How to import .py file from another directory?

Python3:

import importlib.machinery

loader = importlib.machinery.SourceFileLoader('report', '/full/path/report/other_py_file.py')
handle = loader.load_module('report')

handle.mainFunction(parameter)

This method can be used to import whichever way you want in a folder structure (backwards, forwards doesn't really matter, i use absolute paths just to be sure).

There's also the more normal way of importing a python module in Python3,

import importlib
module = importlib.load_module('folder.filename')
module.function()

Kudos to Sebastian for spplying a similar answer for Python2:

import imp

foo = imp.load_source('module.name', '/path/to/file.py')
foo.MyClass()

You can add to the system-path at runtime:

import sys
sys.path.insert(0, 'path/to/your/py_file')

import py_file

This is by far the easiest way to do it.