diff --git a/desktop/font/freetype/actions.py b/desktop/font/freetype/actions.py
index 95a40c12..20a29a56 100644
--- a/desktop/font/freetype/actions.py
+++ b/desktop/font/freetype/actions.py
@@ -23,6 +23,8 @@ def setup():
         options += " --with-brotli=yes \
                    "
 
+    autotools.configure(options)
+
 def build():
     autotools.make()