River Matzke (they/them) studied cultural studies with a focus on cultural management and aesthetic theory in Leipzig. After working and studying in various countries and working in the literary sector, River studied screenwriting at the German Film and Television Academy in Berlin. Since 2015 River has been involved in over 10 short films in various positions, as a writer, as a dramaturg and on set. River won the pitch competition "Writers for Europe" and participated in workshops in London (Beaconsfield), Amsterdam, Berlin and Prague. Also, they participated in the Central Europe Feature Project in Prague and Lodz.

River was part of the writing team of the second season of "ALL YOU NEED“ for the ARD, the first queer high-end drama in German television. They participated in the renown „Winterclass - Serial Writing and Producing“ at the Erich Pommer Institut. They develop feature films and series with various production companies and streamers. River is also the co-headwriter for a science fiction series by Contrast Film Zürich, in which they are responsible for the world building of a queerfeminist eco-utopia in the year 2080, in collaboration with experts from a diverse range of fields. River is co-author of the feature DRIFTER, which had its celebrated premiere in Berlinale Panorama 2023. DRIFTER was the closing gala film at BFI Flare 2023, was shown at film festivals all over the world, among them Frameline San Francisco, and won the First Steps Award 2023 as best feature. It was released in German cinemas in the same year.

River has been doing anti-discrimination awareness work in renowned Berlin clubs and festivals for many years. They also give keynotes and workshops on the dramaturgical shades of „othering“ as well as an intersectionally sensitive and power critical development process, among others also at the Erich Pommer Institut.

River has been working for the Berlinale for ten years in various departments and sections. They live and work between the film industry and Berlin's subculture. Their heart beats for melodrama, political genre cinema, pop culture and camp. Also, they love to write adaptations of novels. River sees themselves as an activist and works value-based.