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Transgender director Sam Feder's newest film "Increased Examination" offers a moving two-part perspective – both an intimate portrait of a key trans activist and a pointed examination of media reporting surrounding trans rights.

Legal Struggle at the Highest Court

The film traces ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he gears up for oral arguments in the landmark Supreme Court case US v Skirmetti. These arguments happened in late 2024, with the court eventually ruling in favor of the state's argument, essentially enabling bans on healthcare for trans young people to stay in place across over twenty US territories.

We made Heightened Scrutiny in merely 16 months, stated Feder during an interview. By contrast, my previous film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was a real push. Our intention was to generate dialogue so people would know more about the case.

Human Narrative Amid Political Struggle

Although Feder offers a comprehensive critique of how major media outlets have promoted anti-trans talking points, the film's most valuable contribution may be its captivating portrayal of Strangio. Usually a measured lawyer in public appearances, Strangio displays his vulnerability throughout the documentary.

This represented a major challenge, to open up aspects of my life to a documentary crew that I had worked hard to keep confidential, explained Strangio. Feder explained he wanted the next generation to know that we struggled, to see what was done in support of these struggles for our basic existence.

Varied Voices in the Struggle

To support Strangio's narrative, Feder includes various trans activists, such as prominent individuals from media and entertainment. The documentary also presents perspectives from non-trans allies who examine how mainstream publications have contributed to negative portrayals of transgender people.

The experience of transgender minors key to the legal case is represented through a extraordinary 12-year-old activist named Mila. Audiences first see her advocating for her fellow students at a educational meeting, with later moments showing her demonstrating for trans rights outside the highest court.

Personal Scenes Beyond the Courtroom

Heightened Scrutiny also includes emotional moments where Feder steps outside the constant legal struggle, including sequences of Strangio traveling in Italy and receiving a body art featuring words from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Prophecy."

This ink sequence is among my most cherished sections in the movie, explained Strangio. Receiving body art is almost like a contemplative process for me, to be completely aware in my body and to think of it as a vehicle for things that are meaningful to me.

Body Identity and Portrayal

The filmmaker's attention to carefully documenting Strangio getting to his tattoo collection underscores that Heightened Scrutiny is fundamentally about transgender bodies – not just those of young people who confront denial of their ability to live truly in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the numerous subjects who are featured in the production.

I create films with a meaning, and part of that is choosing people who are exceptional and eloquent enough to carry the camera, explained Feder. When people ask me what they should dress for an interview, my answer is whatever makes you feel confident. This is crucial to me – as trans people, we have difficulties so much with our self-perception.

Impact and Hope

One aspect that makes Feder's works stand out is his evident ability for making his transgender subjects feel respected, recognized and valued. This approach develops real chemistry between Feder and Strangio, enabling the director to accomplish his goal of portraying Strangio as a whole individual and providing a document for future generations of how resiliently he and others have fought for trans liberties.

I hope not people to end up in a situation of perpetual despair because of what the law is denying us, stated Strangio. I strive to be in a practice of using the law to reduce harm, but not to turn it into some kind of conduit for our freedom aspirations. The government is not going to be the reflection through which we see ourselves. Our community are that mirror, and it's very vital that we continue having that conversation in addition to dialogues about pushing against these regulations and procedures.

This important documentary is currently accessible for digital rental during Transgender Awareness Week and will receive a wider distribution at a later date.