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Transgender documentarian Sam Feder's newest feature "Heightened Scrutiny" presents a compelling two-part viewpoint – both an emotional portrait of a prominent trans activist and a sharp examination of journalistic reporting surrounding trans issues.

Legal Battle at the Supreme Court

This feature documents ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he gears up for oral arguments in the landmark Supreme Court case the Skirmetti case. These proceedings happened in late 2024, with the judiciary eventually deciding in favor of Tennessee's case, effectively allowing bans on treatment for transgender minors to remain in effect across numerous US states.

We produced Heightened Scrutiny in merely 16 months, explained Feder during a conversation. Meanwhile, my earlier film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was a real push. Our goal was to stimulate discussion so people would know more about the case.

Personal Story Amid Legal Battle

Although Feder presents a thorough critique of how mainstream publications have promoted transphobic narratives, the film's greatest contribution may be its captivating portrayal of Strangio. Typically a measured attorney in media appearances, Strangio reveals his vulnerability throughout the documentary.

That was a major challenge, to open up aspects of my life to a documentary crew that I had made efforts to keep personal, stated Strangio. Feder said he wanted future generations to know that we fought, to see what was done in support of these battles for our basic existence.

Diverse Voices in the Struggle

To enhance Strangio's narrative, Feder includes various trans voices, such as prominent leaders from activism and entertainment. This production also features viewpoints from non-trans supporters who analyze how established organizations have participated to damaging reporting of transgender people.

The perspective of transgender youth key to the court battle is illustrated through a extraordinary 12-year-old girl named Mila. Audiences observe her speaking out for her peers at a educational meeting, with subsequent moments showing her protesting for trans rights outside the highest court.

Personal Moments Beyond the Legal Battle

Heightened Scrutiny also contains emotional moments where Feder steps outside the never-ending political battle, including footage of Strangio traveling in Italy and getting a body art featuring words from activist Pauli Murray's poem "Prophecy."

This body art moment is one of my preferred parts in the movie, stated Strangio. Getting inked is nearly like a reflective experience for me, to be completely aware in my body and to consider it as a vessel for things that are meaningful to me.

Physical Autonomy and Portrayal

Feder's focus to carefully documenting Strangio adding to his tattoo collection emphasizes that Heightened Scrutiny is primarily about transgender bodies – not only those of youth who confront denial of their right to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the various subjects who appear in the production.

I make films with a purpose, and part of that is picking people who are brilliant and articulate enough to hold the camera, stated Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should wear for an interview, my response is anything that makes you feel confident. That is crucial to me – as trans people, we have difficulties so much with our self-perception.

Impact and Hope

A key element that causes Feder's films stand out is his clear ability for making his transgender interviewees feel respected, recognized and valued. This technique creates authentic chemistry between Feder and Strangio, enabling the filmmaker to achieve his aim of portraying Strangio as a complete individual and providing a testament for posterity of how resiliently he and fellow activists have struggled for transgender liberties.

I don't want people to find themselves in a state of perpetual hopelessness because of what the law is not giving us, explained Strangio. I strive 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. We are that mirror, and it's very vital that we keep having that discussion alongside dialogues about resisting these regulations and practices.

Heightened Scrutiny is presently obtainable for online viewing during Trans Awareness Week and will receive a broader launch at a subsequent date.