Trash Mountain Premiered at Toronto Film Festival
The film, which features scenes shot in Tinley Park, is set for upcoming screenings in Chicago.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Documentary
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Following its September 2026 world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film Trash Mountain is headed to Chicago. The production captured local interest after filming at the historic 73-year-old Dairy Palace in Tinley Park.
Why it matters
The film has generated significant critical buzz, maintaining a perfect 100% score from 15 critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Its upcoming festival presence brings local production history to the forefront for Chicago viewers.
The film currently holds a 100% critic rating based on 15 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. Production crews chose the 73-year-old Dairy Palace in Tinley Park as a filming site after evaluating 10 other candidate locations.
The players
Caleb Hearon
He is a lead actor in the film who notably treated more than 100 crew members to ice cream during the production process.
Kris Rey
She is the director of the film who oversaw the production process during the October 2025 shoot.
Zooey Deschanel
She is a well-known actress and performer who stars in the movie.
Jaboukie Young-White
He is a featured actor in the film and a recognized figure in the comedy and entertainment industry.
Jacki Weaver
She is an acclaimed actress who serves as one of the primary stars of the production.
The details
Directed by Kris Rey, the film stars Caleb Hearon, Zooey Deschanel, Jaboukie Young-White, Kyle Marvin, and Jacki Weaver. During the October 2025 shoot, Hearon provided ice cream for over 100 crew members while working on location.
Timeline
Filming occurred at the Dairy Palace in October 2025.
The film held its world premiere in September 2026.
The first Chicago screening is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. on October 23, 2026.
The second Chicago screening is set for 3 p.m. on October 24, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
Trash Mountain follows the established industry path of using the Toronto International Film Festival as a launchpad for critical validation. The film mirrors broader trends where independent productions leverage festival buzz to build anticipation ahead of their eventual theatrical distribution.
Chicago residents can attend screenings of the film at the Chicago International Film Festival on October 23 at 5:15 p.m. and October 24 at 3 p.m. Since a wide theatrical release has yet to be announced, these festival dates remain the only confirmed way to watch the film locally.
The takeaway
The successful production and critical reception of Trash Mountain highlight how local landmarks can gain unexpected prominence through independent film projects. Viewers interested in the movie should monitor festival ticketing platforms closely, as limited screenings are currently the primary way to access the film.
Further reading
Learn more about local screenings and industry news in the Chicago Documentary section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chicago Tribune.
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