diff --git a/pixelflut/pixelflut.py b/pixelflut/pixelflut.py
index caefe08..2ef32d0 100755
--- a/pixelflut/pixelflut.py
+++ b/pixelflut/pixelflut.py
@@ -249,7 +249,9 @@ def text(self, x, y, text, delay=0, linespace=1):
             canvas.fire('UNLOAD')
             canvas.events.clear()
             try:
-                execfile(brainfile, {'on':canvas.on, '__file__': brainfile})
+                with open(brainfile) as f:
+                    code = compile(f.read(), brainfile, 'exec')
+                    exec(code, {'on':canvas.on, '__file__': brainfile})
             except:
                 log.exception('Brain failed')
                 continue