Director
Jem Cohen
64 years · Kabul, Afghanistan · 41 films
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.
Best known for
Filmography 41
Little, Big, and Far
2026 · Director, Writer
Robert and June (and All the Time in the World)
2025 · Director
Ballad of Philip Guston
2022 · Director
On Criterion Channel
Makeshift (for Mekas)
2019 · Editor, Director
Vox Populi
2018 · Director
NYC Weights and Measures
2018 · Director
This Climate
2018 · Director
Birth of a Nation
2017 · Director
On Criterion Channel
World Without End (No Reported Incidents)
2016 · Director
Bury Me Not
2016 · Director
On Essex Road
2016 · Director
Counting
2015 · Director, Editor
The Film That Buys the Cinema
2014 · Director
Helianthus Corner Blues
2013 · Director
Museum Hours
2012 · Director, Cinematography
On OVID
20 Little Films
2012 · Director
Gravity Hill Newsreels: Occupy Wall Street
2011 · Director
Real Birds
2011 · Director
Crossing Paths with Luce Vigo
2010 · Director
Long for the City (Patti Smith in New York)
2009 · Director
On Criterion Channel
Night Scene New York
2009 · Director
The Passage Clock: For Walter Benjamin
2008 · Director
Evening's Civil Twilight in Empires of Tin
2008 · Director, Producer
Spirit (Smells Like Teen Spirit)
2007 · Director