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Trans documentarian Sam Feder's newest documentary "Increased Examination" provides a compelling dual perspective – simultaneously an personal portrait of a leading transgender advocate and a critical analysis of journalistic reporting surrounding trans existence.

Judicial Battle at the Highest Court

The film documents ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he gears up for court proceedings in the important highest court case the Skirmetti case. This legal battle took place in December 2024, with the judiciary finally deciding in favor of Tennessee's argument, effectively allowing bans on medical transition for transgender youth to remain in effect across numerous US territories.

We created Heightened Scrutiny in just 16 months, stated Feder during a discussion. In comparison, my previous film Disclosure took me five years, so this was very accelerated. Our goal was to generate conversation so people would learn more about the case.

Personal Narrative Amid Political Battle

While Feder offers a extensive critique of how prominent media outlets have disseminated anti-trans talking points, the film's primary achievement may be its engaging depiction of Strangio. Typically a cautious lawyer in media settings, Strangio displays his vulnerability throughout the production.

That was a significant challenge, to reveal aspects of my life to a documentary crew that I had worked hard to keep private, explained Strangio. Feder explained he wanted younger people 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 includes multiple trans advocates, including well-known figures from activism and entertainment. The documentary also includes perspectives from cisgender advocates who examine how respected media outlets have added to damaging reporting of trans individuals.

The experience of transgender minors key to the court battle is represented through a extraordinary young student named Mila. Audiences observe her fighting for her fellow students at a school board meeting, with later footage showing her speaking for trans rights outside the Supreme Court.

Personal Scenes Beyond the Legal Battle

This film also includes poignant moments where Feder moves beyond the never-ending political battle, including footage of Strangio vacationing in Italy and receiving a body art featuring words from activist Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

This body art scene is one of my preferred parts in the movie, explained Strangio. Being tattooed is nearly like a contemplative experience for me, to be fully present in my body and to consider it as a container for things that are important to me.

Body Identity and Portrayal

Feder's attention to thoughtfully capturing Strangio adding to his body art highlights that this film is primarily about trans bodies – not only those of youth who face denial of their ability to live genuinely in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the many participants who participate in the production.

I create films with a purpose, and part of that is picking people who are outstanding and concise enough to carry the camera, explained Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should wear for an filming, my response is anything that makes you feel confident. That is important to me – as transgender individuals, we have difficulties so much with our image.

Impact and Optimism

One aspect that makes Feder's films shine is his evident ability for making his transgender interviewees feel comfortable, acknowledged and appreciated. This technique creates authentic chemistry between Feder and Strangio, allowing the director to achieve his objective of presenting Strangio as a multifaceted individual and leaving a testament for future generations of how persistently he and others have campaigned for transgender liberties.

I hope not people to find themselves in a place of incessant hopelessness because of what the law is failing to provide us, explained Strangio. I aim to be in a practice of using the law to reduce harm, but not to turn it into some type of channel for our liberatory possibilities. State bodies is not going to be the mirror through which we perceive ourselves. Our community are that mirror, and it's extremely vital that we continue having that discussion in addition to dialogues about resisting these regulations and practices.

Heightened Scrutiny is presently available for online viewing during Trans Visibility Week and will receive a more extensive release at a future date.