Jem Cohen
- Known for
- Directing
- Born
- January 1, 1962
- Birthplace
- Kabul, Afghanistan
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
- Gravity Hill Newsreels-Bella ciao
Gravity Hill Newsreels-Bella ciao TBA
Director
Little, Big, and Far 2026
Director, Writer, Producer, Director of Photography, Editor, Sound
Robert and June (and All the Time in the World) 2025
Director
- June Leaf
June Leaf 2024
Director
- Robert and June (Cape Breton and NYC)
Robert and June (Cape Breton and NYC) 2024
Director
Ballad of Philip Guston 2022
Director
- Or Nothing (The Double)
Or Nothing (The Double) 2022
Director
Makeshift (for Mekas) 2019
Cinematography, Editor, Director
Vox Populi 2018
Director
NYC Weights and Measures 2018
Director
This Climate 2018
Director
Birth of a Nation 2017
Director
World Without End (No Reported Incidents) 2016
Director
On Essex Road 2016
Director
- Peter Hutton
Peter Hutton 2016
Director
Bury Me Not 2016
Director
Counting 2015
Sound Designer, Director, Editor, Producer, Cinematography
- We Have an Anchor
We Have an Anchor 2015
Director
The Film That Buys the Cinema 2014
Director
Helianthus Corner Blues 2013
Director
Museum Hours 2012
Director, Director of Photography, Editor, Sound Designer, Producer, Writer
20 Little Films 2012
Director
Gravity Hill Newsreels: Occupy Wall Street 2011
Director
Real Birds 2011
Director
- Anne Truitt, Working
Anne Truitt, Working 2010
Director
Crossing Paths with Luce Vigo 2010
Director
- Chinatown Film Project
Chinatown Film Project 2009
Director
Long for the City (Patti Smith in New York) 2009
Director
Night Scene New York 2009
Director
- Le bled (Buildings in a Field)
Le bled (Buildings in a Field) 2009
Director
The Passage Clock: For Walter Benjamin 2008
Director
Evening's Civil Twilight in Empires of Tin 2008
Director, Editor, Cinematography, Producer
- Half The Battle
Half The Battle 2008
Director
- A Tale of Two Cities (Viennale Trailer 2007)
A Tale of Two Cities (Viennale Trailer 2007) 2007
Director
Spirit (Smells Like Teen Spirit) 2007
Director
- Building a Broken Mousetrap
Building a Broken Mousetrap 2006
Director
Blessed are the Dreams of Men 2006
Director
Chain 2004
Writer, Director, Editor, Producer, Director of Photography
R.E.M.: In View 1988-2003 (The Best of R.E.M.) 2003
Director
The Foxx and Little Vic 2002
Director
Nice Evening, Transmission Down 2001
Director
Sonic Cinema: Sparklehorse 2001
Director
Benjamin Smoke 2000
Director
- Little Flags
Little Flags 2000
Director
Instrument 1999
Director, Director of Photography, Editor
- Blood Orange Sky
Blood Orange Sky 1999
Director
Amber City 1999
Director
Lucky Three: An Elliott Smith Portrait 1997
Director, Camera Operator, Editor, Producer
- Museum
Museum 1997
Director
Lost Book Found 1996
Director
Buried in Light 1994
Director
- Black Hole Radio
Black Hole Radio 1992
Director, Sound Editor, Editor
- R.E.M.: This Film Is On
R.E.M.: This Film Is On 1991
Director
Drink Deep 1991
Director
- Sketches for Late City Final
Sketches for Late City Final 1991
Director
Just Hold Still 1989
Director
Glueman 1989
Director
- Light Years
Light Years 1989
Director
4:44 (from her house home) 1989
as Narrator, Director
Matewan 1987
Assistant Property Master
This Is a History of New York 1987
Director
At Close Range 1986
Assistant Property Master
Credits from TMDB.