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Trans filmmaker Sam Feder's newest feature "Increased Examination" provides a moving two-part viewpoint – simultaneously an emotional profile of a prominent transgender advocate and a sharp analysis of media reporting surrounding trans rights.

Legal Battle at the Supreme Court

This feature traces ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he gets ready for oral arguments in the landmark highest court case the Skirmetti case. These arguments took place in late 2024, with the judiciary ultimately ruling in favor of Tennessee's argument, effectively permitting bans on medical transition for transgender young people to stay in place across numerous US states.

We produced Heightened Scrutiny in only 16 months, explained Feder during a discussion. By contrast, my previous film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was a real push. Our goal was to stimulate dialogue so people would know more about the case.

Personal Narrative Amid Legal Battle

While Feder offers a comprehensive examination of how major publications have disseminated transphobic rhetoric, the film's greatest accomplishment may be its compelling portrayal of Strangio. Usually a reserved attorney in public settings, Strangio shows his authenticity throughout the film.

This represented a major challenge, to open up aspects of my life to a camera lens that I had made efforts to keep personal, shared Strangio. Feder explained he wanted future generations to know that we tried, to see what was done in service of these struggles for our fundamental rights.

Varied Voices in the Movement

To support Strangio's account, Feder includes multiple trans activists, such as well-known figures from media and entertainment. This film also features insights from cisgender supporters who examine how respected media outlets have added to harmful portrayals of trans people.

The perspective of transgender youth key to the legal case is represented through a remarkable young girl named Mila. Viewers first see her advocating for her community at a school board meeting, with later moments showing her speaking for trans rights outside the highest court.

Intimate Scenes Beyond the Legal Battle

This film also features touching moments where Feder moves beyond the never-ending legal battle, such as scenes of Strangio vacationing in Italy and getting a body art featuring verses from activist Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

This body art scene is one of my most cherished sections in the movie, shared Strangio. Receiving body art is practically like a meditative process for me, to be completely aware in my body and to consider it as a container for things that are meaningful to me.

Physical Autonomy and Portrayal

Feder's dedication to thoughtfully capturing Strangio getting to his body art emphasizes that this documentary is primarily about transgender physical selves – not only those of young people who experience denial of their ability to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the various subjects who participate in the film.

I make films with a message, and part of that is choosing people who are exceptional and articulate enough to sustain the camera, stated Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should dress for an interview, my response is whatever makes you feel hot. This is essential to me – as trans people, we face challenges so much with our self-perception.

Legacy and Hope

A key element that causes Feder's documentaries stand out is his evident talent for making his trans participants feel at ease, seen and valued. This technique fosters authentic chemistry between Feder and Strangio, helping the director to realize his objective of presenting Strangio as a multifaceted person and providing a document for coming generations of how persistently he and others have campaigned for trans rights.

I don't want people to find themselves in a state of incessant hopelessness because of what the law is failing to provide us, explained Strangio. I strive to be in a practice of using the law to reduce harm, but not to transform it into some type of channel for our freedom possibilities. Official institutions is not going to be the reflection through which we see ourselves. Trans people are that mirror, and it's extremely important that we keep having that discussion together with discussions about fighting back these laws and procedures.

This important documentary is now obtainable for streaming during Trans Awareness Week and will receive a more extensive distribution at a later date.