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Transgender documentarian Sam Feder's newest documentary "Increased Examination" presents a moving two-part perspective – both an intimate portrait of a prominent trans activist and a sharp examination of journalistic reporting surrounding trans existence.

Legal Battle at the Supreme Court

The film documents ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he gets ready for legal presentations in the important highest court case US v Skirmetti. These proceedings took place in December 2024, with the court eventually ruling in support of the state's case, practically enabling limitations on treatment for transgender minors to remain in effect across multiple US states.

We produced Heightened Scrutiny in just 16 months, shared Feder during an interview. By contrast, my previous film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was a real push. Our intention was to generate discussion so people would learn more about the case.

Human Story Amid Legal Struggle

Although Feder offers a comprehensive examination of how major media outlets have disseminated transphobic talking points, the film's most valuable accomplishment may be its compelling depiction of Strangio. Normally a reserved lawyer in public appearances, Strangio shows his humanity throughout the film.

That was a major challenge, to share parts of my life to a camera lens that I had strived to keep personal, stated Strangio. Sam told me he wanted the next generation to know that we fought, to see what was done in defense of these fights for our material survival.

Varied Voices in the Movement

To support Strangio's story, Feder incorporates multiple trans activists, including respected leaders from activism and the arts. The documentary also includes viewpoints from non-trans allies who critique how respected organizations have contributed to damaging reporting of trans people.

The perspective of trans youth key to the legal case is shown through a remarkable 12-year-old girl named Mila. Viewers first see her speaking out for her peers at a school board meeting, with later scenes showing her demonstrating for trans rights outside the highest court.

Intimate Scenes Beyond the Courtroom

This film also contains touching moments where Feder transcends the never-ending political battle, including scenes of Strangio vacationing in Italy and getting a tattoo featuring verses from activist Pauli Murray's poem "Prediction."

This body art scene is among my favorites in the movie, explained Strangio. Being tattooed is nearly like a contemplative experience for me, to be completely aware in my body and to consider it as a container for things that are significant to me.

Body Autonomy and Representation

The filmmaker's focus to lovingly capturing Strangio getting to his tattoo collection emphasizes that this documentary is essentially about transgender bodies – not only those of young people who experience denial of their ability to live truly in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the various interviewees who appear in the production.

I create films with a meaning, and part of that is selecting people who are exceptional and articulate enough to sustain the camera, shared Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should dress for an interview, my reply is whatever makes you feel confident. This is important to me – as transgender individuals, we have difficulties so much with our image.

Legacy and Hope

One element that causes Feder's works stand out is his clear ability for making his transgender interviewees feel at ease, recognized and valued. This technique fosters authentic chemistry between Feder and Strangio, enabling the filmmaker to achieve his objective of presenting Strangio as a complete person and providing a record for coming generations of how determinedly he and fellow activists have campaigned for trans rights.

I hope not people to find themselves in a place of perpetual hopelessness because of what the law is failing to provide us, shared Strangio. I aim to be in a practice of using the law to lessen harm, but not to transform it into some sort of conduit for our liberation aspirations. The government is not going to be the mirror through which we view ourselves. Our community are that mirror, and it's extremely important that we persist having that conversation alongside discussions about fighting back these laws and practices.

Heightened Scrutiny is presently available for streaming during Transgender Awareness Week and will receive a more extensive release at a subsequent date.