“If his IQ were any lower, they’d have to water him twice a day.” This is just one of the many putdowns from Texan journalist Molly Ivins aimed at a US politician.

The release of the documentary Raise Hell: The Life & Times Of Molly Ivins could not have come at a better moment.

As a hugely successful American journalist, best-selling author, and Pulitzer-prize nominee, Molly Ivins was a truth-teller and justice-seeker, unafraid to call BS in all spheres of life, especially US politics. She fought for human rights with the American Civil Liberties Union, and wrote with both wit and humour, the latter being her famous calling card. 

Her larger-than-life personality, talent and intelligence were a powerful force in any room, and she used them for good. There was a huge void in both media and politics when she passed away in 2007 of breast cancer.

The film, which was directed by Janice Engel, is a whirlwind tour of Molly’s career and private life. I was lucky enough to watch it as part of the brilliant Breakthrough Women in Film series in February at the Bvlgari Hotel in London.

The world needs more hellraisers. If you do one thing this month, watch this documentary.

Raise Hell: The Life & Times of Molly Ivins is in cinemas now. UK distributor: Modern Films. Directed by Janice Engel. www.modernfilms.com/mollyivins