Director Regis Wargnier (left) and Joseph Fiennes defended the film

The Anglo-French historical adventure, starring Kristin Scott Thomas and Joseph Fiennes, received scattered boos from an audience of critics.

The epic focuses on 19th century anthropologists in search of a missing link between men and apes.

Actor Fiennes and French director Regis Wargnier later defended the film.

"We didn't want to do a movie against racism but rather to show a piece of history," Wargnier said at a news conference.

"If audiences end up having a different attitude [about rascism], then we have done a great deed. But that was not our intention."

Oscar-winning Wargnier co-wrote the screenplay with novelist William Boyd.

Victorian attitudes

The drama begins with the capture of two pygmies in central Africa who are subsequently caged in order to be studied by a Scottish anthropologist Jamie Dodd, played by Fiennes.

Dodd realises the flaws in the research project and with the help of adventuress Elena Van Den Ende, played by Scott Thomas, breaks away from his partners.

British actor Fiennes said: "If you look at the era, there were appalling abuses. It deals with the Victorian age and attitudes of that time. It throws up many questions."

The Berlinale is one of Europe's largest film festivals and will screen 343 films during its 10-day run.

Man to Man is one of 21 films competing for the top Golden and Silver Bear awards, which include categories for best film, and best actor and actress.