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Transgender filmmaker Sam Feder's latest documentary "Increased Examination" offers a moving two-part viewpoint – both an intimate profile of a prominent trans activist and a pointed examination of journalistic coverage about trans issues.

Judicial Battle at the Supreme Court

This feature follows ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he gets ready for oral arguments in the significant highest court case US v Skirmetti. These arguments took place in December 2024, with the judiciary eventually ruling in favor of the state's position, practically enabling restrictions on treatment for trans youth to stay in effect across over twenty US territories.

We made Heightened Scrutiny in merely 16 months, explained Feder during a conversation. By contrast, my earlier film Disclosure took me five years, so this was quite rushed. Our intention was to raise dialogue so people would understand more about the case.

Human Story Amid Legal Battle

While Feder presents a comprehensive examination of how major media outlets have spread anti-trans talking points, the film's most valuable achievement may be its engaging portrayal of Strangio. Typically a measured lawyer in media settings, Strangio shows his authenticity throughout the film.

That was a substantial challenge, to reveal aspects of my life to a camera lens that I had worked hard to keep personal, explained Strangio. Feder told me he wanted the next generation to know that we struggled, to see what was done in defense of these battles for our fundamental rights.

Diverse Voices in the Movement

To support Strangio's story, Feder features numerous trans voices, including prominent leaders from activism and entertainment. This production also includes perspectives from non-trans supporters who critique how mainstream publications have contributed to harmful coverage of transgender individuals.

The experience of transgender young people key to the legal case is shown through a remarkable young girl named Mila. Audiences initially witness her speaking out for her peers at a educational meeting, with later moments showing her demonstrating for trans rights outside the highest court.

Intimate Scenes Beyond the Legal Battle

The documentary also includes emotional moments where Feder steps outside the ongoing legal struggle, including scenes of Strangio vacationing in Italy and receiving a tattoo featuring words from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Prediction."

The tattoo sequence is among my favorites in the movie, stated Strangio. Being tattooed is nearly like a contemplative experience for me, to be totally engaged in my body and to think of it as a vehicle for things that are significant to me.

Physical Autonomy and Representation

The filmmaker's focus to thoughtfully capturing Strangio getting to his body art underscores that Heightened Scrutiny is primarily about trans physical selves – not only those of youth who confront restriction of their right to live truly in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the various subjects who are featured in the film.

I create films with a meaning, and part of that is selecting people who are brilliant and articulate enough to hold the camera, shared Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should dress for an filming, my reply is whatever makes you feel attractive. This is essential to me – as trans people, we struggle so much with our self-perception.

Impact and Hope

One aspect that makes Feder's works excel is his obvious skill for making his transgender participants feel comfortable, seen and appreciated. This approach fosters genuine connection between Feder and Strangio, allowing the director to realize his goal of portraying Strangio as a complete individual and leaving a document for posterity of how resiliently he and others have fought for trans rights.

I don't want people to find themselves in a situation of perpetual despair because of what the law is denying us, stated Strangio. I aim to be in a process of using the law to minimize harm, but not to make it some type of pathway for our liberatory potential. State bodies is not going to be the mirror through which we view ourselves. Trans people are that mirror, and it's really important that we persist having that conversation in addition to discussions about resisting these policies and approaches.

This important documentary is now available for digital rental during Transgender Awareness Week and will receive a broader release at a subsequent date.