Lionel Goldstein is the pseudonym for Belgian directing duo Koen Mortier and Joe Vanhoutteghem, co-founders of CZAR.BE. Established in 2001, Lionel was created as a departure from the individual directing paths Koen and Joe had each pursued. The pair adopted an absurd, near-documentary style, which quickly garnered international acclaim and numerous awards.

Goldstein's work is a unique blend of absurdity, humor, and sadness, often grounded in emotional and relatable narratives. Goldstein’s work has received multiple accolades, among them over 14 Film Lions at Cannes, including a Gold and Bronze for Axe ‘The Robbery’ in 2024, and a Silver Lion in 2023 for ‘Gent Filmfest’. They received the BTAA Best Director Award and Gold at Eurobest for DE MORGEN ‘Cocaine’. Lionel Goldstein’s work continues to push creative boundaries, leaving a lasting impact on both the commercial and film industries.