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TECNO and BBC StoryWorks have released a new film exploring the people and personal stories behind the “100 Portraits of Becoming” project, created in collaboration with visual artist Angélica Dass. Announced in Hong Kong on October 19, 2026, the film highlights how people across different communities pursue their ambitions, overcome challenges, and create new opportunities.
The two-year initiative aims to document 100 people through 100 portraits and personal stories across five countries. Kenya is the first chapter, with the project set to expand to the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Brazil.
Three Stories of Ambition and Community in Kenya
The film features three individuals whose experiences highlight different approaches to creating opportunities and bringing about change.
Alex Mutua Muli, an agripreneur, connects local farmers with wider markets, helping strengthen agricultural opportunities in his community. His work focuses on building a future where people can find opportunities without leaving the places they call home.
Alexander Odhiambo co-founded a software company in a small apartment in Nairobi after an uncertain career beginning. The business has since expanded to serve markets across Africa, demonstrating how a local idea can develop into a wider technology venture.
Jelimo Cheboi, co-founder of GirlSkate Nairobi, helped turn a small WhatsApp group into a community that brings girls and women together through skateboarding. The initiative provides a space for self-expression and belonging while challenging traditional expectations.
Together, these stories show how entrepreneurship, technology, and community initiatives can help people shape their futures.
Connecting Inclusive Imaging with Human Stories
The project also reflects TECNO’s work on inclusive imaging through its Universal Tone technology, which aims to represent different skin tones more fairly and accurately in photographs.
Dass’s artistic approach similarly challenges stereotypes and assumptions based on physical appearance. Their shared vision centres on representing people as individuals rather than reducing their identities to visual characteristics or labels.
Tom Deakin, Director of Content Strategy at BBC StoryWorks APAC, said the project creates an opportunity for people to share their own stories beyond what a portrait can convey. He highlighted the unique perspectives participants bring through their passions and experiences, noting that a single image cannot fully capture the complexity of a person’s life.
By combining portrait photography with personal storytelling, the initiative aims to encourage audiences to understand the experiences and aspirations behind each image.
“100 Portraits of Becoming” to Expand Globally
Following its first chapter in Kenya, the project will continue across the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Brazil. Over two years, TECNO and Angélica Dass aim to build a collection of 100 portraits and accompanying personal stories that explore identity, ambition and community across different cultures.
Further stories and updates will be available through the BBC StoryWorks project page and the official “100 Portraits of Becoming” website by TECNO and Angélica Dass.
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