May 1
Frameline49 Highlights Importance of Queer Community with the California Premiere of Heightened Scrutiny & the Pay-It-Forward Initiative
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
The following is a press release from EDGE OUTreach Partner Frameline:
Today, Frameline, the arts nonprofit that will host the 49th San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival (Frameline49) announced the upcoming California Premiere of Heightened Scrutiny by Sam Feder (Disclosure) as well as a history-making Pay-It-Forward initiative that ensures trans and nonbinary film-goers have complimentary access to the salient documentary. Additionally, Frameline announced a partnership with California Film Institute (CAFILM), which will bring Frameline49 films to the North Bay.
This Pride Month, Frameline49 will showcase a slate of yet-to-be-announced films in venues throughout San Francisco and Oakland from June 18-28. "Heightened Scrutiny," which chronicles ACLU civil rights lawyer Chase Strangio's courtroom battles against anti-trans laws, will be honored as the festival's First Friday film (June 20). Featuring appearances from Oscar-nominated actor and activist Elliot Page; drag queen, artist, and activist Miss Peppermint; journalist and editor Phillip Picardi; and Emmy winner and activist Laverne Cox, who also executive produced the documentary, "Heightened Scrutiny" also explores how uninformed media narratives impact the public's understanding of trans rights.
"I first went to Frameline in the early 2000s and was immediately inspired to be a filmmaker. With this catalyst, I made my first feature in 2006, and since then my films have been indebted to the bold, sometimes risky, choices and craft that I witnessed at the festival," said Feder. "Our goal is to use 'Heightened Scrutiny' in solidarity with, and for coalition building among, all movements of oppressed peoples. Our team is so grateful for Frameline's support at a time when LGBTQ+ rights are so viciously under attack."
Festival-goers who purchase tickets to "Heightened Scrutiny" have the opportunity to participate in the Pay-It-Forward initiative. Members of the queer community and allies will be able to purchase tickets on behalf of others, ensuring that no trans or nonbinary attendees will have to pay to watch the film or be in community.
"We're asking our audience and allies to show up and take real, tangible action," said Allegra Madsen, Frameline's Executive Director. "Paired with the First Friday Party, 'Heightened Scrutiny' really captures the spirit of Frameline49 by centering on both queer resilience and joy. With resources and support for LGBTQ+ people drying up, queer people have to show up for each other and, in particular, trans folks. When I think of using the past as a roadmap for navigating the challenges ahead, it's clear that community care, in all its forms, is the answer."
A recent recipient of Frameline's 2025 Completion Fund Grant, Feder's film will play at the American Conservatory Theater's (ACT) Toni Rembe Theater on June 20 at 7:00 PM. The screening will be followed by Frameline49's First Friday Party at Charmaine's, the Proper Hotel's rooftop bar on Market Street. "This is an up-to-the-minute documentary that's unfolding in real time. Regardless of the outcome of this case, it's important that we have space to be in community with one another – to show that no matter what queer joy is an unstoppable force, " Madsen added.
In the spirit of this community collaboration and allyship, CAFILM is hosting a showcase of some of the Festival's preeminent LGBTQ+ films the weekend before Frameline49 kicks off in San Francisco. Dubbed CAFILM Pride Presents Frameline49 Picks, the series, which runs June 13-15, will allow moviegoers in the North Bay to access more queer cinema. Titles featured in the showcase include Elena Oxman's San Francisco-based "Outerlands," which stars Asia Kate Dillon ("Billions"); Rafaela Camelo's coming-of-age drama "The Nature of Invisible Things" ("A Natureza das Coisas Invisíveis"); Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor's Berlinale standout "Dreamers"; Darren Thornton's award-winning dramedy "Four Mothers"; and the groundbreaking, recently restored "In the Best Interests of the Children" (1977) from directors Frances Reid, Cathy Zheutlin, and Elizabeth Stevens.
João Federici, Senior Programmer and CAFILM PRIDE curator, and Madsen handpicked the aforementioned titles from the Frameline49 lineup to screen in San Rafael. "Together, these two leading Bay Area nonprofits proudly offer a rare opportunity to experience some of the year's most exciting LGBTQ+ cinema – on the big screen, in community, and in celebration," Federici said.
"We're delighted to collaborate with CAFILM on this Pride Showcase, bringing Frameline's curated programming to Marin Country for the first time," Madsen emphasized. "It's inspiring to see fellow arts organizations use their platform to uplift LGBTQ+ stories, while also recognizing Frameline's legacy in queer media."
