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Trans director Sam Feder's latest documentary "Increased Examination" presents a moving dual perspective – both an emotional portrait of a key trans activist and a pointed examination of journalistic coverage about trans existence.

Judicial Battle at the Highest Court

The film follows ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he gears up for legal presentations in the important highest court case US v Skirmetti. These arguments occurred in December 2024, with the judiciary eventually ruling in favor of Tennessee's case, practically enabling limitations on medical transition for trans youth to stay in effect across over twenty US states.

We created Heightened Scrutiny in just 16 months, explained Feder during an interview. By contrast, my previous film Disclosure took me five years, so this was quite rushed. Our goal was to stimulate conversation so people would know more about the case.

Human Story Amid Political Battle

While Feder offers a thorough critique of how major news organizations have promoted anti-trans narratives, the film's greatest achievement may be its compelling depiction of Strangio. Typically a reserved attorney in public settings, Strangio displays his vulnerability throughout the film.

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

Varied Voices in the Movement

To enhance Strangio's narrative, Feder includes numerous transgender advocates, including prominent figures from media and the arts. This production also includes perspectives from cisgender supporters who analyze how respected media outlets have contributed to negative reporting of trans individuals.

The experience of transgender youth key to the court battle is illustrated through a impressive young student named Mila. Viewers observe her advocating for her peers at a educational meeting, with later scenes showing her speaking for trans rights outside the highest court.

Personal Scenes Beyond the Legal Battle

This film also contains emotional moments where Feder transcends the never-ending political struggle, including sequences of Strangio vacationing in Italy and receiving a body art featuring verses from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Prediction."

This body art scene is among my most cherished sections in the movie, stated Strangio. Being tattooed is nearly like a reflective process for me, to be totally engaged in my body and to consider it as a container for things that are meaningful to me.

Body Identity and Portrayal

Feder's dedication to carefully documenting Strangio adding to his body art highlights that this documentary is primarily about transgender bodies – not just those of youth who experience prohibition of their right to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the numerous subjects who are featured in the production.

I produce films with a meaning, and part of that is selecting people who are outstanding and concise enough to sustain the camera, shared Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should dress for an filming, my response is anything that makes you feel hot. This is crucial to me – as trans people, we struggle so much with our image.

Legacy and Optimism

One factor that makes Feder's documentaries stand out is his obvious ability for making his trans interviewees feel at ease, recognized and admired. This technique fosters real connection between Feder and Strangio, enabling the filmmaker to realize his aim of portraying Strangio as a complete human being and leaving a testament for future generations of how resiliently he and fellow activists have campaigned for transgender rights.

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 aim to be in a method of using the law to reduce harm, but not to make it some type of channel for our liberatory possibilities. The government is not going to be the reflection through which we view ourselves. Trans people are that mirror, and it's very crucial that we persist having that dialogue in addition to dialogues about pushing against these laws and practices.

This important documentary is currently available for online viewing during Trans Awareness Week and will receive a wider release at a subsequent date.