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Trans director Sam Feder's newest documentary "Increased Examination" offers a compelling dual perspective – simultaneously an intimate portrait of a key transgender activist and a sharp examination of media coverage about trans rights.

Legal Battle at the Highest Court

This feature traces ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he gets ready for legal presentations in the significant Supreme Court case the Skirmetti case. These proceedings took place in late 2024, with the judiciary finally ruling in support of the state's position, practically allowing restrictions on medical transition for trans youth to remain in effect across over twenty US territories.

We created Heightened Scrutiny in just 16 months, explained Feder during a conversation. In comparison, my earlier film Disclosure took me five years, so this was very accelerated. Our intention was to generate discussion so people would know more about the case.

Human Story Amid Political Battle

Although Feder provides a comprehensive critique of how major news organizations have spread transphobic talking points, the film's greatest accomplishment may be its captivating portrayal of Strangio. Typically a cautious lawyer in public settings, Strangio shows his humanity throughout the production.

That was a major challenge, to share parts of my life to a documentary crew that I had made efforts to keep private, explained Strangio. Sam said he wanted younger people to know that we tried, to see what was done in defense of these struggles for our basic existence.

Diverse Voices in the Movement

To strengthen Strangio's narrative, Feder incorporates multiple transgender activists, such as well-known leaders from media and entertainment. This production also presents insights from cisgender supporters who critique how mainstream publications have contributed to harmful reporting of trans people.

The perspective of trans young people key to the legal case is represented through a impressive 12-year-old activist named Mila. Audiences first see her fighting for her peers at a educational meeting, with subsequent scenes showing her protesting for trans rights outside the Supreme Court.

Personal Moments Beyond the Courtroom

This film also includes touching moments where Feder moves beyond the constant political battle, including footage of Strangio vacationing in Italy and getting a tattoo featuring verses from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Prediction."

This body art sequence is one of my favorites in the movie, shared Strangio. Getting inked is nearly like a reflective experience for me, to be totally engaged in my body and to think of it as a vehicle for things that are important to me.

Physical Autonomy and Portrayal

The filmmaker's attention to thoughtfully capturing Strangio getting to his body art emphasizes that this film is fundamentally about trans bodies – not just those of youth who face prohibition of their right to live truly in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the various subjects who are featured in the production.

I make films with a meaning, and part of that is choosing people who are brilliant and articulate enough to sustain the camera, explained Feder. When people ask me what they should dress for an interview, my answer is anything that makes you feel attractive. This is crucial to me – as trans people, we have difficulties so much with our appearance.

Legacy and Optimism

A key factor that causes Feder's films shine is his clear ability for making his transgender subjects feel at ease, acknowledged and appreciated. This approach creates genuine connection between Feder and Strangio, enabling the filmmaker to accomplish his goal of showing Strangio as a complete individual and providing a document for future generations of how determinedly he and others have struggled for trans liberties.

I hope not people to end up in a place of perpetual despair because of what the law is denying us, stated Strangio. I aim to be in a method of using the law to minimize harm, but not to make it some sort of pathway for our liberation aspirations. The government is not going to be the mirror through which we view ourselves. Trans people are that mirror, and it's extremely important that we keep having that conversation in addition to conversations about pushing against these regulations and approaches.

This significant film is currently available for streaming during Trans Awareness Week and will receive a broader release at a later date.