diff --git a/artiq/frontend/artiq_compile.py b/artiq/frontend/artiq_compile.py
index b331c5a79..50c7d82af 100755
--- a/artiq/frontend/artiq_compile.py
+++ b/artiq/frontend/artiq_compile.py
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ def main():
     dataset_mgr = DatasetManager(DatasetDB(args.dataset_db))
 
     try:
-        module = file_import(args.file)
+        module = file_import(args.file, prefix="artiq_run_")
         exp = get_experiment(module, args.experiment)
         arguments = parse_arguments(args.arguments)
         exp_inst = exp(device_mgr, dataset_mgr, **arguments)