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Trans documentarian Sam Feder's latest documentary "Increased Examination" offers a compelling dual viewpoint – simultaneously an emotional portrait of a prominent transgender advocate and a critical analysis of journalistic reporting about trans issues.

Judicial Struggle at the Highest Court

This feature documents ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he gears up for legal presentations in the landmark Supreme Court case the Skirmetti case. These arguments took place in late 2024, with the judiciary ultimately deciding in support of the state's case, effectively enabling restrictions on medical transition for transgender youth to stay in place across over twenty US states.

We made Heightened Scrutiny in just 16 months, shared Feder during a discussion. Meanwhile, my earlier film Disclosure took me five years, so this was quite rushed. Our intention was to raise dialogue so people would learn more about the case.

Human Narrative Amid Political Struggle

Although Feder offers a thorough examination of how prominent media outlets have disseminated transphobic talking points, the film's most valuable accomplishment may be its engaging portrayal of Strangio. Normally a reserved attorney in media settings, Strangio shows his humanity throughout the production.

That was a major challenge, to reveal aspects of my life to a camera lens that I had made efforts to keep confidential, shared Strangio. Feder explained he wanted future generations to know that we tried, to see what was done in defense of these struggles for our material survival.

Varied Perspectives in the Movement

To strengthen Strangio's account, Feder includes numerous transgender advocates, including prominent individuals from journalism and the arts. The documentary also includes insights from non-trans allies who analyze how mainstream publications have participated to negative reporting of transgender individuals.

The perspective of trans minors key to the court battle is illustrated through a impressive young student named Mila. Audiences observe her speaking out for her peers at a educational meeting, with subsequent footage showing her protesting for transgender rights outside the Supreme Court.

Intimate Moments Beyond the Legal Battle

Heightened Scrutiny also features emotional moments where Feder steps outside the ongoing political battle, such as sequences of Strangio vacationing 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, shared Strangio. Getting inked is practically like a meditative experience 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 Identity and Portrayal

The filmmaker's focus to thoughtfully showing Strangio adding to his body art underscores that this film is essentially about transgender physical selves – not only those of youth who face prohibition of their ability to live genuinely in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the various participants who are featured in the production.

I create films with a purpose, and part of that is selecting people who are brilliant and articulate enough to sustain the camera, shared Feder. When people ask me what they should dress for an interview, my reply is anything that makes you feel attractive. This is crucial to me – as trans people, we struggle so much with our image.

Legacy and Hope

One element that causes Feder's documentaries excel is his evident ability for making his transgender participants feel respected, recognized and appreciated. This technique fosters genuine chemistry between Feder and Strangio, helping the filmmaker to accomplish his aim of showing Strangio as a whole human being and leaving a document for coming generations of how persistently he and fellow activists have campaigned for transgender liberties.

I hope not people to find themselves in a place of perpetual 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 kind of pathway for our liberation aspirations. State bodies is not going to be the mirror through which we perceive ourselves. Our community are that reflection, and it's very important that we keep having that discussion alongside discussions about pushing against these policies and practices.

Heightened Scrutiny is now obtainable for digital rental during Trans Awareness Week and will receive a broader distribution at a later date.