The Georgia Latino International Film Festival (GALIFF) will honor entrepreneur Lou Sobh, founder and CEO of Lou Sobh Auto Group, with its Legends of Georgia – CEO of the Year Award at the festival’s 15th anniversary opening night celebration on Wednesday, September 30, at Atlanta’s historic Fox Theatre. The award recognizes extraordinary business leadership, entrepreneurial achievement, community impact and a legacy that has helped shape the economic and cultural fabric of Georgia.
Born in Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico, Sobh came to the United States with his family as a teenager. With limited resources, he learned business through hard work, family and hands-on experience, and went on to build 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. Its dealerships represent major automotive brands and have built 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 well 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.
“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.”
“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,” said Yvette Moise, co-founder and president of the Georgia Latino Film Alliance. “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.
GALIFF XV: 15th Anniversary Opening Night, “La Quinceañera” takes place Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 7PM at the Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA. The Georgia Latino International Film Festival runs September 30 to October 4, 2026. Tickets and festival information are available at galiff.org.
The recognition underscores the growing influence of Latino-owned businesses in Georgia and the role of cultural institutions in celebrating diverse entrepreneurial success. As GALIFF marks its quinceañera, Sobh’s award serves as a reminder of the lasting contributions immigrants make to the state’s economy and community fabric.
