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Trans documentarian Sam Feder's latest feature "Increased Examination" presents a powerful dual viewpoint – both an emotional profile of a prominent transgender advocate and a sharp examination of journalistic coverage surrounding transgender rights.

Legal Struggle at the Supreme Court

The film follows ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he gets ready for legal presentations in the important highest court case US v Skirmetti. These proceedings took place in late 2024, with the judiciary eventually ruling in support of the state's case, essentially enabling restrictions on healthcare for trans young people to remain in effect across numerous US states.

We made Heightened Scrutiny in merely 16 months, shared Feder during a discussion. By contrast, my earlier film Disclosure took me five years, so this was a real push. Our purpose was to generate discussion so people would understand more about the case.

Human Story Amid Legal Struggle

Although Feder provides a thorough critique of how major news organizations have disseminated anti-trans narratives, the film's primary contribution may be its captivating depiction of Strangio. Normally a reserved attorney in public appearances, Strangio shows his vulnerability throughout the documentary.

That was a substantial challenge, to reveal aspects of my life to a filmmaker that I had strived to keep personal, shared Strangio. Sam explained he wanted younger people to know that we tried, to see what was done in defense of these battles for our basic existence.

Diverse Voices in the Struggle

To support Strangio's account, Feder incorporates various trans activists, such as respected leaders from journalism and entertainment. The documentary also features insights from cisgender advocates who examine how established publications have participated to damaging coverage of transgender people.

The perspective of trans youth key to the court battle is shown through a extraordinary 12-year-old student named Mila. Audiences initially witness her advocating for her fellow students at a school board meeting, with subsequent footage showing her protesting for trans rights outside the Supreme Court.

Intimate Scenes Beyond the Legal Battle

The documentary also includes poignant moments where Feder transcends the never-ending legal battle, such as scenes of Strangio traveling in Italy and getting a tattoo featuring words from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

This ink sequence is among my favorites in the movie, shared Strangio. Being tattooed is practically like a meditative experience for me, to be fully present in my body and to consider it as a vessel for things that are meaningful to me.

Body Autonomy and Representation

The filmmaker's attention to thoughtfully showing Strangio getting to his body art highlights that Heightened Scrutiny is fundamentally about transgender physical selves – not just those of youth who confront denial of their right to live genuinely in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the many participants who participate in the production.

I create films with a meaning, and part of that is picking people who are outstanding and eloquent enough to sustain the camera, stated Feder. When people ask me what they should wear for an interview, my answer is whatever makes you feel confident. That is crucial to me – as trans people, we face challenges so much with our image.

Impact and Optimism

A key aspect that makes Feder's works stand out is his clear skill for making his trans interviewees feel at ease, recognized and valued. This approach fosters real chemistry between Feder and Strangio, allowing the filmmaker to achieve his goal of portraying Strangio as a whole human being and providing a document for posterity of how resiliently he and fellow activists have campaigned for trans rights.

I don't want people to end up in a situation of incessant despair because of what the law is not giving us, shared Strangio. I strive to be in a process of using the law to lessen harm, but not to turn it into some type of conduit for our liberation potential. Official institutions is not going to be the mirror through which we perceive ourselves. Our community are that reflection, and it's very important that we continue having that dialogue together with discussions about resisting these regulations and approaches.

This important documentary is currently obtainable for digital rental during Trans Awareness Week and will receive a broader distribution at a later date.