Jem Cohen
Directing
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.
Behind the camera
2026Little, Big, and Far
Director & Writer
2024Aerie
Director
2022Ballad of Philip Guston
Director
2020Opened Ending
Director
2019Makeshift (for Mekas)
Director
2018NYC Weights and Measures
Director
2018This Climate
Director
2018Vox Populi
Director
2017Birth of a Nation
Director
2016World Without End (No Reported Incidents)
Director
2016Bury Me Not
Director
2016On Essex Road
Director
2015Counting
Director
2014The Film That Buys the Cinema
Director
2013Helianthus Corner Blues
Director
2012Museum Hours
Director & Writer
201220 Little Films
Director
2011Gravity Hill Newsreels: Occupy Wall Street
Director
2011Real Birds
Director
2010Crossing Paths with Luce Vigo
Director
2009Night Scene New York
Director
2009Long for the City (Patti Smith in New York)
Director
2008Evening's Civil Twilight in Empires of Tin
Director
2008The Passage Clock: For Walter Benjamin
Director