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Trans filmmaker Sam Feder's latest documentary "Increased Examination" offers a moving two-part perspective – both an personal profile of a leading transgender activist and a critical examination of media reporting surrounding transgender issues.

Legal Battle at the Highest Court

The film traces ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he gets ready for legal presentations in the significant highest court case the Skirmetti case. These arguments happened in late 2024, with the judiciary eventually ruling in support of Tennessee's position, effectively allowing restrictions on treatment for transgender minors to remain in effect across over twenty US territories.

We made Heightened Scrutiny in only 16 months, explained Feder during a discussion. Meanwhile, my previous film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was a real push. Our intention was to stimulate dialogue so people would learn more about the case.

Human Narrative Amid Legal Battle

Although Feder provides a thorough critique of how prominent news organizations have disseminated transphobic rhetoric, the film's greatest achievement may be its engaging depiction of Strangio. Usually a cautious lawyer in public appearances, Strangio shows his authenticity throughout the production.

This represented a substantial challenge, to share parts of my life to a documentary crew that I had made efforts to keep personal, shared Strangio. Sam told me he wanted future generations to know that we fought, to see what was done in service of these fights for our fundamental rights.

Varied Voices in the Movement

To strengthen Strangio's account, Feder features multiple transgender advocates, including respected figures from journalism and the arts. This production also includes viewpoints from cisgender supporters who critique how respected media outlets have participated to damaging reporting of transgender people.

The experience of transgender young people central to the legal case is shown through a remarkable young student named Mila. Viewers first see her advocating for her community at a educational meeting, with later moments showing her speaking for trans rights outside the Supreme Court.

Intimate Moments Beyond the Legal Battle

Heightened Scrutiny also contains emotional moments where Feder moves beyond the never-ending legal battle, such as sequences of Strangio vacationing in Italy and getting a tattoo featuring words from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

The tattoo moment is among my preferred parts in the movie, explained Strangio. Receiving body art is almost like a contemplative experience for me, to be totally engaged in my body and to consider it as a vehicle for things that are important to me.

Body Identity and Portrayal

The filmmaker's focus to thoughtfully documenting Strangio adding to his tattoo collection highlights that this film is fundamentally about trans physical selves – not only those of youth who face denial of their ability to live genuinely in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the many interviewees who appear in the documentary.

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

Legacy and Hope

A key factor that causes Feder's documentaries excel is his clear ability for making his trans participants feel at ease, recognized and admired. This technique fosters authentic connection between Feder and Strangio, helping the director to accomplish his goal of portraying Strangio as a complete human being and providing a testament for coming generations of how resiliently he and others have fought for transgender liberties.

I hope not people to end up in a state of perpetual discouragement because of what the law is failing to provide us, stated Strangio. I strive to be in a process of using the law to minimize harm, but not to make it some type of conduit for our liberation possibilities. The government is not going to be the reflection through which we view ourselves. We are that reflection, and it's really vital that we keep having that discussion alongside dialogues about pushing against these policies and procedures.

This significant film is now obtainable for digital rental during Trans Visibility Week and will receive a broader release at a future date.