🔗 Share this article

Trans filmmaker Sam Feder's latest film "Increased Examination" presents a powerful dual viewpoint – both an emotional profile of a prominent transgender advocate and a pointed examination of journalistic coverage surrounding transgender rights.

Judicial Struggle at the Supreme Court

The film documents ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he gets ready for legal presentations in the landmark Supreme Court case US v Skirmetti. This legal battle happened in late 2024, with the court eventually deciding in support of the state's case, essentially enabling restrictions on medical transition for transgender young people to stay in place across multiple US states.

We made 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 intention was to generate dialogue so people would understand more about the case.

Human Narrative Amid Political Struggle

While Feder provides a comprehensive analysis of how major media outlets have promoted transphobic rhetoric, the film's primary contribution may be its captivating depiction of Strangio. Typically a reserved attorney in public appearances, Strangio reveals his humanity throughout the production.

That was a substantial challenge, to share aspects of my life to a filmmaker that I had worked hard to keep personal, stated Strangio. Sam explained he wanted the next generation to know that we fought, to see what was done in service of these fights for our material survival.

Diverse Perspectives in the Struggle

To enhance Strangio's narrative, Feder features various trans activists, such as well-known figures from media and entertainment. This film also presents insights from non-trans allies who analyze how established publications have added to negative portrayals of trans people.

The viewpoint of transgender youth central to the legal case is shown through a extraordinary young activist named Mila. Audiences observe her speaking out for her community at a school board meeting, with subsequent footage showing her demonstrating for trans rights outside the Supreme Court.

Intimate Scenes Beyond the Legal Battle

The documentary also contains poignant moments where Feder steps outside the never-ending legal battle, such as scenes of Strangio vacationing in Italy and receiving a tattoo featuring verses from activist Pauli Murray's poem "Prediction."

This ink sequence is one of my preferred parts in the movie, explained Strangio. Receiving body art is nearly like a contemplative experience for me, to be totally engaged in my body and to think of it as a vehicle for things that are significant to me.

Body Identity and Representation

The filmmaker's attention to thoughtfully capturing Strangio adding to his body art highlights that this documentary is fundamentally about trans bodies – not just those of young people who experience prohibition of their ability to live genuinely in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the many participants who appear in the production.

I produce films with a meaning, and part of that is selecting people who are exceptional and articulate enough to sustain the camera, shared Feder. When people ask me what they should dress for an interview, my response is whatever makes you feel confident. This is important to me – as transgender individuals, we struggle so much with our self-perception.

Legacy and Optimism

One factor that causes Feder's works excel is his evident ability for making his transgender participants feel comfortable, recognized and valued. This technique develops authentic chemistry between Feder and Strangio, allowing the filmmaker to achieve his goal of presenting Strangio as a whole person and leaving a document for posterity of how determinedly he and fellow activists have campaigned for trans rights.

I hope not people to end up in a place of incessant despair because of what the law is denying us, shared Strangio. I strive to be in a method of using the law to lessen harm, but not to make it some sort of pathway for our freedom possibilities. State bodies is not going to be the mirror through which we view ourselves. We are that reflection, and it's extremely vital that we continue having that conversation in addition to discussions about fighting back these policies and procedures.

This significant film is now obtainable for streaming during Trans Visibility Week and will receive a broader distribution at a future date.