DOCUMENTARY FEATURE- BEYOND THE GAZE

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.

Host or Publisher Fayetteville Film Fest