EXCLUSIVE: She was called the “prettiest photographer in the world.”
Music Box Films has acquired U.S. distribution rights to Naked Ambition, a documentary about Bunny Yeager who went from posing for pinup images to photographing them herself, helping to popularize the bikini and discovering Bettie Page in the process. Dennis Scholl and Kareem Tabsch directed the film, which premiered at DOC NYC and went on to screen at the Miami Film Festival, Atlanta Film Festival and more.
Music Box plans to open the film in select theaters on September 12. We have your first look at the documentary in the trailer below.
Burlesque artist Dita Von Teese, photographer Bruce Weber, and the late Larry King – in his final screen appearance – are among those who participate in the film. “Bunny was the most famous female photographer in America,” King says in the trailer.
Photographer Bunny Yeager
Music Box Films
“Bunny Yeager’s influence on the 20th century grew to incredible heights, though few know her name. Her photography career began following her work as a pinup model in the 1950s, and she paved the way for the feminist movement and sexual revolution through her work,” notes a release, which adds that Yeager “shaped the image of Playboy, and even created the selfie. But as the changes she helped to create gained pushback from a variety of sources, her name would become forgotten…until now.”
Bettie Page photographed by Bunny Yeager
Music Box Films
In a statement, Music Box Films said, “Naked Ambition goes beyond Bunny’s photos, it showcases the sheer artistic brilliance with which Bunny Yeager was able to create undeniable change. She wasn’t just a model, or just a photographer, she was a woman with unbridled determination. We are thrilled to be sharing this documentary not only with her diehard fans, but especially with those who know her work without knowing her name.”
Tabsch’s credits include Mucho Mucho Amor (co-directed with Cristina Costantini) and The Last Resort (co-directed with Dennis Scholl).
Music Box Films
“Bunny Yeager’s photographs are undeniably dazzling—bold, beautiful, and impeccably composed—but beneath the surface lies something even more radical,” Tabsch observed. “Through her lens, Bunny gave women the power to present themselves on their own terms. Naked Ambition celebrates not just her artistry, but how she used beauty as a tool for empowerment and self-determination.”
Scholl is the founder of Scholl Creative and director of the aforementioned The Last Resort (with Tabsch); he co-produced and co-wrote the award-winning 2016 documentary Queen of Thursdays.
“My life and creative journey continue to be deeply rooted in celebrating art and artists,” Scholl commented. “With Naked Ambition, I was inspired by Bunny Yeager’s fearless artistry—her ability to reframe how women saw themselves and how the world saw them. This film is a tribute to her vision and the lasting impact of her work.”
Maria Stinger photographed by Bunny Yeager
Music Box Films
Naked Ambition is produced and directed by Dennis Scholl and Kareem Tabsch. Dia Kontaxis produced and edited the film. Alex Fumero serves as executive producer. Cinematography is by Ed Talavera. Music Box Films will collaborate with strategic consulting agency Cultural Counsel, partnering on special theatrical and artist events during the film’s release.
The sale of Naked Ambition was negotiated by Brian Andreotti of Music Box Films and director Kareem Tabsch.
Watch the documentary trailer here:
