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Trans filmmaker Sam Feder's latest documentary "Increased Examination" offers a powerful dual viewpoint – simultaneously an emotional portrait of a leading transgender advocate and a sharp analysis of journalistic coverage surrounding transgender existence.

Legal Battle at the Supreme Court

The film traces ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he gets ready for court proceedings in the landmark Supreme Court case the Skirmetti case. This legal battle occurred in December 2024, with the court eventually ruling in favor of Tennessee's position, practically allowing bans on healthcare for trans young people to remain in place across over twenty US states.

We made Heightened Scrutiny in only 16 months, stated Feder during an interview. Meanwhile, my previous film Disclosure took me five years, so this was quite rushed. Our goal was to stimulate discussion so people would understand more about the case.

Human Story Amid Political Struggle

While Feder presents a thorough analysis of how mainstream media outlets have promoted transphobic talking points, the film's most valuable contribution may be its engaging portrayal of Strangio. Usually a reserved attorney in media settings, Strangio reveals his authenticity throughout the production.

That was a substantial challenge, to open up aspects of my life to a filmmaker that I had worked hard to keep private, explained Strangio. Sam explained he wanted the next generation to know that we struggled, to see what was done in support of these fights for our basic existence.

Diverse Voices in the Movement

To strengthen Strangio's story, Feder incorporates multiple trans activists, including prominent individuals from media and entertainment. The documentary also includes perspectives from non-trans advocates who critique how respected publications have added to negative coverage of transgender people.

The viewpoint of trans young people central to the legal case is shown through a remarkable 12-year-old student named Mila. Viewers first see her fighting for her fellow students at a educational meeting, with subsequent footage showing her demonstrating for transgender rights outside the highest court.

Personal Moments Beyond the Legal Battle

Heightened Scrutiny also contains touching moments where Feder transcends the ongoing political struggle, such as scenes of Strangio traveling in Italy and receiving a body art featuring lines from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Prophecy."

This body art sequence is one of my preferred parts in the movie, shared Strangio. Getting inked is practically like a meditative experience for me, to be completely aware in my body and to think of it as a vehicle for things that are important to me.

Physical Identity and Representation

Feder's attention to lovingly capturing Strangio adding to his body art emphasizes that Heightened Scrutiny is primarily about trans bodies – not just those of young people who experience denial of their ability to live truly in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the many subjects who participate in the documentary.

I create films with a purpose, and part of that is selecting people who are brilliant and eloquent enough to hold the camera, shared Feder. When people ask me what they should wear for an filming, my response is anything that makes you feel attractive. That is important to me – as trans people, we have difficulties so much with our image.

Impact and Hope

One aspect that makes Feder's works stand out is his obvious ability for making his trans subjects feel at ease, seen and admired. This methodology creates real rapport between Feder and Strangio, helping the filmmaker to achieve his goal of portraying Strangio as a whole person and leaving a record for posterity of how determinedly he and others have fought for transgender liberties.

I hope not people to find themselves in a situation of constant despair because of what the law is not giving us, shared Strangio. I strive to be in a practice of using the law to reduce harm, but not to turn it into some kind of pathway for our liberatory potential. State bodies is not going to be the reflection through which we perceive ourselves. We are that reflection, and it's very vital that we keep having that conversation alongside conversations about pushing against these regulations and procedures.

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