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Transgender filmmaker Sam Feder's newest documentary "Increased Examination" provides a moving two-part perspective – simultaneously an intimate profile of a prominent transgender advocate and a pointed analysis of journalistic reporting surrounding transgender existence.

Judicial Struggle at the Highest Court

The film follows ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he gets ready for court proceedings in the landmark Supreme Court case the Skirmetti case. This legal battle took place in late 2024, with the judiciary eventually ruling in favor of the state's position, essentially allowing bans on healthcare for transgender minors to remain in place across over twenty US territories.

We created Heightened Scrutiny in only 16 months, stated Feder during a conversation. By contrast, my earlier film Disclosure took me five years, so this was a real push. Our intention was to generate conversation so people would learn more about the case.

Personal Story Amid Political Battle

Although Feder provides a comprehensive examination of how mainstream media outlets have promoted anti-trans narratives, the film's most valuable accomplishment may be its compelling depiction of Strangio. Typically a cautious attorney in public settings, Strangio displays his humanity throughout the production.

That was a substantial challenge, to reveal aspects of my life to a documentary crew that I had strived to keep personal, explained Strangio. Sam told me he wanted future generations to know that we struggled, to see what was done in support of these battles for our material survival.

Varied Voices in the Struggle

To strengthen Strangio's narrative, Feder includes various trans activists, such as prominent figures from journalism and entertainment. The documentary also features viewpoints from non-trans supporters who critique how mainstream media outlets have contributed to damaging coverage of trans people.

The perspective of trans minors central to the court battle is shown through a extraordinary 12-year-old student named Mila. Viewers first see her advocating for her peers at a educational meeting, with later moments showing her demonstrating for transgender rights outside the Supreme Court.

Personal Scenes Beyond the Legal Battle

The documentary also features touching moments where Feder transcends the constant political battle, such as sequences of Strangio vacationing in Italy and receiving a body art featuring verses from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Prediction."

This body art moment is among my preferred parts in the movie, explained Strangio. Being tattooed is nearly like a reflective process for me, to be completely aware in my body and to consider it as a container for things that are significant to me.

Physical Identity and Representation

The filmmaker's focus to lovingly documenting Strangio adding to his body art emphasizes that Heightened Scrutiny is primarily about transgender physical selves – not only those of young people who face restriction of their right to live truly in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the numerous subjects who participate in the film.

I create films with a message, and part of that is choosing 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 attractive. This is essential to me – as trans people, we face challenges so much with our appearance.

Impact and Optimism

A key aspect that makes Feder's works excel is his evident talent for making his trans interviewees feel comfortable, acknowledged and appreciated. This technique develops genuine chemistry between Feder and Strangio, enabling the director to realize his objective of portraying Strangio as a multifaceted person and leaving a document for future generations of how resiliently he and fellow activists have campaigned for transgender rights.

I hope not people to find themselves in a situation of constant despair because of what the law is not giving us, explained Strangio. I aim to be in a practice of using the law to reduce harm, but not to turn it into some kind of channel for our freedom potential. Official institutions is not going to be the reflection through which we view ourselves. Trans people are that mirror, and it's very vital that we keep having that discussion in addition to discussions about resisting these policies and practices.

Heightened Scrutiny is presently available for streaming during Trans Visibility Week and will receive a broader release at a later date.