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Transgender filmmaker Sam Feder's recent film "Increased Examination" presents a moving dual perspective – simultaneously an intimate portrait of a leading transgender advocate and a sharp analysis of media reporting surrounding transgender rights.

Judicial Struggle at the Highest Court

This feature documents ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he gears up for legal presentations in the important highest court case US v Skirmetti. These proceedings happened in December 2024, with the judiciary finally deciding in favor of Tennessee's case, essentially allowing restrictions on medical transition for transgender youth to remain in effect across multiple US territories.

We made Heightened Scrutiny in just 16 months, explained Feder during an interview. In comparison, my previous film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was a real push. Our purpose was to raise conversation so people would understand more about the case.

Personal Story Amid Political Struggle

While Feder provides a thorough analysis of how prominent publications have disseminated transphobic talking points, the film's primary achievement may be its compelling portrayal of Strangio. Typically a cautious lawyer in media appearances, Strangio displays his authenticity throughout the production.

That was a significant challenge, to reveal aspects of my life to a camera lens that I had worked hard to keep private, stated Strangio. Sam said he wanted younger people to know that we tried, to see what was done in support of these fights for our material survival.

Varied Voices in the Movement

To strengthen Strangio's story, Feder features numerous transgender voices, including prominent figures from activism and the arts. This production also presents viewpoints from non-trans supporters who examine how established publications have participated to harmful coverage of trans individuals.

The experience of trans youth key to the legal case is represented through a extraordinary young girl named Mila. Audiences initially witness her fighting for her peers at a educational meeting, with subsequent footage showing her protesting for transgender rights outside the highest court.

Intimate Scenes Beyond the Legal Battle

This film also includes poignant moments where Feder transcends the ongoing political battle, such as sequences of Strangio traveling in Italy and getting a tattoo featuring lines from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Prediction."

This body art sequence is among my preferred parts in the movie, explained Strangio. Receiving body art is almost like a contemplative experience for me, to be fully present in my body and to consider it as a container for things that are significant to me.

Body Autonomy and Portrayal

Feder's dedication to carefully capturing Strangio getting to his body art underscores that Heightened Scrutiny is fundamentally about trans bodies – not just those of young people who confront prohibition of their right to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the numerous subjects who are featured in the production.

I produce films with a message, and part of that is picking people who are exceptional and eloquent enough to sustain the camera, explained Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should dress for an filming, my reply is anything that makes you feel attractive. This is important to me – as trans people, we struggle so much with our appearance.

Legacy and Optimism

One element that makes Feder's works shine is his clear skill for making his transgender interviewees feel comfortable, seen and appreciated. This approach fosters real connection between Feder and Strangio, allowing the director to realize his objective of portraying Strangio as a complete individual and leaving a record for future generations of how resiliently he and fellow activists have struggled for transgender rights.

I hope not people to end up in a situation of constant discouragement because of what the law is denying us, explained Strangio. I aim to be in a practice of using the law to lessen harm, but not to turn it into some sort of conduit for our freedom potential. State bodies is not going to be the mirror through which we view ourselves. Our community are that reflection, and it's really important that we keep having that discussion in addition to discussions about pushing against these laws and practices.

Heightened Scrutiny is now accessible for digital rental during Transgender Awareness Week and will receive a more extensive release at a future date.