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Trans filmmaker Sam Feder's newest feature "Increased Examination" provides a compelling dual viewpoint – simultaneously an emotional portrait of a leading trans advocate and a pointed examination of media coverage surrounding trans issues.

Judicial Battle at the Supreme Court

This feature traces ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he gets ready for legal presentations in the landmark highest court case US v Skirmetti. These proceedings happened in December 2024, with the judiciary eventually ruling in support of the state's position, effectively enabling limitations on treatment for transgender youth to stay in effect across over twenty US territories.

We made Heightened Scrutiny in merely 16 months, stated Feder during a conversation. In comparison, my previous film Disclosure took me five years, so this was very accelerated. Our intention was to stimulate conversation so people would understand more about the case.

Human Story Amid Political Battle

Although Feder provides a thorough analysis of how mainstream publications have disseminated transphobic talking points, the film's greatest contribution may be its compelling depiction of Strangio. Usually a reserved attorney in public settings, Strangio displays his authenticity throughout the film.

This represented a major challenge, to share aspects of my life to a filmmaker that I had worked hard to keep confidential, stated Strangio. Feder said he wanted younger people to know that we tried, to see what was done in defense of these battles for our fundamental rights.

Diverse Perspectives in the Movement

To strengthen Strangio's story, Feder incorporates multiple trans voices, such as prominent leaders from media and the arts. This film also features insights from non-trans allies who critique how established publications have added to damaging portrayals of transgender people.

The perspective of transgender youth central to the court battle is shown through a remarkable young student named Mila. Viewers observe her fighting for her peers at a educational meeting, with subsequent scenes showing her speaking for transgender rights outside the highest court.

Personal Scenes Beyond the Courtroom

This film also includes poignant moments where Feder moves beyond the ongoing legal struggle, including sequences of Strangio vacationing in Italy and receiving a tattoo featuring verses from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Prophecy."

This ink sequence is among my most cherished sections in the movie, stated Strangio. Getting inked is almost like a contemplative process for me, to be fully present in my body and to think of it as a container for things that are significant to me.

Body Autonomy and Representation

The filmmaker's attention to lovingly documenting Strangio adding to his tattoo collection highlights that Heightened Scrutiny is primarily about trans physical selves – not only those of young people who experience prohibition of their ability to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the numerous participants who are featured in the production.

I create films with a meaning, and part of that is picking people who are brilliant and eloquent enough to hold the camera, shared Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should dress for an interview, my reply is whatever makes you feel confident. That is essential to me – as transgender individuals, we face challenges so much with our self-perception.

Legacy and Hope

One element that makes Feder's works excel is his evident skill for making his trans interviewees feel at ease, acknowledged and appreciated. This approach fosters real rapport between Feder and Strangio, helping the director to accomplish his aim of showing Strangio as a multifaceted individual and providing a document for posterity of how persistently he and others have struggled for transgender rights.

I don't want people to find themselves in a situation of perpetual discouragement because of what the law is not giving us, explained Strangio. I aim to be in a method of using the law to minimize harm, but not to transform it into some kind of channel for our liberatory potential. State bodies is not going to be the mirror through which we view ourselves. Our community are that mirror, and it's extremely vital that we continue having that discussion alongside conversations about resisting these policies and approaches.

This significant film is currently obtainable for streaming during Transgender Awareness Week and will receive a wider release at a later date.