Jem Cohen

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.

Filmography of Jem Cohen

• Little, Big, and Far (2026)
• Robert and June (and All the Time in the World) (2025)
• Ballad of Philip Guston (2022)
• Makeshift (for Mekas) (2019)
• NYC Weights and Measures (2018)
• This Climate (2018)
• Vox Populi (2018)
• Birth of a Nation (2017)
• World Without End (No Reported Incidents) (2016)
• Bury Me Not (2016)
• On Essex Road (2016)
• Counting (2015)
• The Film That Buys the Cinema (2014)
• Helianthus Corner Blues (2013)
• Museum Hours (2012)
• 20 Little Films (2012)
• Gravity Hill Newsreels: Occupy Wall Street (2011)
• Real Birds (2011)
• Crossing Paths with Luce Vigo (2010)
• Night Scene New York (2009)
• Long for the City (Patti Smith in New York) (2009)
• Evening's Civil Twilight in Empires of Tin (2008)
• The Passage Clock: For Walter Benjamin (2008)
• Spirit (Smells Like Teen Spirit) (2007)
• Blessed are the Dreams of Men (2006)
• Chain (2004)
• R.E.M.: In View 1988-2003 (The Best of R.E.M.) (2003)
• The Foxx and Little Vic (2002)
• Sonic Cinema: Sparklehorse (2001)
• Nice Evening, Transmission Down (2001)
• Benjamin Smoke (2000)
• Instrument (1999)
• Amber City (1999)
• Lucky Three: An Elliott Smith Portrait (1997)
• Lost Book Found (1996)
• Buried in Light (1994)
• Drink Deep (1991)
• Just Hold Still (1989)
• 4:44 (from her house home) (1989)
• Glueman (1989)