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Trans director Sam Feder's newest film "Heightened Scrutiny" presents a compelling two-part perspective – simultaneously an intimate portrait of a key trans advocate and a critical examination of media reporting surrounding trans rights.

Judicial Battle at the Supreme Court

This feature follows ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he gets ready for oral arguments in the landmark Supreme Court case the Skirmetti case. These arguments happened in late 2024, with the court eventually ruling in support of the state's case, essentially enabling limitations on medical transition for transgender youth to remain in effect across multiple US territories.

We produced Heightened Scrutiny in only 16 months, stated Feder during a discussion. By contrast, my earlier film Disclosure took me five years, so this was very accelerated. Our goal was to generate dialogue so people would know more about the case.

Human Story Amid Political Struggle

While Feder provides a extensive analysis of how major publications have promoted anti-trans rhetoric, the film's most valuable contribution may be its compelling portrayal of Strangio. Typically a measured lawyer in public appearances, Strangio shows his authenticity throughout the film.

That was a substantial challenge, to share aspects of my life to a filmmaker that I had strived to keep confidential, shared Strangio. Sam explained he wanted the next generation to know that we struggled, to see what was done in service of these struggles for our material survival.

Diverse Voices in the Movement

To support Strangio's narrative, Feder features numerous transgender voices, including respected individuals from journalism and entertainment. This film also features viewpoints from cisgender allies who analyze how established publications have contributed to harmful coverage of trans people.

The viewpoint of trans young people central to the court battle is represented through a remarkable young girl named Mila. Audiences first see her fighting for her community at a educational meeting, with later scenes showing her demonstrating for trans rights outside the highest court.

Personal Scenes Beyond the Legal Battle

The documentary also contains emotional moments where Feder transcends the never-ending legal battle, including sequences of Strangio vacationing in Italy and getting a body art featuring words from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Prediction."

The tattoo sequence is among my preferred parts in the movie, explained Strangio. Receiving body art is almost like a meditative process for me, to be fully present in my body and to think of it as a vessel for things that are meaningful to me.

Body Autonomy and Portrayal

The filmmaker's focus to lovingly documenting Strangio adding to his tattoo collection emphasizes that this documentary is fundamentally about trans bodies – not just those of youth who face restriction of their ability to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the numerous interviewees who are featured in the production.

I create films with a purpose, and part of that is picking people who are brilliant and concise enough to hold the camera, explained Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should dress for an filming, my reply is whatever makes you feel hot. That is important to me – as trans people, we struggle so much with our self-perception.

Impact and Hope

One element that causes Feder's films shine is his clear skill for making his trans interviewees feel respected, acknowledged and appreciated. This approach fosters real connection between Feder and Strangio, enabling the director to achieve his objective of portraying Strangio as a multifaceted person and providing a document for posterity of how determinedly he and fellow activists have struggled for transgender rights.

I don't want people to find themselves in a situation of constant hopelessness because of what the law is not giving us, explained Strangio. I aim to be in a method of using the law to minimize harm, but not to transform it into some kind of channel for our liberatory possibilities. Official institutions is not going to be the reflection through which we perceive ourselves. Our community are that reflection, and it's really crucial that we keep having that conversation alongside dialogues about resisting these laws and approaches.

This significant film is currently accessible for online viewing during Transgender Awareness Week and will receive a wider release at a future date.