Newton Lawyer's Transgender Rights Fight Featured At Salem Film Fest

NEWTON, MA — Newton native and American Civil Liberties Union lawyer Chase Strangio, who has argued cases for transgender rights in front of the Supreme Court, will be featured in the documentary "Heightened Security" as the opening night film in this year's Salem Film Fest.

Director Sam Feder's film will kick off the largest documentary film festival in Massachusetts — in its 18th year — at Cinema Salem on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

The documentary delves into Strangio's mission and how he confronts media bias as a transgender lawyer, revealing how press narratives shape public perception and the fight for transgender rights. The film is co-presented with the Panorama Film Festival.

"This film is so riveting and highlights a very important topic in popular culture, reminding us that trans and gender-nonconforming people in the U.S. continue to be marginalized and need the strongest representation at the highest levels of law and government," Salem Film Fest Executive Director Joe Ferrari said.

Other highlights include the North East premiere of "Life After" on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Cinema Salem, which elevates the story of Elizabeth Bouvia, a disabled woman living in California, who in 1983, sought the legal "right to die," igniting a national debate about autonomy, dignity, and the societal perception of disabled lives.

Accessibility features are available for this screening, including ASL interpretation, which will be provided for the introduction and post-screening Q&A with disabled director Reid Davenport.

"Homegrown" will also play at Cinema Salem on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The film is an unflinching chronicle of Americans at war with each other, offering an unprecedented look at right-wing activists as they search for purpose and power — with dire consequences. SFF Alum Margo Guernsey will moderate an extended Q&A and discussion with Director Michael Premo and Producer Rachel Falcone to follow

"In a time when the strength of our democracy is being tested, 'Homegrown' digs at the roots of those pushing its limits," Program Director Emily Abi-Kheirs said. "As politics continue to shift, this film lingers, evolving with the moment and growing more urgent with time."

The Peabody Essex Museum is the presenting sponsor of the festival that will take place from Thursday through Sunday. Venues include the Peabody Essex Museum, Cinema Salem and the National Park Service Visitor Center.

Tickets are available here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)