
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.
2026Little, Big, and FarMovieDirector · Writer · Producer · Director of Photography · Editor · Sound
2025Robert and June (and All the Time in the World)MovieDirector
2022Ballad of Philip GustonMovieDirector
2019Makeshift (for Mekas)MovieCinematography · Editor · Director
2018Vox PopuliMovieDirector
2018NYC Weights and MeasuresMovieDirector
2018This ClimateMovieDirector
2017Birth of a NationMovieDirector
2016World Without End (No Reported Incidents)MovieDirector
2016Bury Me NotMovieDirector
2016On Essex RoadMovieDirector
2015CountingMovieSound Designer · Director · Cinematography · Editor · Producer
2014The Film That Buys the CinemaMovieDirector
2013Helianthus Corner BluesMovieDirector
2012Museum HoursMovieDirector · Director of Photography · Editor · Producer · Sound Designer · Writer
201220 Little FilmsMovieDirector
2011Gravity Hill Newsreels: Occupy Wall StreetMovieDirector
2011Real BirdsMovieDirector
2010Crossing Paths with Luce VigoMovieDirector
2009Long for the City (Patti Smith in New York)MovieDirector
2009Night Scene New YorkMovieDirector
2008The Passage Clock: For Walter BenjaminMovieDirector
2008Evening's Civil Twilight in Empires of TinMovieDirector · Producer · Cinematography · Editor
2007Spirit (Smells Like Teen Spirit)MovieDirector
2006Blessed are the Dreams of MenMovieDirector
2004ChainMovieDirector · Writer · Editor · Producer · Director of Photography
2003R.E.M.: In View 1988-2003 (The Best of R.E.M.)MovieDirector
2002The Foxx and Little VicMovieDirector
2001Nice Evening, Transmission DownMovieDirector
2001Sonic Cinema: SparklehorseMovieDirector
2000Benjamin SmokeMovieDirector
1999InstrumentMovieDirector · Director of Photography · Editor
1999Amber CityMovieDirector
1997Lucky Three: An Elliott Smith PortraitMovieDirector · Camera Operator · Producer · Editor
1996Lost Book FoundMovieDirector
1994Buried in LightMovieDirector
1991Drink DeepMovieDirector
1989Just Hold StillMovieDirector
1989GluemanMovieDirector
19894:44 (from her house home)Movieas Narrator · Director
1987MatewanMovieAssistant Property Master
1987This Is a History of New YorkMovieDirector
1986At Close RangeMovieAssistant Property Master