Biography
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.
Directed 41
2020s
- 2026
Little, Big, and Far
Director
- 2025
Robert and June (and All the Time in the World)
Director
- 2022
Ballad of Philip Guston
Director
2010s
- 2019
Makeshift (for Mekas)
Director
- 2018
Vox Populi
Director
NYC Weights and Measures
Director
This Climate
Director
- 2017
Birth of a Nation
Director
- 2016
World Without End (No Reported Incidents)
Director
Bury Me Not
Director
On Essex Road
Director
- 2015
Counting
Director
- 2014
The Film That Buys the Cinema
Director
- 2013
Helianthus Corner Blues
Director
- 2012
Museum Hours
Director
20 Little Films
Director
- 2011
Gravity Hill Newsreels: Occupy Wall Street
Director
Real Birds
Director
- 2010
Crossing Paths with Luce Vigo
Director
2000s
- 2009
Long for the City (Patti Smith in New York)
Director
Night Scene New York
Director
- 2008
The Passage Clock: For Walter Benjamin
Director
Evening's Civil Twilight in Empires of Tin
Director
- 2007
Spirit (Smells Like Teen Spirit)
Director
- 2006
Blessed are the Dreams of Men
Director
- 2004
Chain
Director
- 2003
R.E.M.: In View 1988-2003 (The Best of R.E.M.)
Director
- 2002
The Foxx and Little Vic
Director
- 2001
Nice Evening, Transmission Down
Director
Sonic Cinema: Sparklehorse
Director
- 2000
Benjamin Smoke
Director
1990s
- 1999
Amber City
Director
- 1997
Lucky Three: An Elliott Smith Portrait
Director
- 1996
Lost Book Found
Director
- 1994
Buried in Light
Director
- 1991
Drink Deep
Director
1980s
- 1989
Just Hold Still
Director
4:44 (from her house home)
Director
Glueman
Director
- 1987
This Is a History of New York
Director
Edited 8
2020s
- 2026
Little, Big, and Far
Editor
2010s
- 2019
Makeshift (for Mekas)
Editor
- 2015
Counting
Editor
- 2012
Museum Hours
Editor
2000s
- 2008
Evening's Civil Twilight in Empires of Tin
Editor
- 2004
Chain
Editor
1990s
- 1999
- 1997
Lucky Three: An Elliott Smith Portrait
Editor
Produced 6
2020s
- 2026
Little, Big, and Far
Producer
2010s
- 2015
Counting
Producer
- 2012
Museum Hours
Producer
2000s
- 2008
Evening's Civil Twilight in Empires of Tin
Producer
- 2004
Chain
Producer
1990s
- 1997
Lucky Three: An Elliott Smith Portrait
Producer
Camera 5
2020s
- 2026
Little, Big, and Far
Director of Photography
2010s
- 2012
Museum Hours
Director of Photography
2000s
- 2004
Chain
Director of Photography
1990s
- 1999
- 1997
Lucky Three: An Elliott Smith Portrait
Camera Operator
Sound 3
2020s
- 2026
Little, Big, and Far
Sound
2010s
- 2015
Counting
Sound Designer
- 2012
Museum Hours
Sound Designer
Wrote 3
2020s
- 2026
Little, Big, and Far
Writer
2010s
- 2012
Museum Hours
Writer
2000s
- 2004
Chain
Writer
Other crew 3
2010s
- 2019
Makeshift (for Mekas)
Cinematography
- 2015
Counting
Cinematography
2000s
- 2008
Evening's Civil Twilight in Empires of Tin
Cinematography
Art department 2
Appearances1
1980s
- 1989
4:44 (from her house home)
Narrator