Beyond the Gaze: Jule Campbell’s Swimsuit Issue

Opened Wednesday, June 25, 2025

SHOWTIMES AT IFC CENTER

Wednesday, June 25 at 7:00 p.m.:Q&A with director Jill Campbell and models Kim Alexis, Roshumba Williams, and Leyna Bloom moderated by Fern Mallis

Thursday, June 26 at 7:00 p.m.: Q&A with director Jill Campbell and models Roshumba Williams and Leyna Bloom moderated by Sophie Sumner

Friday, June 27 at 7:15 p.m.: Q&A with Jill Campbell and Roshumba Williams moderated by Alex Berge

Saturday, June 28 at 7:15 p.m.: Q&A with Jill Campbell and Roshumba Williams moderated by Rob Lyons

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 rebuffing accusations of objectification. Campbell transformed the magazine with her vision to showcase female beauty tastefully and artfully.

Daughter-in-law Jill’s documentary chronicles her 32-year reign, where she championed intelligence and empowered supermodels like Christie Brinkley, Cheryl Tiegs, Roshumba Willams 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.

  • Country USA
  • Running Time 107 minutes
  • Format DCP
  • Distributor Red Barn Productions LLC
  • Director Jill Campbell
  • Accessibility Assistive Listening, T-Coil

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