The Georgia Latino International Film Festival (GALIFF) will present its Legends of Georgia – CEO of the Year Award to Lou Sobh, founder and CEO of Lou Sobh Auto Group, during the festival's 15th anniversary opening night celebration on Wednesday, September 30, at Atlanta's historic Fox Theatre. The award honors extraordinary business leadership, entrepreneurial achievement, community impact, and a legacy that has helped shape Georgia's economic and cultural fabric.
Sobh's recognition matters because it highlights the growing influence of Latino entrepreneurs in Georgia and underscores the importance of representation in both business and cultural spaces. Born in Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico, Sobh arrived in the United States with his family as a teenager. With limited resources, he learned business through hard work, family, and hands-on experience, eventually building an automotive enterprise that stands among Georgia's most notable Latino-owned business success stories. Today, Lou Sobh Auto Group is a family-owned company that has served customers for more than 30 years, representing major automotive brands and earning a reputation for customer service, family values, and community involvement, with the next generation of the Sobh family now in leadership roles.
Sobh's legacy extends beyond the showroom. Throughout his career, he has made giving back part of how he does business, supporting schools, charities, community organizations, and educational initiatives. Lou and Georgia Sobh have also been recognized for significant philanthropic support of the University of Georgia. This commitment to community demonstrates how business success can translate into broader social impact, opening doors for future generations.
"The Legends of Georgia Award was created to honor people who did more than build successful companies. They helped build Georgia, and Lou Sobh is exactly that," said Dr. Jose Marquez, co-founder and CEO of the Georgia Latino Film Alliance. "Generations of Latino entrepreneurs need to know that stories like Lou's are part of Georgia's history. It is our privilege to recognize him as our CEO of the Year."
Yvette Moise, co-founder and president of the Georgia Latino Film Alliance, added, "Lou Sobh's journey reminds us that true success is not measured only by the business you build, but by the doors you open, the people you lift and the legacy you leave behind. His story shows what becomes possible when opportunity meets determination."
Sobh will be honored in front of filmmakers, business leaders, artists, community leaders, dignitaries, and special guests as GALIFF opens its 15th anniversary festival, themed "La Quinceañera" after the traditional celebration of a 15th birthday. For fifteen years, GALIFF has given Latino filmmakers, artists, entrepreneurs, and emerging voices a platform, while celebrating the leaders who have opened doors for future generations.
The opening night event will take place on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 7 PM at the Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA. The festival runs from September 30 to October 4, 2026. Tickets and additional festival information are available at galiff.org. This 15th anniversary is made possible by sponsors and partners including Presenting Sponsor The Fox Theatre, VensureHR, Olé Mexican Foods, Fulton Films, 222Creative, Women in Film and Television Atlanta (WIFTA), Georgia Films, DeKalb Entertainment Commission, Omni Hotels, HispAtlanta, Radio Rumba, Cinefi, 11Alive News, Dr. Erick Pagán, ADCO Tax Services, Dr. Pierluigi Mancini, Rohan Law, and South Fulton County. The festival's theme, "Our Voices. Our Films. Our Time." reflects its mission to celebrate Latino storytelling and creative achievement.
Sobh's journey from Torreón to the Fox Theatre serves as a powerful example of how determination and community support can lead to extraordinary success. His recognition as CEO of the Year not only celebrates his individual achievements but also shines a light on the vital contributions of Latino entrepreneurs to Georgia's economy and culture. As GALIFF continues to amplify Latino voices, Sobh's story will inspire others to pursue their dreams and give back to their communities. For more information, visit the festival's website at galiff.org.
