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Transgender filmmaker Sam Feder's newest feature "Increased Examination" provides a powerful two-part perspective – both an personal profile of a key trans advocate and a critical analysis of media reporting about trans issues.

Judicial Struggle at the Highest Court

This documentary follows ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he gears up for court proceedings in the significant highest court case US v Skirmetti. This legal battle occurred in December 2024, with the judiciary eventually deciding in favor of the state's case, practically enabling bans on healthcare for trans young people to stay in effect across numerous US states.

We produced Heightened Scrutiny in merely 16 months, explained Feder during a conversation. In comparison, my earlier film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was a real push. Our purpose was to stimulate discussion so people would know more about the case.

Human Narrative Amid Political Battle

Although Feder offers a thorough examination of how major news organizations have promoted anti-trans talking points, the film's primary contribution may be its compelling portrayal of Strangio. Normally a measured attorney in public appearances, Strangio displays his authenticity throughout the documentary.

That was a substantial challenge, to reveal parts of my life to a documentary crew that I had strived to keep private, shared Strangio. Feder said he wanted the next generation to know that we fought, to see what was done in service of these struggles for our fundamental rights.

Diverse Perspectives in the Struggle

To strengthen Strangio's story, Feder includes various trans activists, including well-known figures from activism and entertainment. This production also includes viewpoints from cisgender allies who critique how respected organizations have contributed to negative portrayals of trans people.

The perspective of transgender youth key to the legal case is shown through a remarkable young girl named Mila. Audiences observe her speaking out for her fellow students at a educational meeting, with later scenes showing her speaking for transgender rights outside the highest court.

Personal Moments Beyond the Courtroom

Heightened Scrutiny also includes touching moments where Feder transcends the ongoing political battle, including sequences of Strangio vacationing in Italy and getting a tattoo featuring lines from activist Pauli Murray's poem "Prediction."

This ink scene is one of my favorites in the movie, shared Strangio. Getting inked is practically like a contemplative experience for me, to be completely aware in my body and to consider it as a vessel for things that are significant to me.

Physical Identity and Portrayal

The filmmaker's focus to carefully showing Strangio getting to his tattoo collection underscores that Heightened Scrutiny is essentially about trans bodies – not just those of youth who experience denial of their right to live genuinely in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the numerous participants who participate in the film.

I make films with a message, and part of that is selecting people who are exceptional and eloquent enough to hold the camera, stated Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should dress for an filming, my answer is whatever makes you feel attractive. This is essential to me – as transgender individuals, we have difficulties so much with our image.

Legacy and Optimism

A key element that makes Feder's documentaries excel is his clear talent for making his transgender participants feel at ease, seen and valued. This technique develops genuine connection between Feder and Strangio, enabling the director to accomplish his aim of portraying Strangio as a whole human being and leaving a record for coming generations of how persistently he and fellow activists have fought for trans rights.

I hope not people to find themselves in a place of perpetual hopelessness because of what the law is denying us, explained Strangio. I aim to be in a process of using the law to reduce harm, but not to make it some sort of pathway for our liberatory possibilities. Official institutions is not going to be the reflection through which we see ourselves. Our community are that reflection, and it's really crucial that we keep having that discussion together with dialogues about fighting back these regulations and practices.

Heightened Scrutiny is currently accessible for streaming during Trans Visibility Week and will receive a wider release at a future date.