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Trans filmmaker Sam Feder's newest film "Increased Examination" presents a powerful dual viewpoint – both an personal profile of a key trans activist and a pointed examination of media reporting about trans issues.

Judicial Struggle at the Highest Court

The film traces ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he prepares for oral arguments in the landmark Supreme Court case the Skirmetti case. This legal battle occurred in late 2024, with the judiciary ultimately ruling in support of Tennessee's argument, practically permitting bans on treatment for trans young people to stay in place across numerous US territories.

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

Personal Story Amid Political Struggle

Although Feder provides a extensive examination of how major news organizations have spread anti-trans narratives, the film's primary achievement may be its captivating depiction of Strangio. Normally a measured attorney in media settings, Strangio reveals his authenticity throughout the film.

This represented a major challenge, to share aspects of my life to a camera lens that I had worked hard to keep confidential, stated Strangio. Feder explained he wanted younger people to know that we fought, to see what was done in service of these battles for our material survival.

Diverse Perspectives in the Movement

To support Strangio's narrative, Feder includes various trans advocates, such as well-known individuals from journalism and entertainment. This production also includes viewpoints from non-trans allies who analyze how established media outlets have participated to damaging reporting of trans people.

The viewpoint of transgender minors key to the court battle is illustrated through a impressive young girl named Mila. Audiences initially witness her advocating for her peers at a educational meeting, with subsequent footage showing her demonstrating for transgender rights outside the highest court.

Personal Scenes Beyond the Legal Battle

This film also includes touching moments where Feder steps outside the constant political battle, including sequences of Strangio traveling in Italy and getting a tattoo featuring words from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

This body art moment is one of my favorites in the movie, shared Strangio. Receiving body art is almost like a reflective experience for me, to be completely aware in my body and to view it as a container for things that are meaningful to me.

Body Autonomy and Portrayal

The filmmaker's attention to thoughtfully capturing Strangio getting to his body art underscores that this film is fundamentally about trans physical selves – not only those of young people who face restriction of their ability to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the numerous interviewees who participate in the film.

I make films with a message, and part of that is choosing people who are outstanding and concise enough to carry the camera, shared Feder. When people ask me what they should wear for an interview, my answer is whatever makes you feel attractive. This is crucial to me – as trans people, we have difficulties so much with our appearance.

Legacy and Optimism

A key aspect that causes Feder's documentaries excel is his clear talent for making his trans subjects feel at ease, recognized and valued. This approach fosters genuine chemistry between Feder and Strangio, allowing the filmmaker to accomplish his objective of portraying Strangio as a complete human being and leaving a document for future generations of how determinedly he and fellow activists have fought for trans rights.

I don't want people to find themselves in a place of incessant despair because of what the law is denying us, shared Strangio. I strive to be in a process of using the law to lessen harm, but not to transform it into some type of conduit for our liberatory potential. Official institutions is not going to be the reflection through which we view ourselves. Trans people are that reflection, and it's really important that we continue having that dialogue in addition to discussions about pushing against these policies and practices.

Heightened Scrutiny is currently available for streaming during Trans Awareness Week and will receive a wider launch at a subsequent date.