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Trans filmmaker Sam Feder's latest documentary "Increased Examination" presents a compelling two-part viewpoint – both an personal profile of a key transgender activist and a sharp examination of media coverage surrounding transgender existence.

Legal Battle at the Highest Court

This documentary follows ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he gets ready for legal presentations in the important highest court case US v Skirmetti. These arguments occurred in late 2024, with the judiciary ultimately ruling in support of the state's case, essentially permitting restrictions on medical transition for transgender youth to stay in effect across over twenty US states.

We produced Heightened Scrutiny in only 16 months, stated Feder during a discussion. Meanwhile, my earlier film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was quite rushed. Our purpose was to raise dialogue so people would know more about the case.

Personal Story Amid Political Battle

While Feder offers a comprehensive examination of how major media outlets have spread anti-trans rhetoric, the film's primary contribution may be its engaging depiction of Strangio. Normally a measured attorney in media settings, Strangio shows his humanity throughout the production.

That was a significant challenge, to open up parts of my life to a documentary crew that I had strived to keep personal, explained Strangio. Sam told me he wanted future generations to know that we struggled, to see what was done in service of these battles for our fundamental rights.

Diverse Voices in the Struggle

To support Strangio's story, Feder features various trans activists, including prominent leaders from journalism and the arts. This production also presents viewpoints from cisgender allies who critique how respected organizations have contributed to negative coverage of trans people.

The viewpoint of transgender youth key to the legal case is illustrated through a remarkable young activist named Mila. Audiences initially witness her speaking out for her community at a educational meeting, with later scenes showing her protesting for trans rights outside the Supreme Court.

Personal Moments Beyond the Courtroom

Heightened Scrutiny also contains touching moments where Feder transcends the never-ending legal struggle, such as footage of Strangio vacationing in Italy and receiving a body art featuring lines from activist Pauli Murray's poem "Prophecy."

This body art moment is one of my most cherished sections in the movie, explained Strangio. Being tattooed is nearly like a contemplative process for me, to be totally engaged in my body and to consider it as a container for things that are meaningful to me.

Body Identity and Representation

Feder's dedication to lovingly documenting Strangio adding to his tattoo collection underscores that Heightened Scrutiny is essentially about trans physical selves – not only those of youth who confront restriction of their right to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the many interviewees who participate in the film.

I make films with a purpose, and part of that is picking people who are exceptional and concise enough to hold the camera, shared Feder. When people ask me what they should wear for an filming, my response is whatever makes you feel hot. This is crucial to me – as transgender individuals, we face challenges so much with our appearance.

Impact and Optimism

A key aspect that causes Feder's works stand out is his evident ability for making his trans participants feel at ease, recognized and valued. This methodology develops genuine connection between Feder and Strangio, enabling the filmmaker to accomplish his aim of portraying Strangio as a multifaceted individual and leaving a record for coming generations of how resiliently he and fellow activists have campaigned for trans liberties.

I hope not people to find themselves in a place of constant despair because of what the law is denying us, explained Strangio. I want to be in a process of using the law to lessen harm, but not to make it some kind of channel for our liberation possibilities. State bodies is not going to be the mirror through which we see ourselves. Our community are that mirror, and it's really crucial that we keep having that conversation together with discussions about resisting these policies and practices.

This important documentary is presently accessible for digital rental during Trans Visibility Week and will receive a broader distribution at a future date.