🔗 Share this article

Trans filmmaker Sam Feder's newest film "Increased Examination" offers a moving dual perspective – simultaneously an personal profile of a prominent trans activist and a sharp analysis of media reporting about trans issues.

Legal Battle at the Supreme Court

This feature follows ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he gears up for court proceedings in the important highest court case the Skirmetti case. These proceedings occurred in late 2024, with the judiciary ultimately ruling in favor of Tennessee's argument, effectively allowing bans on treatment for trans young people to remain in effect across over twenty US territories.

We produced Heightened Scrutiny in just 16 months, shared Feder during an interview. By contrast, my earlier film Disclosure took me five years, so this was a real push. Our purpose was to raise discussion so people would know more about the case.

Personal Story Amid Legal Struggle

Although Feder provides a thorough examination of how mainstream publications have promoted anti-trans narratives, the film's primary accomplishment may be its captivating depiction of Strangio. Usually a reserved attorney in public settings, Strangio shows his authenticity throughout the production.

That was a major challenge, to share parts of my life to a camera lens that I had worked hard to keep private, shared Strangio. Sam said he wanted younger people to know that we fought, to see what was done in support of these fights for our material survival.

Diverse Perspectives in the Struggle

To enhance Strangio's narrative, Feder features various transgender advocates, including respected figures from activism and entertainment. This film also includes perspectives from non-trans advocates who examine how respected organizations have contributed to damaging reporting of transgender people.

The perspective of trans young people key to the court battle is illustrated through a impressive young student named Mila. Viewers first see her fighting for her fellow students at a educational meeting, with subsequent scenes showing her speaking for transgender rights outside the Supreme Court.

Personal Moments Beyond the Legal Battle

Heightened Scrutiny also includes touching moments where Feder moves beyond the never-ending political struggle, including scenes of Strangio vacationing in Italy and getting a tattoo featuring verses from activist Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

This body art sequence is one of my favorites in the movie, explained Strangio. Receiving body art is almost like a meditative process for me, to be totally engaged in my body and to consider it as a vessel for things that are important to me.

Physical Autonomy and Portrayal

The filmmaker's dedication to carefully showing Strangio getting to his tattoo collection emphasizes that this film is fundamentally about trans physical selves – not only those of youth who face prohibition of their ability to live truly in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the various participants who are featured in the production.

I create films with a meaning, and part of that is choosing people who are exceptional and concise enough to hold the camera, explained Feder. When people ask me what they should wear for an interview, my answer is anything that makes you feel attractive. This is important to me – as trans people, we struggle so much with our self-perception.

Impact and Optimism

One element that causes Feder's works excel is his obvious talent for making his transgender subjects feel respected, seen and admired. This technique develops authentic chemistry between Feder and Strangio, enabling the filmmaker to realize his goal of presenting Strangio as a whole human being and providing a testament for coming generations of how determinedly he and fellow activists have fought for trans rights.

I don't want people to end up in a state of constant hopelessness because of what the law is failing to provide us, shared Strangio. I strive to be in a method of using the law to reduce harm, but not to make it some kind of conduit for our liberatory possibilities. State bodies is not going to be the mirror through which we view ourselves. Trans people are that reflection, and it's extremely crucial that we keep having that discussion in addition to conversations about fighting back these policies and procedures.

This important documentary is now accessible for digital rental during Transgender Awareness Week and will receive a wider distribution at a subsequent date.