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Transgender filmmaker Sam Feder's latest film "Increased Examination" offers a moving two-part viewpoint – simultaneously an intimate portrait of a prominent transgender advocate and a critical analysis of journalistic coverage surrounding transgender issues.

Judicial Battle at the Supreme Court

This feature traces ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he gets ready for court proceedings in the important Supreme Court case US v Skirmetti. These proceedings took place in December 2024, with the judiciary eventually deciding in favor of Tennessee's case, practically allowing limitations on medical transition for trans young people to remain in effect across numerous US territories.

We produced Heightened Scrutiny in merely 16 months, shared Feder during a discussion. By contrast, my previous film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was quite rushed. Our goal was to raise conversation so people would understand more about the case.

Personal Story Amid Political Battle

While Feder presents a thorough analysis of how mainstream news organizations have disseminated anti-trans rhetoric, the film's greatest achievement may be its engaging portrayal of Strangio. Typically a cautious lawyer in media appearances, Strangio displays his authenticity throughout the production.

This represented a major challenge, to open up parts of my life to a camera lens that I had strived to keep confidential, stated Strangio. Sam explained he wanted younger people to know that we tried, to see what was done in defense of these battles for our fundamental rights.

Varied Voices in the Movement

To strengthen Strangio's narrative, Feder features various trans voices, such as prominent leaders from activism and entertainment. The documentary also features perspectives from cisgender advocates who analyze how mainstream organizations have contributed to damaging portrayals of trans individuals.

The experience of trans minors key to the legal case is illustrated through a extraordinary 12-year-old student named Mila. Viewers first see her speaking out for her peers at a educational meeting, with later scenes showing her speaking for transgender rights outside the highest court.

Personal Moments Beyond the Courtroom

The documentary also includes poignant moments where Feder moves beyond the constant legal struggle, such as scenes of Strangio traveling in Italy and getting a body art featuring lines from activist Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

This body art scene is among my preferred parts 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 container for things that are meaningful to me.

Physical Autonomy and Representation

The filmmaker's attention to thoughtfully documenting Strangio adding to his body art emphasizes that this documentary is essentially about transgender physical selves – not just those of young people who face restriction of their ability to live genuinely in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the many participants who appear in the film.

I make films with a message, and part of that is picking people who are brilliant and articulate enough to sustain the camera, shared Feder. When people ask me what they should wear for an interview, my reply is whatever makes you feel attractive. That is crucial to me – as transgender individuals, we struggle so much with our image.

Impact and Optimism

A key aspect that makes Feder's works excel is his clear ability for making his trans subjects feel comfortable, acknowledged and valued. This methodology creates genuine connection between Feder and Strangio, allowing the director to realize his goal of showing Strangio as a multifaceted person and leaving a document for posterity of how persistently he and fellow activists have fought for trans rights.

I don't want people to end up in a situation of constant hopelessness because of what the law is denying us, shared Strangio. I aim to be in a process of using the law to reduce harm, but not to turn it into some kind of pathway for our liberatory possibilities. State bodies is not going to be the mirror through which we see ourselves. Trans people are that reflection, and it's extremely important that we persist having that discussion together with discussions about pushing against these policies and practices.

This significant film is now obtainable for online viewing during Transgender Awareness Week and will receive a more extensive launch at a subsequent date.