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Transgender director Sam Feder's newest feature "Increased Examination" offers a compelling two-part viewpoint – both an personal portrait of a prominent trans activist and a sharp analysis of journalistic reporting about trans rights.

Legal Struggle at the Highest Court

This feature follows ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he prepares for oral arguments in the landmark highest court case the Skirmetti case. This legal battle took place in late 2024, with the court finally ruling in support of the state's position, practically allowing restrictions on medical transition for trans young people to remain in effect across over twenty US states.

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

Personal Story Amid Political Struggle

Although Feder offers a extensive critique of how mainstream news organizations have spread transphobic talking points, the film's most valuable contribution may be its compelling depiction of Strangio. Normally a reserved lawyer in media settings, Strangio reveals his authenticity throughout the film.

That was a significant challenge, to open up aspects of my life to a camera lens that I had worked hard to keep personal, stated Strangio. Sam explained he wanted future generations to know that we struggled, to see what was done in support of these fights for our material survival.

Varied Perspectives in the Struggle

To enhance Strangio's narrative, Feder incorporates multiple trans advocates, including respected leaders from media and entertainment. This production also presents viewpoints from non-trans advocates who analyze how established publications have contributed to negative portrayals of transgender individuals.

The experience of trans minors central to the court battle is represented through a remarkable young student named Mila. Viewers observe her fighting for her community at a school board meeting, with later scenes showing her demonstrating for transgender rights outside the highest court.

Personal Moments Beyond the Courtroom

This film also contains poignant moments where Feder moves beyond the constant legal struggle, such as footage of Strangio vacationing in Italy and receiving a body art featuring verses from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

The tattoo sequence is one of my most cherished sections in the movie, explained Strangio. Receiving body art is practically like a reflective experience for me, to be fully present in my body and to consider it as a container for things that are significant to me.

Physical Autonomy and Portrayal

Feder's attention to thoughtfully capturing Strangio adding to his body art emphasizes that Heightened Scrutiny is essentially about trans bodies – not only those of young people who face denial of their ability to live truly in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the various subjects who participate in the documentary.

I create films with a message, and part of that is picking people who are outstanding and articulate enough to sustain the camera, stated Feder. When people ask me what they should wear for an interview, my answer is anything that makes you feel hot. This is important to me – as trans people, we have difficulties so much with our appearance.

Impact and Optimism

A key factor that makes Feder's films excel is his obvious ability for making his trans participants feel respected, seen and valued. This approach develops authentic connection between Feder and Strangio, helping the director to realize his objective of portraying Strangio as a whole individual and providing a testament for future generations of how resiliently he and fellow activists have struggled for trans liberties.

I hope not people to end up in a situation of incessant despair because of what the law is denying us, explained Strangio. I aim to be in a method of using the law to minimize harm, but not to make it some type of conduit for our liberatory potential. Official institutions is not going to be the mirror through which we perceive ourselves. Trans people are that mirror, and it's really important that we continue having that dialogue in addition to dialogues about resisting these laws and approaches.

This important documentary is presently accessible for online viewing during Trans Visibility Week and will receive a more extensive distribution at a future date.