On Friday, June 13, 2025, Netflix presented Black Excellence Brunch at this year’s American Black Film Festival. The brunch was hosted at MILA in Miami and highlighted the highly anticipated film, THE OLD GUARD 2, with an intimate clip and conversation between Director Victoria Mahoney and Actress KiKi Layne, moderated by Trell Thomas, the CEO and Founder of Black Excellence Brunch. It was a powerful conversation centered on embracing authenticity, the significance of Black representation in the action genre, and the importance of community.
Netflix’s Strong Black Lead also debuted a celebratory sizzle reel honoring the rich and diverse stories created for and by the Black community – spotlighting series and films that authentically reflect Black culture, joy, and complexity in bold, entertaining ways.
Following the brunch, Netflix continued to celebrate beloved series FOREVER with a panel conversation featuring Mara Brock Akil, moderated by Terrence J. The conversation centered around the making of the series, its authentic characters and writing, representing love and Mara’s career in entertainment.
Notable brunch attendees include: Victoria Mahoney (THE OLD GUARD 2), KiKi Layne (THE OLD GUARD 2), Mara Brock Akil (FOREVER), Naturi Naughton (Singer/Actress), Terrence J (Actor), Bevy Smith (TV personality), Guerdy Abraira (Real Housewives of Miami), KiKi Barth (Real Housewives of Miami), and more.
