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Trans filmmaker Sam Feder's recent documentary "Increased Examination" offers a powerful dual viewpoint – both an emotional profile of a leading transgender advocate and a critical analysis of media reporting surrounding transgender existence.

Judicial Struggle at the Highest Court

The film traces ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he gears up for legal presentations in the important highest court case the Skirmetti case. This legal battle happened in December 2024, with the judiciary eventually ruling in favor of Tennessee's case, essentially permitting limitations on treatment for trans young people to remain in place across over twenty US territories.

We made Heightened Scrutiny in just 16 months, shared Feder during a conversation. By contrast, my earlier film Disclosure took me five years, so this was very accelerated. Our goal was to generate discussion so people would know more about the case.

Personal Story Amid Political Battle

While Feder presents a extensive examination of how major media outlets have promoted transphobic talking points, the film's greatest contribution may be its engaging portrayal of Strangio. Normally a measured lawyer in public appearances, Strangio reveals his humanity throughout the production.

That was a significant challenge, to share parts of my life to a documentary crew that I had worked hard to keep confidential, explained Strangio. Feder told me he wanted future generations to know that we fought, to see what was done in support of these battles for our material survival.

Varied Perspectives in the Struggle

To support Strangio's narrative, Feder features numerous trans advocates, including prominent leaders from activism and entertainment. This film also presents perspectives from cisgender allies who examine how established publications have added to damaging reporting of trans individuals.

The viewpoint of transgender young people key to the legal case is shown through a extraordinary 12-year-old activist named Mila. Viewers observe her speaking out for her peers at a educational meeting, with subsequent moments showing her protesting for transgender rights outside the Supreme Court.

Personal Moments Beyond the Legal Battle

This film also features touching moments where Feder steps outside the constant political struggle, such as sequences of Strangio vacationing in Italy and receiving a tattoo featuring lines from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

This ink sequence is one of my favorites in the movie, stated Strangio. Receiving body art is nearly like a reflective experience for me, to be completely aware in my body and to think of it as a vessel for things that are important to me.

Physical Identity and Representation

Feder's attention to carefully capturing Strangio getting to his body art underscores that Heightened Scrutiny is essentially about transgender physical selves – not only those of young people who experience denial of their ability to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the various participants who are featured in the film.

I make films with a message, and part of that is choosing people who are brilliant and eloquent enough to sustain the camera, shared Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should dress for an filming, my reply is whatever makes you feel hot. That is crucial to me – as transgender individuals, we struggle so much with our self-perception.

Legacy and Hope

A key factor that makes Feder's documentaries shine is his evident skill for making his trans subjects feel respected, seen and admired. This technique develops authentic chemistry between Feder and Strangio, enabling the filmmaker to achieve his objective of portraying Strangio as a multifaceted person and leaving a record for future generations of how determinedly he and fellow activists have campaigned 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, explained Strangio. I strive to be in a method of using the law to lessen harm, but not to transform it into some sort of pathway for our liberation possibilities. Official institutions is not going to be the mirror through which we see ourselves. Our community are that reflection, and it's very crucial that we keep having that discussion together with discussions about resisting these laws and approaches.

Heightened Scrutiny is currently available for digital rental during Trans Awareness Week and will receive a more extensive distribution at a future date.