Jem Cohen

Jem Cohen

Actor · Director · Producer · Writer

Kabul, Afghanistan
January 1, 1962

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.

Photo

Jem Cohen 1
Jem Cohen 2

Representative Works

At Close Range
At Close Range
6.8
/ English
Matewan
Matewan
7.4
/ English
Museum Hours
Museum Hours
6.8
/ English
Instrument
Instrument
6.9
/ English
20 Little Films
20 Little Films
6.0
/ English
Drink Deep
Drink Deep
6.8
/ English
The Film That Buys the Cinema
The Film That Buys the Cinema
No Rating Yet
/ English
Benjamin Smoke
Benjamin Smoke
5.0
/ English
The Foxx and Little Vic
The Foxx and Little Vic
No Rating Yet
/ English

Awards and Honors

Critical Favorites

At Close Range
1986Nominee

Best Performance

At Close Range

Matewan
1987Nominee

Best Performance

Matewan

Museum Hours
2012Nominee

Best Director

Museum Hours

Career Highlights

Instrument
1999Highlight

Best Director

Instrument

20 Little Films
2012Highlight

Best Director

20 Little Films

Video