Along with complimentary food and a silent auction, the Lewiston-Auburn Film Festival’s “Sneak Preview of Films & Fundraiser” on February 28 will provide a taste of the outstanding independent films coming to the Twin Cities in April.

The Lewiston-Auburn Film Festival (LAFF) will present its annual Sneak Preview of Films & Fundraiser on Friday, February 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Skye Event Center at 855 Lisbon Street in Lewiston.

The event will feature preview trailers of many of the films to be presented at this year’s festival in April. Maine performer and comedian Mike Miclon, whose “Richard3” will make its world premiere at the festival on April 4, will be the host.

Complimentary food will be provided by Gritty’s and a cash bar will be available. Up for bid in a silent auction will be over $5,000 worth of gift cards and items donated by businesses and festival supporters, including Fuel, Gritty’s, Mac’s Grill, FX Marcotte, Downtown Homemade & Vintage, Jim Beam Brands, Ahimsa Custom Cakes, Katahdin Studio Furniture, Hilton Garden Inn, Sweet Pea Designs, and Lewiston-Auburn Magazine.

Admission to the preview is by a suggested donation of $5 at the door.

Now in its fourth year, the 2014 Festival will take place April 3 through 6. Festival founder and director Josh Shea notes that the quality of films submitted this year has been exceptional.

“This Preview will give local movie fans a taste of what they can expect to see in April,” said Shea. “Film lovers will be impressed with the overall creativity and technical aspects of many of the productions.”

Named one of MovieMaker Magazine’s “Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World” for 2013, the three-day event features dozens of independent films, including many U.S. and Maine premieres, screened at five venues throughout the Twin Cities. The festival also provides numerous opportunities for area film aficionados to meet with directors, producers, and actors from many of the films.

The Festival will kick off on Thursday, April 3 at 7 p.m. with “Survivorman” Les Stroud “in concert” at The Franco Center in Lewiston., when the popular TV show host and author will present a multimedia performance. A meet-and-greet in the Center’s Heritage Hall will immediately follow. Tickets are $22.

Another highlight will be the world premiere of Mike Miclon’s feature-length farce, “Richard3.” Based on the Shakespeare play and featuring area actors and locations, the movie will screen at The Franco Center on Friday, April 4 at 7 p.m. Receptions will take place both before and after the film in the Center’s Heritage Hall. Tickets are $22.

“Whether you’re a fan of ‘Richard3,’ ‘Hanover House,’ ‘How to Kill a Zombie,’ ‘Escape From Tomorrow,’ or TV’s ‘Survivorman,’ we urge you to buy tickets early,” Shea says. “Compared to last year, we are averaging double the traffic on our Facebook page and website, and tickets are selling ahead of expectations across the board.”

For more information about the Festival schedule, events or to purchase tickets, see lafilmfestival.org.