🔗 Share this article

Transgender filmmaker Sam Feder's latest film "Increased Examination" presents a compelling two-part viewpoint – simultaneously an personal portrait of a prominent trans activist and a critical examination of journalistic coverage surrounding transgender rights.

Legal Battle at the Highest Court

This feature documents ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he gears up for court proceedings in the significant Supreme Court case the Skirmetti case. This legal battle occurred in late 2024, with the judiciary eventually ruling in support of Tennessee's position, practically enabling restrictions on healthcare for trans young people to remain in place across multiple US territories.

We made Heightened Scrutiny in just 16 months, explained Feder during an interview. In comparison, my earlier film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was very accelerated. Our intention was to stimulate dialogue so people would know more about the case.

Human Narrative Amid Political Battle

While Feder presents a extensive analysis of how mainstream publications have spread anti-trans talking points, the film's most valuable contribution may be its compelling depiction of Strangio. Typically a measured attorney in media appearances, Strangio reveals his humanity throughout the documentary.

That was a substantial challenge, to reveal aspects of my life to a filmmaker that I had strived to keep confidential, shared Strangio. Feder explained he wanted younger people to know that we tried, to see what was done in support of these struggles for our material survival.

Varied Perspectives in the Movement

To strengthen Strangio's narrative, Feder incorporates multiple transgender activists, such as prominent individuals from media and entertainment. This film also presents perspectives from cisgender advocates who examine how established organizations have participated to damaging coverage of transgender people.

The viewpoint of trans youth central to the legal case is shown through a impressive young student named Mila. Viewers initially witness her fighting for her peers at a educational meeting, with later moments showing her protesting for trans rights outside the highest court.

Personal Moments Beyond the Legal Battle

Heightened Scrutiny also features emotional moments where Feder transcends the ongoing legal struggle, such as footage of Strangio vacationing in Italy and getting a body art featuring lines from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

This body art scene is one of my favorites in the movie, shared Strangio. Receiving body art is nearly like a reflective process for me, to be completely aware in my body and to consider it as a vessel for things that are meaningful to me.

Physical Identity and Representation

Feder's attention to carefully documenting Strangio getting to his body art underscores that this film is essentially about transgender physical selves – not only those of young people who face restriction of their right to live truly in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the many interviewees who are featured in the documentary.

I create films with a purpose, and part of that is selecting people who are brilliant and articulate enough to hold the camera, shared Feder. When people ask me what they should wear for an interview, my reply is anything that makes you feel confident. That is essential to me – as transgender individuals, we have difficulties so much with our appearance.

Impact and Hope

A key aspect that makes Feder's films excel is his clear skill for making his transgender subjects feel comfortable, seen and admired. This methodology fosters authentic connection between Feder and Strangio, helping the filmmaker to accomplish his goal of presenting Strangio as a complete human being and providing a document for posterity of how persistently he and fellow activists have fought for transgender liberties.

I hope not people to end up in a place of incessant hopelessness because of what the law is not giving us, shared Strangio. I want to be in a practice of using the law to minimize harm, but not to turn it into some type of pathway for our liberation aspirations. Official institutions is not going to be the mirror through which we view ourselves. Our community are that reflection, and it's very crucial that we keep having that discussion together with dialogues about resisting these laws and procedures.

This important documentary is now accessible for streaming during Transgender Awareness Week and will receive a broader launch at a later date.