'By telling a story on many levels, weaving scenes from past and present, this depiction of Darwin promises to deeply move audiences by drawing them into the conflicted mind of a man who presented a concept that changed the world.

'This was the one we felt really sets the tone for the kind of conversation we hope will happen around the film festival.'

Piers Handling, CEO of the festival, said: 'The tension between faith and reason is prominent in contemporary culture and this intimate look at Darwin puts a human face on a man whose theory remains controversial to this day.

'We are pleased to open the festival with such an impassioned look at Charles Darwin, especially on the year marking the 200th anniversary of his birth.'

Two US films -- 'Get Low' by Aaron Schneider and 'The Invention of Lying' by Ricky Gervais and Matthew Robinson -- will also have their world premiere at the festival.

Started in 1976, the Toronto film festival has become the biggest audience-based film show in the world.