
Directing
Jem Cohen
Born January 1, 1962 Kabul, Afghanistan
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 Films

8.0
Little, Big, and Far
2026·Drama

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Robert and June (and All the Time in the World)
2025

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Aerie
2024·Music

5.0
Ballad of Philip Guston
2022·Documentary

6.0
Makeshift (for Mekas)
2019·Documentary

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Vox Populi
2018·Documentary

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NYC Weights and Measures
2018·Documentary

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This Climate
2018

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Birth of a Nation
2017·Documentary

5.0
World Without End (No Reported Incidents)
2016·Documentary

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Bury Me Not
2016

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On Essex Road
2016·Documentary

7.7
Counting
2015·Documentary

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The Film That Buys the Cinema
2014·Documentary

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Helianthus Corner Blues
2013

6.7
Museum Hours
2012·Drama

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20 Little Films
2012·Documentary

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Gravity Hill Newsreels: Occupy Wall Street
2011

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Real Birds
2011

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Crossing Paths with Luce Vigo
2010·Documentary

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Long for the City (Patti Smith in New York)
2009·Documentary

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Night Scene New York
2009

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The Passage Clock: For Walter Benjamin
2008·Documentary

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Evening's Civil Twilight in Empires of Tin
2008·Music
