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Transgender filmmaker Sam Feder's latest feature "Increased Examination" provides a compelling two-part perspective – simultaneously an emotional profile of a leading transgender advocate and a critical examination of journalistic reporting about trans rights.

Judicial Battle at the Supreme Court

The film documents ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he gears up for legal presentations in the landmark Supreme Court case the Skirmetti case. These arguments happened in late 2024, with the court eventually ruling in support of the state's position, effectively permitting limitations on healthcare for trans minors to remain in place across multiple US states.

We created Heightened Scrutiny in only 16 months, explained Feder during a conversation. In comparison, my previous film Disclosure took me five years, so this was very accelerated. Our intention was to generate conversation so people would learn more about the case.

Personal Narrative Amid Political Battle

While Feder provides a extensive examination of how prominent publications have spread anti-trans talking points, the film's primary achievement may be its engaging depiction of Strangio. Usually a reserved lawyer in public settings, Strangio displays his vulnerability throughout the film.

That was a significant challenge, to open up parts of my life to a documentary crew that I had worked hard to keep personal, stated Strangio. Feder explained he wanted the next generation to know that we struggled, to see what was done in defense of these battles for our material survival.

Varied Voices in the Movement

To support Strangio's account, Feder incorporates numerous transgender activists, including respected individuals from activism and the arts. This production also features insights from non-trans supporters who examine how established organizations have contributed to harmful portrayals of transgender individuals.

The viewpoint of trans young people central to the court battle is illustrated through a extraordinary young student named Mila. Audiences first see her advocating for her fellow students at a educational meeting, with later scenes showing her demonstrating for trans rights outside the Supreme Court.

Personal Moments Beyond the Courtroom

Heightened Scrutiny also includes touching moments where Feder moves beyond the never-ending political struggle, such as sequences of Strangio vacationing in Italy and getting a tattoo featuring words from activist Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

The tattoo scene is one of my favorites in the movie, stated Strangio. Being tattooed is practically like a meditative process for me, to be totally engaged in my body and to think of it as a vehicle for things that are significant to me.

Physical Identity and Representation

Feder's attention to carefully capturing Strangio adding to his body art underscores that this film is fundamentally about trans bodies – not just those of young people who confront restriction of their ability to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the numerous subjects who appear in the film.

I make films with a meaning, and part of that is picking people who are brilliant and eloquent enough to hold the camera, stated Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should wear for an interview, my answer is whatever makes you feel hot. That is essential to me – as trans people, we have difficulties so much with our image.

Legacy and Optimism

One aspect that causes Feder's works excel is his obvious ability for making his trans interviewees feel at ease, seen and appreciated. This approach creates genuine chemistry between Feder and Strangio, helping the director to realize his goal of portraying Strangio as a multifaceted human being and providing a record for future generations of how persistently he and fellow activists have campaigned for transgender liberties.

I don't want people to end up in a place of constant discouragement because of what the law is not giving us, explained Strangio. I want to be in a process of using the law to lessen harm, but not to turn it into some sort of channel for our freedom possibilities. The government is not going to be the reflection through which we perceive ourselves. Our community are that reflection, and it's really crucial that we persist having that dialogue alongside discussions about pushing against these policies and practices.

Heightened Scrutiny is now obtainable for digital rental during Trans Awareness Week and will receive a wider launch at a subsequent date.