In the 1960s, at the height of the Mad Men era, Jule Campbell shattered glass ceilings by transforming a struggling magazine into a media empire: the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, the most anticipated annual publication. Chic and controversial, the mastermind behind this titillating page-turner was a creative trailblazer who navigated a male-dominated workplace while simultaneously rebuffing accusations of objectification. Campbell transformed the magazine with her vision to showcase female beauty in a tasteful, artistic manner. Daughter-in-law Jill’s documentary chronicles her 32-year reign, where she championed intelligence and empowered supermodels like Christie Brinkley, Cheryl Tiegs, Roshumba Williams, and many others who recall the era and working with her. Weaving together her journey with feminism’s evolution, the film explores the changing gaze on beauty, from objectification to body positivity. Through stunning visuals and intimate interviews with a wise, nonagenarian Campbell herself, we witness a legacy that continues to inspire.

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