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Transgender documentarian Sam Feder's latest feature "Increased Examination" offers a compelling two-part perspective – both an intimate profile of a key trans advocate and a pointed examination of journalistic reporting surrounding transgender issues.

Judicial Struggle at the Supreme Court

The film follows ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he prepares for court proceedings in the landmark Supreme Court case US v Skirmetti. This legal battle took place in December 2024, with the court ultimately ruling in support of the state's case, practically permitting restrictions on healthcare for transgender young people to remain in place across over twenty US territories.

We produced Heightened Scrutiny in only 16 months, shared Feder during an interview. In comparison, my earlier film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was quite rushed. Our goal was to stimulate discussion so people would know more about the case.

Personal Story Amid Legal Struggle

While Feder provides a extensive examination of how major publications have disseminated transphobic narratives, the film's most valuable accomplishment may be its compelling depiction of Strangio. Typically a reserved attorney in media settings, Strangio reveals his vulnerability throughout the documentary.

This represented a substantial challenge, to open up aspects of my life to a filmmaker that I had made efforts to keep personal, stated Strangio. Sam explained he wanted future generations to know that we tried, to see what was done in service of these struggles for our basic existence.

Diverse Voices in the Struggle

To enhance Strangio's account, Feder includes numerous transgender advocates, such as respected leaders from media and the arts. This production also includes perspectives from non-trans advocates who analyze how mainstream organizations have contributed to negative portrayals of transgender individuals.

The experience of trans young people central to the court battle is illustrated through a impressive young student named Mila. Audiences initially witness her fighting for her community at a educational meeting, with subsequent footage showing her protesting for transgender rights outside the highest court.

Intimate Scenes Beyond the Legal Battle

The documentary also contains emotional moments where Feder steps outside the constant legal struggle, such as scenes of Strangio vacationing in Italy and getting a body art featuring words from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Prediction."

This body art sequence is among my most cherished sections in the movie, shared Strangio. Receiving body art is nearly like a contemplative process for me, to be completely aware in my body and to view it as a vehicle for things that are important to me.

Physical Autonomy and Portrayal

The filmmaker's focus to thoughtfully showing Strangio adding to his tattoo collection highlights that this film is essentially about trans physical selves – not only those of youth who confront restriction of their ability to live truly in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the many interviewees who participate in the documentary.

I create films with a meaning, and part of that is picking people who are exceptional and eloquent enough to carry the camera, explained Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should dress for an interview, my answer is whatever makes you feel hot. That is important to me – as trans people, we face challenges so much with our appearance.

Legacy and Optimism

A key element that makes Feder's works stand out is his clear ability for making his trans subjects feel respected, recognized and admired. This methodology fosters authentic chemistry between Feder and Strangio, enabling the director to realize his goal of portraying Strangio as a complete individual and providing a document for posterity of how persistently he and fellow activists have struggled for trans liberties.

I hope not people to end up in a state of constant despair because of what the law is failing to provide us, shared Strangio. I want to be in a process of using the law to reduce harm, but not to transform it into some sort of pathway for our liberatory possibilities. The government is not going to be the mirror through which we perceive ourselves. Trans people are that reflection, and it's really vital that we keep having that discussion alongside discussions about resisting these regulations and procedures.

This important documentary is presently obtainable for digital rental during Trans Awareness Week and will receive a wider distribution at a later date.