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Jem Cohen

Directing

Born January 1, 1962 · Kabul, Afghanistan

IMDb

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.

Awards & recognition

  • Guggenheim Fellowship

Filmography11 titles

Little Flags

2000Director

Counting

2015Cinematography, Director, Editor, Producer, Sound Designer

Lucky Three: An Elliott Smith Portrait

1997Camera Operator, Director, Editor, Producer

Chain

2004Director, Director of Photography, Editor, Producer, Writer

Instrument

1999Director, Director of Photography, Editor

Museum Hours

2012Director, Director of Photography, Editor, Producer, Sound Designer, Writer

At Close Range

1986Assistant Property Master

Lost Book Found

1996Director

Anne Truitt, Working

2010Director

Benjamin Smoke

2000Director

Little, Big, and Far

2026Director, Director of Photography, Editor, Producer, Sound, Writer