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 REM Godspeed You Black Emperor Xylouris White DJ Rupture the Ex Elliott Smith Vic Chesnutt Mary Margaret OHara Matana Roberts Jessica Moss Jonathan Richman TGriffinCatherine 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