diff --git a/modules/python/test/test.py b/modules/python/test/test.py
index 7d9bba4fc2..249a354636 100755
--- a/modules/python/test/test.py
+++ b/modules/python/test/test.py
@@ -2,6 +2,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import print_function
 
+import sys
+sys.dont_write_bytecode = True  # Don't generate .pyc files / __pycache__ directories
+
 import os
 import unittest
 
@@ -17,7 +20,7 @@ from tests_common import NewOpenCVTests
 basedir = os.path.abspath(os.path.dirname(__file__))
 
 def load_tests(loader, tests, pattern):
-    tests.addTests(loader.discover(basedir, pattern='test_*.py'))
+    tests.addTests(loader.discover(basedir, pattern=os.environ.get('OPENCV_PYTEST_FILTER', 'test_') + '*.py'))
     return tests
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':