About
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
Little, Big, and Far2026 · Director, Writer, Producer, Director of Photography, Editor, Sound
Robert and June (and All the Time in the World)2025 · Director
Aerie2024 · Director
Robert and June (Cape Breton and NYC)2024 · Director
June Leaf2024 · Director
Ballad of Philip Guston2022 · Director
Or Nothing (The Double)2022 · Director
Opened Ending2020 · Director
Tree Song2019 · Director
Makeshift (for Mekas)2019 · Cinematography, Editor, Director
Vox Populi2018 · Director
MARC RIBOT FEAT. TOM WAITS – Bella Ciao (Goodbye Beautiful)2018 · Director, Director of Photography, Editor
NYC Weights and Measures2018 · Director
This Climate2018 · Director
Birth of a Nation2017 · Director
World Without End (No Reported Incidents)2016 · Director
Bury Me Not2016 · Director
Peter Hutton2016 · Director
On Essex Road2016 · Director
Counting2015 · Sound Designer, Director, Cinematography, Editor, Producer