Tinley Park’s Dairy Palace debuts at Toronto film festival in premiere of ‘Trash Mountain’, tell me about this news today
02-10-2026
The long-standing suburban staple Dairy Palace from Tinley Park, Illinois, found itself in the international spotlight with the premiere of the indie feature film Trash Mountain at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Key Highlights of the NewsA Local Landmark on the Big Screen: The film, directed by Damian McCarthy and co-written by and starring Caleb Hearon, features the retro ice cream spot prominently. Dairy Palace served as a real-world filming location, capturing the distinct charm and working-class suburban aesthetic of the Chicago Southland area.
The Story of Trash Mountain: The movie is a dark, character-driven comedy-drama centered on a gay man in his 20s from rural Missouri who returns home after his father’s death to deal with a hoarded house, confronting unresolved family trauma, estranged friends, and eccentric local dynamics.
Hometown Pride at a Major Festival: For the owners, staff, and regular patrons of Dairy Palace, seeing their neighborhood ice cream stand showcased at one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals has sparked widespread community excitement. Filming wrapped locally before heading into festival circuits, bringing global screen exposure to a beloved Tinley Park community fixture.