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Trans filmmaker Sam Feder's newest documentary "Increased Examination" provides a compelling dual viewpoint – simultaneously an personal portrait of a prominent transgender advocate and a critical examination of media reporting surrounding trans existence.

Judicial Battle at the Supreme Court

This documentary documents ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he gets ready for legal presentations in the important highest court case the Skirmetti case. These proceedings occurred in late 2024, with the judiciary ultimately deciding in support of Tennessee's case, practically allowing bans on medical transition for trans minors to stay in effect across over twenty US territories.

We made Heightened Scrutiny in merely 16 months, explained Feder during a discussion. In comparison, my previous film Disclosure took me five years, so this was a real push. Our intention was to stimulate dialogue so people would know more about the case.

Human Story Amid Political Struggle

Although Feder provides a thorough examination of how major media outlets have disseminated transphobic narratives, the film's most valuable achievement may be its captivating portrayal of Strangio. Typically a cautious attorney in public settings, Strangio reveals his authenticity throughout the production.

That was a substantial challenge, to reveal aspects of my life to a filmmaker that I had made efforts to keep personal, explained Strangio. Sam told me he wanted younger people to know that we struggled, to see what was done in support of these struggles for our basic existence.

Diverse Voices in the Struggle

To strengthen Strangio's account, Feder includes various trans voices, such as respected individuals from media and the arts. This production also presents viewpoints from non-trans allies who critique how respected organizations have contributed to damaging coverage of transgender people.

The experience of transgender young people central to the court battle is illustrated through a extraordinary 12-year-old activist named Mila. Audiences initially witness her advocating for her community at a educational meeting, with subsequent scenes showing her demonstrating for trans rights outside the Supreme Court.

Personal Scenes Beyond the Courtroom

This film also includes emotional moments where Feder transcends the ongoing political struggle, including scenes of Strangio traveling in Italy and receiving a body art featuring words from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Prediction."

This body art sequence is among my most cherished sections in the movie, explained Strangio. Receiving body art is nearly like a contemplative experience for me, to be totally engaged in my body and to view it as a vessel for things that are significant to me.

Physical Autonomy and Portrayal

Feder's attention to thoughtfully showing Strangio adding to his tattoo collection underscores that Heightened Scrutiny is fundamentally about trans physical selves – not only those of young people who experience restriction of their right to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the numerous participants who appear in the documentary.

I produce films with a message, and part of that is picking people who are brilliant and articulate enough to sustain the camera, shared Feder. When people ask me what they should dress for an interview, my response is whatever makes you feel confident. That is important to me – as trans people, we struggle so much with our image.

Legacy and Hope

A key factor that makes Feder's documentaries excel is his evident skill for making his transgender subjects feel respected, seen and admired. This technique fosters authentic chemistry between Feder and Strangio, enabling the filmmaker to achieve his aim of portraying Strangio as a whole human being and leaving a testament for posterity of how persistently he and others have struggled for transgender liberties.

I hope not people to end up in a situation of constant despair because of what the law is denying us, shared Strangio. I aim to be in a process of using the law to minimize harm, but not to transform it into some kind of channel for our liberation potential. Official institutions is not going to be the mirror through which we see ourselves. Our community are that mirror, and it's really crucial that we continue having that discussion together with discussions about pushing against these laws and practices.

Heightened Scrutiny is now accessible for digital rental during Transgender Awareness Week and will receive a wider distribution at a subsequent date.