The film premiered at the 1972 Berlin Film Festival and — after a small theatrical release in Europe — was unscreened for 40 years . The archive in possession of the negative contacted Polanski , inquiring as to whether they should keep the film or throw it away . Polanski restored the film from the original print , remixing and slightly recutting it . An approximately 15-minute epilogue was added , showing Polanski and Stewart reminiscing in present-day Monaco , having a conversation about their friendship , the evolution of racing safety , hairstyles , and life in general
1972 Berlin Film Festival
22nd Berlin International Film Festival
Weekend of a Champion