A Stranger Quest: Exploring the World of Maps with David Rumsey
What do maps mean to you? For collector David Rumsey, they are a gateway to the past, preserving memories and telling stories of how people have perceived the world throughout history. The documentary and art film A Stranger Quest, directed by Andrea Gatopoulos, takes us on a fascinating journey through his collection of more than 200,000 maps. Today, this incredible archive lives not only at the David Rumsey Map Center at Stanford University but also online, accessible to anyone, anytime.
In the documentary, Rumsey shares how his passion began and why his collection has become a map of his own life. The film offers not only a glimpse into the past but also a reflection on the future: What will happen to such an extensive collection in the digital age? How long will these treasures of human knowledge endure, and what significance will they hold for future generations?
At Old Maps Online, we have had the privilege of collaborating with David, and we deeply admire his dedication to making historical cartography accessible to all.
A Stranger Quest premiered at the Torino Film Festival on November 30, 2023, and has since been featured at over 20 film festivals worldwide. It received the Special Jury Prize at the DokuBaku International Documentary Film Festival for its unique cinematic approach in capturing Rumsey’s passion and deep philosophical reflections on life.
Click the image below to watch the full film. Who knows? It might just draw you into the fascinating world of maps and stories!
