beyond Campbell's story. It explores the evolution of feminism and fashion alongside the changing societal views on female bodies in swimsuits. The documentary questions the continued relevance of Campbell's creation in today's world that emphasizes empowerment and inclusion.

Ultimately, the film is a celebration of women supporting women. Campbell's mentorship and dedication to her collaborators serve as an inspiration for generations. The documentary's structure follows Campbell's life, reflecting on her legacy and mortality with grace and wisdom. The visuals are designed to echo the beauty of Campbell's work in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

Jule’s obituary in the New York Times