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Transgender filmmaker Sam Feder's latest feature "Increased Examination" provides a powerful two-part perspective – both an intimate portrait of a key transgender advocate and a sharp analysis of media coverage about trans existence.

Judicial Battle at the Highest Court

This documentary follows ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he prepares for oral arguments in the landmark Supreme Court case the Skirmetti case. These proceedings occurred in late 2024, with the judiciary eventually ruling in support of the state's case, effectively permitting restrictions on treatment for trans young people to stay in effect across numerous US territories.

We made Heightened Scrutiny in merely 16 months, stated Feder during an interview. By contrast, my earlier film Disclosure took me five years, so this was a real push. Our purpose was to stimulate conversation so people would understand more about the case.

Human Story Amid Legal Battle

While Feder provides a comprehensive examination of how prominent media outlets have disseminated transphobic narratives, the film's most valuable accomplishment may be its captivating depiction of Strangio. Usually a reserved attorney in public settings, Strangio displays his vulnerability throughout the production.

This represented a major challenge, to share parts of my life to a filmmaker that I had worked hard to keep personal, stated Strangio. Feder told me he wanted future generations to know that we struggled, to see what was done in defense of these fights for our basic existence.

Diverse Voices in the Movement

To enhance Strangio's narrative, Feder incorporates multiple trans activists, such as well-known individuals from activism and the arts. This film also presents perspectives from cisgender allies who examine how mainstream publications have participated to negative coverage of transgender people.

The viewpoint of trans minors key to the court battle is represented through a impressive young student named Mila. Audiences first see her advocating for her community at a educational meeting, with subsequent moments showing her demonstrating for transgender rights outside the highest court.

Personal Moments Beyond the Legal Battle

Heightened Scrutiny also includes touching moments where Feder transcends the constant political struggle, including footage of Strangio traveling in Italy and getting a body art featuring verses from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Prediction."

This ink scene is among my most cherished sections in the movie, stated Strangio. Receiving body art is practically like a reflective experience for me, to be completely aware in my body and to consider it as a vessel for things that are significant to me.

Body Identity and Portrayal

The filmmaker's focus to thoughtfully showing Strangio getting to his tattoo collection underscores that this film is primarily about transgender bodies – not only those of youth who face prohibition of their ability to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the many interviewees who are featured in the documentary.

I produce films with a meaning, and part of that is choosing people who are exceptional and concise enough to carry the camera, shared Feder. When people ask me what they should wear for an filming, my response is whatever makes you feel confident. That is crucial to me – as trans people, we have difficulties so much with our image.

Legacy and Optimism

A key aspect that makes Feder's works stand out is his clear ability for making his transgender interviewees feel at ease, seen and admired. This technique develops real chemistry between Feder and Strangio, enabling the filmmaker to achieve his objective of portraying Strangio as a whole person and leaving a record for coming generations of how determinedly he and fellow activists have campaigned for trans liberties.

I hope not people to end up in a state of incessant hopelessness because of what the law is denying us, stated Strangio. I strive to be in a practice of using the law to reduce harm, but not to make it some kind of conduit for our liberatory potential. Official institutions is not going to be the reflection through which we view ourselves. Our community are that mirror, and it's really crucial that we persist having that discussion alongside discussions about resisting these policies and procedures.

Heightened Scrutiny is now available for streaming during Trans Visibility Week and will receive a broader distribution at a future date.