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Trans filmmaker Sam Feder's newest documentary "Increased Examination" presents a moving dual viewpoint – both an emotional portrait of a key trans advocate and a sharp examination of media coverage surrounding transgender rights.

Judicial Battle at the Highest Court

This documentary traces ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he gears up for court proceedings in the landmark highest court case US v Skirmetti. This legal battle happened in December 2024, with the judiciary ultimately deciding in favor of Tennessee's case, essentially permitting restrictions on treatment for transgender young people to stay in effect across over twenty US territories.

We produced Heightened Scrutiny in only 16 months, shared Feder during an interview. Meanwhile, my earlier film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was very accelerated. Our purpose was to generate conversation so people would understand more about the case.

Human Story Amid Political Battle

Although Feder presents a comprehensive critique of how mainstream media outlets have promoted anti-trans talking points, the film's most valuable accomplishment may be its compelling depiction of Strangio. Typically a reserved lawyer in public appearances, Strangio displays his authenticity throughout the production.

This represented a significant challenge, to open up aspects of my life to a documentary crew that I had strived to keep confidential, explained Strangio. Sam explained he wanted the next generation to know that we tried, to see what was done in service of these battles for our material survival.

Varied Perspectives in the Struggle

To support Strangio's account, Feder features numerous transgender advocates, including prominent individuals from media and entertainment. This film also presents perspectives from cisgender supporters who analyze how established organizations have added to damaging reporting of trans individuals.

The viewpoint of transgender youth key to the legal case is shown through a impressive young activist named Mila. Audiences first see her speaking out for her fellow students at a educational meeting, with subsequent moments showing her protesting for trans rights outside the highest court.

Personal Scenes Beyond the Legal Battle

Heightened Scrutiny also includes touching moments where Feder moves beyond the never-ending political battle, including sequences of Strangio vacationing in Italy and getting a body art featuring words from activist Pauli Murray's poem "Prediction."

The tattoo scene is one of my favorites in the movie, stated Strangio. Receiving body art is almost like a contemplative process for me, to be completely aware in my body and to consider it as a container for things that are meaningful to me.

Physical Autonomy and Representation

Feder's focus to lovingly showing Strangio adding to his tattoo collection underscores that this documentary is primarily about trans physical selves – not only those of youth who face prohibition of their ability to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the various participants who participate in the film.

I produce films with a meaning, and part of that is picking people who are outstanding and articulate enough to hold the camera, explained Feder. When people ask me what they should wear for an interview, my response is anything that makes you feel hot. That is important to me – as transgender individuals, we have difficulties so much with our image.

Legacy and Hope

A key aspect that causes Feder's films excel is his evident talent for making his trans participants feel at ease, acknowledged and valued. This technique fosters genuine rapport between Feder and Strangio, enabling the director to accomplish his objective of showing Strangio as a complete person and leaving a testament for future generations of how persistently he and others have struggled for transgender rights.

I hope not people to find themselves in a place of perpetual hopelessness because of what the law is not giving us, stated Strangio. I want to be in a method of using the law to reduce harm, but not to make it some sort of conduit for our liberatory possibilities. The government is not going to be the mirror through which we perceive ourselves. We are that reflection, and it's really crucial that we continue having that conversation together with conversations about pushing against these policies and approaches.

Heightened Scrutiny is currently obtainable for streaming during Trans Awareness Week and will receive a more extensive distribution at a future date.