A major component & fan highlight of the Mightier Than The Sword Awards at Sunset Film Festival, the cult classic double feature for 2026 will be a first time theatrical showing of both ‘The Mutilator’ [1984] & ‘Mutilator 2’ [2023] with a 3 short film introduction of ‘Kharver’ ‘Litterbug’ & ‘Buzzby’. Mutilator director, Buddy Cooper & cast/crew will be in attendance for pre-show meet & greet and post show on stage Q&A.
SUNSET THEATRE -August 8, 2026
234 Sunset Avenue – Downtown Asheboro, NC
– Established in 2023 by Asheboro native, Ty Brueilly, the Mightier Than The Sword Awards at Sunset Film Festival was Asheboro’s first ever film festival. Established and recognized to encompass many facets of the arts, culture and entertainment world, with it’s main focus of film, Brueilly’s formula is not limited to just the medium of film, but includes an opening night concert, comedy hour, cult classic double feature, award ceremony blended with many special engagements throughout the program.
“The backbone of cinema and filmmaking is the horror genre, it’s the most watched genre, and from my experience has the tightest knit community and fanbase of any other genre and there is an extreme appeal to films with lesser budgets that break traditional guidelines” Brueilly said. “The late 70s and 80s were a really special time for these movies, and certainly paved the way for filmmakers such as myself to experiment and push limits and boundaries, and also not to rely on major studios, instead shifting their focus independently. In realizing the importance of this impact, I felt the necessity to pay tribute to these movies in our film festival each year, with a mainstay “Deadly Double Feature” segment.
Mightier Than The Sword Awards at Sunset Film Festival’s first year “Deadly Double Feature’ started the 50th anniversary of ‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ celebration with members of the cast watching with the audience teaming up with the Sean Haitz top 10 of Screambox cult hit, ‘Cannibal Comedian’. While the second year was the first 45th anniversary screening of ‘Forbidden Zone’ with Hollywood royalty, and Oingo Boingo co-founder, Richard Elfman in attendance followed by his wife, Anastasia’s leading role film, ‘Bloody Bridget’ Now in its third year, Brueilly brings another first of its kind experience in the first ever theatrical double feature of ‘The Mutilator’ [1984] and ‘Mutilator 2’ [2023]. Director of both films, Buddy Cooper will be in attendance with at least a half dozen other members of the cast/crew and props from the films on display and for sale..
Cooper adds, “This screening will be the first time these two movies have ever been shown as a double header. So far, this is the first and last time it’s happened. Maybe it will start a trend. That would be welcomed. I’ve been invited to join an exclusive club along with the previous year’s headliners. Thanks, you make me proud. I look forward most to the simple interaction with fans–shaking hands, taking selfies and such.”
‘The Mutilator’ was filmed and premiered in Atlantic Beach, NC in 1984 and has been regarded as a cult classic in the filmmaking industry due to its gruesome, highly practical gore effects and an infamously cheerful, upbeat theme song. When asked if he ever imagined the film having the cultural impact it has, Cooper responded “No. I hoped that it would at least get out there, but it turned out that people really like it. I’m glad of that. It is considered a cult classic. Some say that it opened the door to more and more graphic gore on the screen. I don’t know about that, but the MPAA certainly didn’t like it.”
“This is an incredible opportunity for our city. It’s a rare event that you can come and meet, talk, hang out and watch the films with the creator/director of something that has left such an impact on culture along with cast/crew. I program these double features in the festival with the mindset of a mini-convention feel to it. Except it’s focused solely on one film franchise with ties or sequels to it with little to no distractions, so it helps our attendees really focus on the films that are in the segment. What’s even more rare is that it’s from a North Carolina native. I’m excited for Asheboro to meet Buddy Cooper and I hope that he falls in love with our city while we celebrate his accomplishments in filmmaking.” Brueilly ends.
The double feature experience begins at 6pm with a meet & greet, followed by an introduction group of three short films at 7pm ‘Kharver ‘[12 mins] ‘Litterbug’ [9mins] ‘Buzzby’ [5mins] and ‘The Mutilator’ beginning at 7:30pm. Mightier Than The Sword Awards at Sunset Film Festival is presented by Sunset Theatre, City of Asheboro and Ty Brueilly with the help of Tremayne Goff, Happy Fright Films and Rigarrao Productions. Day passes and full festival (three day passes) are available, and speakers, specials guests, entertainment acts and guest(s) of honor will be announced beginning July 6, with weekly press packs sent to outlets beginning July 7.The Schedule is evolving, with daily eidts. www.filmandfashionbybrueilly.com/mttsawards
For interviews, samples, photos, the complete press pack or more detailed summary of this event please contact:
Ty & Megan Brueilly 336-963-8980 / mightierthantheswordrecords@gmail.com
