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Trans director Sam Feder's latest feature "Increased Examination" presents a moving two-part viewpoint – both an intimate portrait of a leading transgender advocate and a critical analysis of journalistic reporting about transgender issues.

Judicial Battle at the Highest Court

The film documents ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he prepares for oral arguments in the significant highest court case US v Skirmetti. These proceedings occurred in December 2024, with the court eventually ruling in favor of Tennessee's case, essentially enabling restrictions on medical transition for transgender youth to remain in effect across over twenty US states.

We created Heightened Scrutiny in just 16 months, stated Feder during a discussion. In comparison, my previous film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was quite rushed. Our intention was to generate conversation so people would understand more about the case.

Human Story Amid Legal Battle

While Feder offers a extensive analysis of how major media outlets have promoted anti-trans talking points, the film's greatest contribution may be its engaging depiction of Strangio. Usually a measured attorney in public settings, Strangio displays his humanity throughout the production.

That was a substantial challenge, to share parts of my life to a camera lens that I had strived to keep confidential, explained Strangio. Feder told me he wanted younger people to know that we fought, to see what was done in support of these fights for our material survival.

Diverse Perspectives in the Movement

To strengthen Strangio's story, Feder features numerous trans voices, such as prominent leaders from journalism and entertainment. The documentary also includes perspectives from cisgender advocates who analyze how established media outlets have contributed to negative portrayals of trans people.

The perspective of transgender youth central to the legal case is illustrated through a impressive young girl named Mila. Viewers first see her fighting for her fellow students at a educational meeting, with subsequent footage showing her demonstrating for trans rights outside the highest court.

Intimate Scenes Beyond the Legal Battle

Heightened Scrutiny also includes touching moments where Feder steps outside the never-ending legal struggle, such as footage of Strangio vacationing in Italy and receiving a body art featuring words from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Prediction."

This ink scene is among my preferred parts in the movie, explained Strangio. Being tattooed is almost like a contemplative process for me, to be completely aware in my body and to consider it as a container for things that are important to me.

Physical Autonomy and Representation

Feder's dedication to thoughtfully showing Strangio getting to his tattoo collection emphasizes that Heightened Scrutiny is fundamentally about trans physical selves – not only those of young people who experience restriction of their ability to live genuinely in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the many participants who participate in the production.

I produce films with a purpose, and part of that is selecting people who are outstanding and articulate enough to carry the camera, explained Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should dress for an filming, my response is anything that makes you feel confident. This is important to me – as trans people, we face challenges so much with our self-perception.

Legacy and Hope

A key aspect that causes Feder's works excel is his clear ability for making his transgender interviewees feel at ease, acknowledged and admired. This methodology fosters authentic connection between Feder and Strangio, enabling the filmmaker to accomplish his aim of showing Strangio as a complete human being and leaving a document for posterity of how resiliently he and fellow activists have fought for transgender rights.

I hope not people to find themselves in a state of perpetual hopelessness because of what the law is denying us, stated Strangio. I aim to be in a method of using the law to lessen harm, but not to make it some sort of channel for our freedom potential. The government is not going to be the mirror through which we view ourselves. Trans people are that mirror, and it's very important that we keep having that discussion together with conversations about resisting these policies and procedures.

This important documentary is now available for streaming during Transgender Awareness Week and will receive a wider distribution at a later date.