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Trans documentarian Sam Feder's newest feature "Increased Examination" provides a compelling two-part perspective – both an intimate profile of a key transgender advocate and a pointed examination of journalistic coverage surrounding transgender rights.

Judicial Battle at the Supreme Court

This documentary follows ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he gears up for legal presentations in the significant highest court case US v Skirmetti. This legal battle occurred in December 2024, with the court finally ruling in support of the state's argument, effectively permitting bans on treatment for trans youth to remain in place across over twenty US territories.

We made Heightened Scrutiny in merely 16 months, shared Feder during an interview. Meanwhile, my earlier film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was quite rushed. Our intention was to generate conversation so people would know more about the case.

Human Story Amid Political Battle

While Feder offers a comprehensive analysis of how mainstream news organizations have disseminated anti-trans rhetoric, the film's most valuable accomplishment may be its engaging depiction of Strangio. Normally a cautious attorney in media settings, Strangio displays his authenticity throughout the documentary.

That was a major challenge, to share aspects of my life to a camera lens that I had made efforts to keep personal, shared Strangio. Feder explained he wanted the next generation to know that we fought, to see what was done in defense of these battles for our material survival.

Varied Voices in the Movement

To support Strangio's account, Feder includes numerous trans activists, including well-known leaders from activism and entertainment. The documentary also includes viewpoints from non-trans advocates who analyze how respected organizations have participated to negative coverage of transgender people.

The experience of trans minors central to the court battle is illustrated through a extraordinary young girl named Mila. Audiences first see her advocating for her peers at a school board meeting, with subsequent footage showing her speaking for transgender rights outside the Supreme Court.

Personal Moments Beyond the Courtroom

This film also includes poignant moments where Feder transcends the ongoing legal battle, such as sequences of Strangio vacationing in Italy and receiving a body art featuring words from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

This body art scene is one of my favorites in the movie, explained Strangio. Being tattooed is almost like a contemplative experience for me, to be completely aware in my body and to view it as a vehicle for things that are important to me.

Body Autonomy and Representation

The filmmaker's dedication to carefully documenting Strangio getting to his tattoo collection underscores that Heightened Scrutiny is essentially about trans bodies – not just those of youth who confront prohibition of their right to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the numerous subjects who appear in the film.

I create films with a message, and part of that is selecting people who are outstanding and eloquent enough to carry the camera, explained Feder. When people ask me what they should wear for an interview, my answer is whatever makes you feel hot. This is essential to me – as trans people, we have difficulties so much with our appearance.

Legacy and Hope

One factor that makes Feder's films excel is his evident ability for making his trans subjects feel comfortable, seen and appreciated. This methodology creates real connection between Feder and Strangio, enabling the director to achieve his goal of portraying Strangio as a multifaceted individual and leaving a document for future generations of how persistently he and others have struggled for trans rights.

I hope not people to end up in a situation of constant discouragement because of what the law is denying us, shared Strangio. I strive to be in a practice of using the law to minimize harm, but not to turn it into some type of channel for our liberation possibilities. State bodies is not going to be the mirror through which we see ourselves. Our community are that reflection, and it's extremely crucial that we persist having that discussion in addition to discussions about fighting back these regulations and approaches.

This important documentary is currently obtainable for streaming during Trans Awareness Week and will receive a wider distribution at a future date.