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Transgender filmmaker Sam Feder's latest documentary "Increased Examination" offers a compelling dual perspective – simultaneously an emotional profile of a prominent trans activist and a critical analysis of media reporting about trans issues.

Judicial Struggle at the Highest Court

This feature traces ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he gets ready for oral arguments in the landmark Supreme Court case the Skirmetti case. These proceedings took place in December 2024, with the court ultimately deciding in support of Tennessee's position, essentially permitting bans on healthcare for trans young people to stay in place across multiple US states.

We created Heightened Scrutiny in merely 16 months, stated Feder during a discussion. By contrast, my previous film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was a real push. Our intention was to stimulate discussion so people would understand more about the case.

Personal Narrative Amid Legal Battle

While Feder provides a thorough critique of how mainstream publications have spread transphobic talking points, the film's primary achievement may be its engaging portrayal of Strangio. Typically a measured attorney in media settings, Strangio displays his authenticity throughout the documentary.

This represented a significant challenge, to open up aspects of my life to a filmmaker that I had made efforts to keep confidential, stated Strangio. Sam told me he wanted younger people to know that we fought, to see what was done in defense of these battles for our material survival.

Diverse Perspectives in the Movement

To enhance Strangio's narrative, Feder features numerous trans activists, such as respected individuals from activism and entertainment. This film also presents perspectives from cisgender advocates who analyze how mainstream publications have contributed to negative portrayals of transgender individuals.

The perspective of trans young people key to the court battle is represented through a impressive young student named Mila. Audiences initially witness her speaking out for her peers at a school board meeting, with later footage showing her demonstrating for transgender rights outside the highest court.

Intimate Moments Beyond the Courtroom

This film also features touching moments where Feder moves beyond the constant political battle, such as scenes of Strangio vacationing in Italy and receiving a tattoo featuring words from activist Pauli Murray's poem "Prediction."

This body art moment is one of my most cherished sections in the movie, shared Strangio. Being tattooed is practically like a reflective experience for me, to be completely aware in my body and to view it as a vehicle for things that are important to me.

Body Autonomy and Representation

The filmmaker's focus to thoughtfully showing Strangio getting to his tattoo collection highlights that this film is essentially about transgender bodies – not only those of youth who face denial of their right to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the numerous interviewees who appear in the production.

I create films with a message, and part of that is choosing people who are exceptional and concise 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 hot. That is important to me – as trans people, we have difficulties so much with our appearance.

Impact and Hope

One element that causes Feder's documentaries shine is his obvious ability for making his trans interviewees feel at ease, seen and admired. This technique develops genuine connection between Feder and Strangio, enabling the filmmaker to realize his objective of showing Strangio as a multifaceted individual and leaving a testament for coming generations of how determinedly he and fellow activists have fought for transgender liberties.

I hope not people to end up in a state of incessant hopelessness because of what the law is denying us, stated Strangio. I strive to be in a method of using the law to minimize harm, but not to make it some sort of channel for our freedom possibilities. The government is not going to be the mirror through which we view ourselves. We are that mirror, and it's extremely important that we persist having that dialogue in addition to conversations about fighting back these policies and practices.

Heightened Scrutiny is presently available for online viewing during Trans Awareness Week and will receive a wider launch at a future date.