Three years ago, the innovative actions from Ty Brueilly brought his hometown of Asheboro, North Carolina it’s first ever film festival. Adorned within that event, a guest of honor is welcomed each year that is known to have had an incredible impact in their fields of entertainment.
Brueilly and his team has announced that the 2026 guest of honor as being the legendary Cheryl “The Pearl” Cook from the iconic, first ever female hip hop group, ‘The Sequence’ which rocked the world with their hit song ‘Funk You Up’ in 1979 under Sugar Hill Records as a follow up to labelmates, ‘Rapper’s Delight’.
“Her impact on the hip hop world is incredible and indelible. Cheryl “The Pearl” came into the scene at its inception and helped pave the way and strengthen the foundation for not only women in music, but the entire scope of hip hop itself. She’s a hell of a writer, performer and recording artist, and I feel like she needs to be celebrated as such during our festival at the historic and beautiful Sunset Theatre.” Said Brueilly.
Cheryl reflects on some of her cherished memories during her career, “meeting Mrs. Sylvia Robinson and watching her work, being a part of Hip Hop HISTORY & traveling with The Sugar Hill Gang, Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, The Treacherous 3, Crash Crew, The Funky Four Plus One, Mean Machine, Spoonie Gee, Busy Bee, Kevi Kev, Kory, Wayne and Charlie.”
Brueilly adds, “I was so excited to hear some of her stories and I am looking forward to her engagement within our community, during the meet & greet and on stage for a special conversation so that we can hear more, learn more and show her respect for being part of something I personally hold near and dear to my heart. Being active in the hip hop scene since the late 90’s, I feel I owe her a lot for paving the way for the Carolinas and for our genre of music and culture.”
When it comes down to her impact on the industry and what hindsight has shown Cheryl, she states, “We can love what we do but it is still a business. When you come into the business or any business, have a strong team of protection around you. Order books that can help you understand it. Hire a lawyer to handle your paperwork and make sure you understand what you are getting into. Keep your eyes on the money because that is what it is about. Have fun being creative and make good decisions.”
During the festival, On Friday August 7, 1-3pm Cheryl ‘The Pearl’ Cook will have a filmed sit down conversation on stage of the Sunset Theatre with Greensboro area hip hop legend, Mr. Rozzi followed by a Meet & Greet in the lobby of the Sunset Theatre, 5-6pm. Cheryl will then host the opening night concert, also at the Sunset Theatre beginning at 8:30pm featuring performances by Chad Wayne, Kal-Tek, Sean Haitz, Barry Yow, Donna Hughes & Mr. Rozzi with Hiromenbipp & J. The Artist.
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. Schedule is evolving, with daily edits. www.filmandfashionbybrueilly.com/mttsawards
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