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Trans director Sam Feder's newest film "Increased Examination" provides a compelling two-part perspective – simultaneously an personal profile of a key transgender advocate and a sharp examination of media reporting about transgender issues.

Legal Battle at the Supreme Court

The film traces ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he prepares for oral arguments in the landmark highest court case US v Skirmetti. These arguments took place in December 2024, with the judiciary ultimately deciding in support of Tennessee's case, effectively enabling limitations on healthcare for trans youth to remain in place across over twenty US states.

We made Heightened Scrutiny in just 16 months, stated Feder during a conversation. In comparison, my previous film Disclosure took me five years, so this was a real push. Our goal was to raise conversation so people would know more about the case.

Human Story Amid Political Battle

Although Feder offers a comprehensive examination of how major publications have disseminated transphobic rhetoric, the film's greatest achievement may be its captivating depiction of Strangio. Typically a reserved lawyer in media appearances, Strangio reveals his vulnerability throughout the production.

That was a major challenge, to share aspects of my life to a documentary crew that I had worked hard to keep confidential, stated Strangio. Sam explained he wanted the next generation to know that we fought, to see what was done in defense of these battles for our material survival.

Diverse Voices in the Movement

To enhance Strangio's story, Feder includes various transgender advocates, such as well-known individuals from journalism and the arts. The documentary also features insights from cisgender advocates who analyze how respected organizations have added to damaging reporting of trans individuals.

The perspective of trans youth central to the court battle is represented through a remarkable young activist named Mila. Audiences observe her advocating for her community at a school board meeting, with subsequent moments showing her speaking for transgender rights outside the Supreme Court.

Personal Moments Beyond the Courtroom

The documentary also contains poignant moments where Feder transcends the never-ending legal struggle, including footage of Strangio traveling in Italy and getting a tattoo featuring words from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

This body art scene is one of my preferred parts in the movie, stated Strangio. Receiving body art is practically like a meditative process for me, to be fully present in my body and to view it as a vehicle for things that are meaningful to me.

Physical Identity and Portrayal

The filmmaker's focus to thoughtfully documenting Strangio getting to his tattoo collection emphasizes that this film is primarily about trans physical selves – not only those of youth who face restriction of their ability to live truly in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the various subjects who are featured in the documentary.

I make films with a purpose, and part of that is choosing people who are brilliant and concise enough to hold the camera, explained Feder. When people ask me what they should wear for an filming, my answer is anything that makes you feel hot. That is crucial to me – as transgender individuals, we struggle so much with our appearance.

Impact and Optimism

One factor that causes Feder's works shine is his clear ability for making his transgender participants feel respected, seen and valued. This technique develops real chemistry between Feder and Strangio, allowing the filmmaker to achieve his goal of showing Strangio as a complete human being and leaving a testament for future generations of how resiliently he and others have fought for trans rights.

I don't want people to find themselves in a place of constant hopelessness because of what the law is denying us, stated Strangio. I aim to be in a process of using the law to minimize harm, but not to make it some kind of channel for our liberatory aspirations. The government is not going to be the reflection through which we perceive ourselves. We are that reflection, and it's very crucial that we keep having that discussion alongside discussions about fighting back these regulations and practices.

Heightened Scrutiny is presently accessible for streaming during Trans Visibility Week and will receive a broader launch at a later date.