A new HBO Original documentary, “DEAR MS.: A REVOLUTION IN PRINT,” is set to explore the vibrant and tumultuous history of Ms. magazine, the publication that forever changed the landscape of feminist media and ignited national conversations on issues affecting women.
Launching its first trailblazing issue in 1972, Ms. magazine became a crucial voice in the feminist movement, providing a platform for provocative and in-depth discussions on topics ranging from abortion and sexual harassment to race, politics, and home life. The magazine broke barriers by amplifying female voices and challenging a media world dominated by men. It tackled taboo subjects head-on, creating new language to dissect the gender battleground and empowering its readers to engage in the fight for equality.
The three-part film, produced by McGee Media, chronicles the groundbreaking articles and bold cover stories that defined the magazine. More than 50 years after its inception, the documentary features insights from the publication’s co-founders and contributors, including Gloria Steinem, Letty Cottin Pogrebin, Pat Carbine, and its first editor, Suzanne Braun Levine. They reveal the origin story of the trailblazing publication, detailing its struggles against resistance and its continuous fight to uphold its ideals.
Each part of the documentary is handled by a different director, focusing on distinct eras and challenges of the magazine’s history.
Part One, “A Magazine for all Women,” directed by Salima Koroma, delves into the magazine’s origin, the runaway success of its first issue, and its early coverage of topics like Shirley Chisholm’s presidential bid. This section also explores the internal and external struggles with race and representation, highlighting the pivotal moment when Marcia Ann Gillespie was recruited from Essence magazine to become editor in chief and reimagine what Ms. could be for all women.
Part Two, “Ms.: A Portable Friend,” directed by Alice Gu, examines the sexist cultural environment of the 1970s. It revisits iconic covers, including a divisive “Men’s issue” and controversial features on battered wives and workplace sexual harassment. This part highlights how the magazine coined and popularized new language around these sensitive subjects, which spurred discussion, action, and ultimately, new laws.
Part Three, “No Comment,” directed by Cecilia Aldarondo, details how the magazine critiqued the representation of women in advertising and mainstream media. Focusing on the 1978 cover story “Erotica and Pornography: Do you know the Difference?,” this segment explores the complex debates around sexual exploitation versus self-expression and how the publication navigated diverse factions within the feminist movement itself.
The documentary captures a time of revolution and resilience, showcasing the fight for equality that continues to resonate today. Through its exploration of iconic cover stories, the film reveals the complexities of creating a publication that was unafraid to wrestle with challenging, and often polarizing, issues.
“DEAR MS.: A REVOLUTION IN PRINT” debuts on HBO and will be available to stream on Max on Wednesday, July 2, from 9:00 p.m. to 10:50 p.m. ET/PT.
