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Trans director Sam Feder's latest film "Increased Examination" presents a compelling two-part perspective – simultaneously an personal profile of a key transgender activist and a sharp examination of journalistic reporting about transgender issues.

Legal Struggle at the Highest Court

The film traces ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he gets ready for oral arguments in the important Supreme Court case US v Skirmetti. This legal battle took place in December 2024, with the judiciary finally ruling in support of Tennessee's position, effectively allowing restrictions on medical transition for trans young people to remain in effect across over twenty US states.

We created Heightened Scrutiny in merely 16 months, shared Feder during an interview. In comparison, my previous film Disclosure took me five years, so this was a real push. Our purpose was to generate dialogue so people would understand more about the case.

Human Narrative Amid Legal Struggle

Although Feder provides a comprehensive critique of how prominent publications have disseminated anti-trans narratives, the film's primary accomplishment may be its compelling portrayal of Strangio. Typically a measured attorney in media appearances, Strangio shows his humanity throughout the documentary.

This represented a significant challenge, to open up parts of my life to a documentary crew that I had strived to keep private, explained Strangio. Feder told me he wanted future generations to know that we tried, to see what was done in defense of these fights for our fundamental rights.

Diverse Perspectives in the Movement

To enhance Strangio's story, Feder features multiple transgender activists, such as respected leaders from media and the arts. The documentary also presents insights from cisgender advocates who analyze how mainstream publications have participated to negative coverage of trans people.

The viewpoint of trans youth key to the legal case is represented through a remarkable young activist named Mila. Viewers observe her speaking out for her fellow students at a educational meeting, with subsequent footage showing her speaking for trans rights outside the highest court.

Intimate Moments Beyond the Courtroom

This film also contains poignant moments where Feder transcends the never-ending legal battle, including scenes of Strangio vacationing in Italy and receiving a body art featuring verses from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

This body art moment is among my preferred parts in the movie, stated Strangio. Being tattooed is practically like a contemplative experience for me, to be fully present in my body and to view it as a container for things that are significant to me.

Body Identity and Portrayal

The filmmaker's focus to lovingly documenting Strangio adding to his body art emphasizes that this film is fundamentally about transgender physical selves – not only those of young people who experience denial of their right to live genuinely in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the many interviewees who appear in the film.

I produce films with a purpose, and part of that is selecting people who are outstanding and eloquent enough to sustain the camera, stated Feder. When people ask me what they should wear for an filming, my response is whatever makes you feel confident. That is essential to me – as trans people, we have difficulties so much with our appearance.

Legacy and Optimism

One factor that causes Feder's documentaries stand out is his clear talent for making his trans subjects feel respected, recognized and appreciated. This approach creates genuine rapport between Feder and Strangio, allowing the filmmaker to accomplish his goal of portraying Strangio as a whole individual and providing a record for coming generations of how resiliently he and others have campaigned for trans rights.

I don't want people to find themselves in a place of incessant hopelessness because of what the law is failing to provide us, stated Strangio. I strive to be in a process of using the law to lessen harm, but not to make it some type of channel for our liberatory possibilities. The government is not going to be the mirror through which we view ourselves. Trans people are that mirror, and it's really crucial that we continue having that discussion alongside dialogues about resisting these regulations and procedures.

Heightened Scrutiny is currently accessible for digital rental during Trans Awareness Week and will receive a broader distribution at a subsequent date.