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Heightened Scrutiny

Directed by Sam Feder2025USA85 mins

A salient document of our current moment, Disclosure director Sam Feder’s Sundance standout acts as the “centerpiece” of Frameline49. The film centers on ACLU attorney Chase Strangio, the first out trans person to argue before the Supreme Court. While Strangio fights a high-stakes legal battle to overturn Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth (United States v. Skrmetti), he and other leading activists, like Laverne Cox and Elliot Page, examine how media bias influences the public’s perception of trans rights.

An actively unfolding case, United States v. Skrmetti’s decision will likely be announced during Frameline49. As a community, we are bearing witness. No matter the results, we need to be in a room together. Feder’s timely documentary not only provides an opportunity to gather in the same space, it also gives us a moment to show up for each other. When you buy a ticket to the screening of Heightened Scrutiny and/or the First Friday Party, you can participate in our Pay-It-Forward initiative by purchasing tickets for others. Our promise is that no trans or nonbinary attendee will pay to see the film and be in community. 

Film remains one of our most powerful tools for change and connection, so let’s seize this moment and build something for us. 

Expected Guests

Sam Feder
Director
Amy Scholder
Producer

This film is a recipient of a Frameline Completion Fund grant.

Tickets

Quick links
Sponsor
Director
Sam Feder
Year
2025
Country
USA
Running Time
85 mins
Language
English
Cast/Participants
Chase Strangio, Jeani Cobb, Lydia Polgreen, Gina Chua, Laverne Cox, Elliot Page, Peppermint, Phillip Picardi, Annette Bening
Section
First Friday, Documentary Features, Frameline Completion Fund
Program Note Writer
Kate Bove