2026 Sarasota Film Festival
Beyond the Gaze: Jule Campbell's Swimsuit Issue [SPOTLIGHT]
Film: Beyond the Gaze: Jule Campbell's Swimsuit Issue
Documentary Feature
In the 1960s, photographer Jule Campbell shattered glass ceilings by transforming a struggling magazine into a media empire: the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Daughter Jill Campbell chronicles her 32-year reign, where she championed intelligence and empowered supermodels including Christie Brinkley, Cheryl Tiegs and Roshumba Williams.
Directed by Jill Campbell
Premiere: Florida

Screening Details
Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 6:30 PM EDT
Ends 8:15 PM EDT
Cinebistro
About This Event
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 annually 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 Jillโs 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.
Expected Guests: Jill Chamberlain, model Roshumba Williams
Cast
Jule Campbell, Tyra Banks, Paulina Porizkova, Kathy Ireland, Elle Macpherson
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