Women Make Waves International Film Festival

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    Heightened Scrutiny

    Sam FEDER 2025 USA color 89min DCP
    Heightened Scrutiny follows ACLU attorney Chase STRANGIO, the first out trans person to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court, as he challenges Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care. The film exposes how media bias fuels anti-trans laws, endangers lives, and undermines democracy. Featuring voices such as Jelani COBB, Lydia POLGREEN, Gina CHUA, and Laverne COX, it dismantles disinformation and reveals its real-world impact. As SCOTUS prepares to rule, the film becomes a powerful call to defend bodily autonomy and resist injustice.

    Director

    Sam FEDER

    A Peabody Award-nominated film director and writer. Sam’s films explore the intersection of visibility and politics across race, class, and gender. Sam directed the award-winning documentary Disclosure and acclaimed Kate Bornstein is a Queer & Pleasant Danger.

    Sam FEDER

    Producer: Sam FEDER, Amy SCHOLDER, Paola MENDOZA

    Cinematographer: Martin DICICCO, Mariam DWEDAR

    Editor: Emilie MAHADAVIAN

    The Film Collaborative
    festivals@thefilmcollaborative.org

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