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Trans documentarian Sam Feder's newest film "Increased Examination" presents a compelling dual perspective – both an intimate portrait of a key transgender advocate and a pointed examination of journalistic reporting about transgender rights.

Judicial Struggle at the Highest Court

The film documents ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he prepares for legal presentations in the significant highest court case US v Skirmetti. This legal battle took place in late 2024, with the judiciary ultimately ruling in favor of the state's position, essentially permitting limitations on medical transition for trans youth to stay in place across multiple US states.

We created Heightened Scrutiny in only 16 months, shared Feder during a discussion. By contrast, my earlier film Disclosure took me five years, so this was quite rushed. Our intention was to raise discussion so people would learn more about the case.

Human Story Amid Political Battle

While Feder presents a comprehensive examination of how prominent news organizations have spread transphobic talking points, the film's greatest achievement may be its captivating depiction of Strangio. Normally a measured attorney in media settings, Strangio shows his humanity throughout the documentary.

This represented a significant challenge, to share parts of my life to a documentary crew that I had worked hard to keep confidential, shared Strangio. Sam told me he wanted the next generation to know that we struggled, to see what was done in defense of these fights for our fundamental rights.

Diverse Voices in the Struggle

To strengthen Strangio's story, Feder incorporates multiple transgender advocates, including respected individuals from activism and entertainment. This film also includes viewpoints from non-trans supporters who analyze how respected organizations have added to harmful coverage of trans people.

The experience of transgender youth central to the court battle is illustrated through a impressive young student named Mila. Audiences observe her advocating for her community at a educational meeting, with later scenes showing her protesting for trans rights outside the Supreme Court.

Intimate Moments Beyond the Legal Battle

Heightened Scrutiny also contains touching moments where Feder transcends the never-ending legal struggle, such as scenes of Strangio vacationing in Italy and getting a body art featuring lines from activist Pauli Murray's poem "Prophecy."

This ink sequence is one of my most cherished sections in the movie, shared Strangio. Being tattooed is almost like a meditative process for me, to be fully present in my body and to consider it as a vehicle for things that are meaningful to me.

Body Identity and Portrayal

Feder's attention to thoughtfully showing Strangio adding to his tattoo collection highlights that this documentary is essentially about transgender bodies – not just those of youth who face prohibition of their ability to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the numerous subjects who appear in the documentary.

I produce films with a message, and part of that is picking people who are exceptional and eloquent enough to carry the camera, shared Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should dress for an filming, my response is anything that makes you feel hot. This is crucial to me – as transgender individuals, we have difficulties so much with our appearance.

Legacy and Hope

One factor that causes Feder's works excel is his obvious talent for making his transgender subjects feel at ease, seen and valued. This approach creates authentic chemistry between Feder and Strangio, enabling the filmmaker to realize his aim of showing Strangio as a multifaceted human being and leaving a testament for posterity of how resiliently he and fellow activists have fought for trans rights.

I hope not people to end up in a place of incessant despair because of what the law is failing to provide us, stated Strangio. I want to be in a method of using the law to reduce harm, but not to transform it into some type of pathway for our liberatory aspirations. Official institutions is not going to be the mirror through which we see ourselves. We are that reflection, and it's very vital that we continue having that discussion alongside dialogues about resisting these policies and approaches.

Heightened Scrutiny is now available for streaming during Transgender Awareness Week and will receive a broader release at a later date.