Jem Cohen
Kabul, Afghanistan

Born in Afghanistan, Jem Cohen is an American experimental filmmaker and photographer, especially known for his observational portraits of urban landscapes, blending of media formats, and collaborations with musicians.

Cohen has worked extensively with musicians including Patti Smith, Fugazi, Terry Riley, R.E.M., Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Xylouris White, DJ Rupture, the Ex, Elliott Smith, Vic Chesnutt, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Matana Roberts, Jessica Moss, Jonathan Richman, T.Griffin/Catherine McRae, White Magic, and the Orpheus Orchestra with Gil Shaham, and has collaborated with writers Luc Sante and Sam Stephenson, and graphic artist Ben Katchor.

Top 10 collaborators

Roles

Crew

Robert and June (Cape Breton and NYC) (2024)
Director
June Leaf (2024)
Director
NYC Weights and Measures (2018)
Director
This Climate (2018)
Director
Birth of a Nation (2017)
Director
World Without End (No Reported Incidents) (2016)
Director
Bury Me Not (2016)
Director
Peter Hutton (2016)
Director
Counting (2015)
Director | Cinematography | Editor | Producer | Sound Designer
We Have an Anchor (2015)
Director
The Film That Buys the Cinema (2014)
Director
Helianthus Corner Blues (2013)
Director
Museum Hours (2012)
Director | Screenplay | Editor | Producer | Sound Designer | Director of Photography
20 Little Films (2012)
Director
Gravity Hill Newsreels: Occupy Wall Street (2011)
Director
Anne Truitt, Working (2010)
Director
Crossing Paths with Luce Vigo (2010)
Director
Roscoe Holcomb from Daisy, Kentucky (2010)
Director
Chinatown Film Project (2009)
Director
Le bled (Buildings in a Field) (2009)
Director
Night Scene New York (2009)
Director
Evening's Civil Twilight in Empires of Tin (2008)
Director | Producer | Cinematography | Editor
Half The Battle (2008)
Director
A Tale of Two Cities (2007)
Director
free (2007)
Director
Spirit (Smells Like Teen Spirit) (2007)
Director
Building a Broken Mousetrap (2006)
Director
Blessed Are the Dreams of Men (2006)
Director
Chain (2004)
Director | Writer | Director of Photography | Editor | Producer
R.E.M.: In View 1988-2003 (The Best of R.E.M.) (2003)
Director
The Foxx and Little Vic (2002)
Director
Sonic Cinema: Sparklehorse (2001)
Director
Benjamin Smoke (2000)
Director
Little Flags (2000)
Director
Instrument (1999)
Director | Director of Photography | Editor
Amber City (1999)
Director
Lucky Three: An Elliott Smith Portrait (1997)
Director | Producer | Editor | Camera Operator
Museum (1997)
Director
Lost Book Found (1996)
Director
Nightswimming (1995)
Director
Buried in Light (1994)
Director
Black Hole Radio (1992)
Director | Editor | Sound Editor
R.E.M. - This Film Is On (1991)
Director
Drink Deep (1991)
Director
Sketches for Late City Final (1991)
Director
Just Hold Still (1989)
Director
Glueman (1989)
Director
4:44 (from her house home) (1989)
Director
Matewan (1987)
Assistant Property Master
This Is a History of New York (1987)
Director
At Close Range (1986)
Assistant Property Master